Name___________________________________ Date___________

The Articles of Confederation had failed. The future of this new nation was at stake. Foreign countries still posed a threat. An armed rebellion had rocked Massachusetts. The states needed to defend themselves. Could a new Constitution help this floundering nation?

The Constitutional Convention was called. A number of compromises were made throughout the proceedings, such as the Great Compromise, which determined the two focuses for voting: by state (Senate) and by population (House of Representatives). Slavery was another huge issue that needed to be faced. Find out what the Founding Fathers proposed in this new Constitution.

Answer the following questions. You can use your textbook, the library or the Constitution Challenge Web site to find the answers.

1. What does compromise mean?

2. What compromise was made regarding slavery?

3. With a partner, answer the questions below.

• Partner 1: What are the advantages to slavery existing in the United States (both economically and politically)?

• Partner 2: What are the advantages for ending (abolishing) slavery in the United States (both economically and politically)?

4. What might have happened if those who opposed slavery had insisted on abolition or removal of slavery in the United States?

Compromises — The Slavery Issue Worksheet (PDF File)