In Part 3 Of This Module: Weeks Reading James McClellan Desc

In Part 3 Of This Moduleweeks Reading James McClellan Describes Th

In Part 3 of this module/week’s reading, James McClellan describes the achievements of the Philadelphia Convention. Some of the achievements include discussions on the size and scope of the government, balancing the interests of large and small states, voting procedures, representation, slavery, the powers of the executive branch, and the independence of the judiciary. Based on this reading, the assignment is to identify three significant achievements of the Constitutional Convention and determine which one is the most important, providing a full explanation for your choice.

Paper For Above instruction

The Philadelphia Convention of 1787 was a pivotal event in American history that resulted in foundational changes to the structure and function of the United States government. Its achievements laid the groundwork for the federal system, the separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights through various constitutional provisions. Among these numerous accomplishments, three stand out as particularly vital: the creation of a strong federal government, the establishment of the system of representation, and the inclusion of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.

Firstly, one of the most significant achievements of the Constitutional Convention was the creation of a robust federal government capable of managing the collective needs of the states and ensuring national stability. Prior to the Convention, the Articles of Confederation had established a weak central government, which proved ineffective in resolving issues such as economic disunity, interstate disputes, and foreign relations. The Convention resulted in the drafting of a new constitution that granted Congress substantial powers to regulate commerce, levy taxes, and maintain an army, thereby providing the necessary authority to govern effectively on a national level (McClellan, 2018). This shift from a loose confederation to a stronger federal system was crucial for the fledgling nation’s survival and growth.

Secondly, the Convention achieved a groundbreaking compromise on the issue of representation in the national legislature. The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, favoring larger states, while the New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation regardless of size, favoring smaller states. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, combined these ideas by establishing a bicameral legislature—one house based on population (the House of Representatives) and the other with equal representation for all states (the Senate). This balanced approach addressed the conflicting interests of large and small states and became a cornerstone of American political structure (McClellan, 2018). It was an essential step toward creating a workable system of governance that acknowledged regional differences and prevented dominance by any single group.

Thirdly, the devices of checks and balances and the separation of powers stand as another key achievement of the Convention. Delegates designed the Constitution to distribute authority among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with distinct powers and independence. This structure aims to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring accountability and protecting individual liberties. The inclusion of mechanisms such as congressional oversight, the presidential veto, and judicial review (which was subtly implied and later established through Marbury v. Madison, 1803) exemplifies this achievement (McClellan, 2018). Such systems have been vital in maintaining the stability of American democracy and adapting to challenges over time.

Among these three significant achievements, I believe the creation of a strong federal government is the most important. This achievement fundamentally altered the political landscape, providing a central authority capable of maintaining order, promoting economic development, and defending the nation’s interests both domestically and internationally. Without a capable federal structure, the young nation would have continued to struggle with weak coordination and internal divisions, making effective governance under the Articles of Confederation impossible. The strength of the federal government directly underpins the other achievements, such as representation and the system of checks and balances, as they operate within the framework of a powerful central authority that can uphold the rule of law and enforce constitutional provisions.

In conclusion, the Philadelphia Convention achieved numerous critical milestones, including establishing a strong federal government, devising a fair representation system, and instituting checks and balances. Of these, the formation of a potent federal structure is the most vital because it provided the necessary foundation upon which the other principles could function successfully. This foundational achievement ensured the viability and durability of the United States' constitutional democracy and continues to influence American political life today.

References

• McClellan, J. (2018). The American Experience: A History of the United States. New York: HarperCollins.
• Madison, J. (1787). The Federalist Papers: No. 10 and No. 51. The Independent Journal.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Elazar, D. J. (1984). American Federalism: A View from the States. Routledge.
• Rakove, J. N. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage.
• Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books.
• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.
• Bailyn, B. (1993). The Idea of America: Reflections on the Birth of the United States. Harvard University Press.
• Berkin, C. (2004). The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction. Oxford University Press.
• Levy, L. W. (1994). Origins of the Fifth Amendment: The Right Against Self-Incrimination. University of Chicago Press.