Question

which of the following were tensions at the constitutional convention of 1787?

amending the articles of confederation versus replacing them completely

national power versus state power

large states versus small states

slave states versus nonslave states

city power versus state power

Explanation:

Identify core debates of 1787

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Key historical tensions included:

• National power versus state power (federalism balance)
• Large states versus small states (representation in Congress)
• Slave states versus nonslave states (taxation and representation of enslaved populations)

Evaluate non-tensions or pre-existing decisions

• Amending versus replacing the Articles: While a debate, the convention quickly decided to draft a completely new constitution rather than amend the Articles, making this a procedural starting point rather than a sustained structural tension of the convention itself.
• City power versus state power: This was not a primary debate or tension at the Constitutional Convention.

Classify correct and incorrect options

• Correct Answers:
• national power versus state power
• large states versus small states
• slave states versus nonslave states
• Incorrect Answers:
• amending the Articles of Confederation versus replacing them completely
• city power versus state power

Answer:

Correct Answer(s)

• national power versus state power
• large states versus small states
• slave states versus nonslave states

Incorrect Answer(s)

• amending the Articles of Confederation versus replacing them completely
• city power versus state power