Previous rebellions and difficulty settling disputes between states led to the creation of a national bank, court system, and tax program. In order to balance the power of the federal government against its citizens and the states, the constitution set up a series of checks and balances. (Hund & Scott, 1920, p. 1) Today, we understand them as the balance of power between the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judiciary. The Constitution faced challenges as states argued for representation based on a model most advantageous to their particular population. Smaller states wanted equal representation. They feared that if representation were based on population then larger states could dominate the legislative process. This led to a drafting fix known as the “Great Compromise.” (Beeman, 2009, pp. 199-202) During the Constitutional Convention, two plans were put forth: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. Ultimately, the plans were combined to form our present form of government. (Hund & Scott, 1920, p.
Previous rebellions and difficulty settling disputes between states led to the creation of a national bank, court system, and tax program. In order to balance the power of the federal government against its citizens and the states, the constitution set up a series of checks and balances. (Hund & Scott, 1920, p. 1) Today, we understand them as the balance of power between the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judiciary. The Constitution faced challenges as states argued for representation based on a model most advantageous to their particular population. Smaller states wanted equal representation. They feared that if representation were based on population then larger states could dominate the legislative process. This led to a drafting fix known as the “Great Compromise.” (Beeman, 2009, pp. 199-202) During the Constitutional Convention, two plans were put forth: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. Ultimately, the plans were combined to form our present form of government. (Hund & Scott, 1920, p.