Ratification debates
Questions argued in 1787 and 1788
How much power the new government would have, who would represent you, what the courts and a bill of rights would guarantee, what the Constitution did about slavery, and whether the Convention was allowed to propose any of it.
How much power, and over what
Would the Constitution preserve a federal union or create one consolidated government?
Do the Necessary and Proper and Supremacy Clauses merely carry out enumerated powers, or let Congress enlarge them?
Article I, Section. 8. · Article VI
Could Congress tax directly without exhausting the states' own sources of revenue?
Article I, Section. 8.
Were legislative appropriations and the militia enough protection against a dangerous standing army?
Article I, Section. 8.
Should Congress have the last word over the rules for congressional elections?
Article I, Section. 4.
Who speaks for you
Can a large republic remain free?
Could sixty-five representatives know and represent the people of thirteen states?
Article I, Section. 2.
Would six-year Senate terms provide stability or weaken the states' control over their senators?
Article I, Section. 3. · Article I, Section. 6.
Should the Senate share the president's treaty and appointment powers?
Article I, Section. 3. · Article II, Section. 2.
Did the presidency combine energy with accountability, or open a path toward elective monarchy?
Article I, Section. 7. · Article II, Section. 1. · Article II, Section. 2. · Article II, Section. 3.