Three key issues in the constitutional debate are:
1. Representation: One key issue was the debate over how representation should be allocated among the states. The smaller states were concerned about being overshadowed by larger states in the legislative process, while larger states argued that representation should be based on population. This issue led to the creation of the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.
2. Slavery: Slavery was a major point of contention during the constitutional debate. Southern states, where the economy heavily relied on slavery, were concerned about losing their rights to own slaves. Conversely, northern states and anti-slavery advocates argued for the abolition of slavery or for limitations on its expansion. This conflict ultimately led to various compromises, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of both taxation and representation.
3. Federalism vs. States' Rights: There was also a fundamental disagreement about the balance of power between the federal government and the individual states. Some delegates at the Constitutional Convention favored a strong central government, believing it was crucial for maintaining order and unity. On the other hand, advocates for states' rights argued for more power and autonomy given to the individual states, with a weaker central government. The resulting compromise was the establishment of a federal system, where power is shared between the national government and the states, with specific powers delegated to each. This compromise is reflected in the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.