Yo, Philly! What Did You Want at the Constitutional Convention, Dude?
The year is 1787. The colonies just threw off the shackles of British rule, like a buff dude finally escaping a bad gym membership. But being free ain't all beaches and fireworks (although there probably were some epic fireworks back then). The Articles of Confederation, the colonies' first attempt at a government, was basically a weak sauce league where states did their own thing more than Netflix and chill. So, the Founding Fathers decided to get together in Philadelphia and brainstorm a new system, like a totally upgraded gym membership with smoothie bar access.
Enter Pennsylvania: the state that brought the cheesesteaks (probably not, but let's roll with it) and a whole lot of "I have strong opinions, bro" to the table. But what were those opinions exactly? Buckle up for a crash course in Pennsylvania's Con-Con wishlist:
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
 |
| What Did Pennsylvania Want In The Constitutional Convention |
Pennsylvania's Power Play:
Representation Matters, Y'all: Pennsylvania had a lot of people, and they felt like their voice should be heard accordingly. They weren't fans of the Articles' one-state-one-vote system, and wanted representation based on population. Basically, they were the Beyonce of the colonies, demanding more mics on stage.
Show Me the Money, Money, Money: Pennsylvania was hurting financially after the war. They pushed for a strong central government that could tax and regulate trade, which would help fill the state's coffers faster than you can say "Liberty Bell."
Let's Keep it Civil (Wars Are a Drag): Remember that time the states couldn't agree on how much cheese to put on a cheesesteak (okay, this metaphor might be breaking down)? Pennsylvania wasn't interested in a repeat performance. They wanted a supreme court to settle disputes between states, so everyone could argue about cheesesteaks in peace.
The Great Compromise: Not Your Average Happy Hour Deal
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Pennsylvania's ideas were bold, some might say audacious (like demanding extra whiz on your cheesesteak, when everyone knows provolone is the superior cheese). But not all the states were feeling the vibe. Smaller states worried a population-based system would leave them voiceless, like a mimosa at a beer pong tournament.
Enter the Connecticut Compromise, the ultimate political handshake (minus the germs, hopefully). This compromise created a bicameral legislature with one house based on population (yay, Pennsylvania!) and one with equal representation for each state (happy now, Delaware?).
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
 |
Did Pennsylvania Get What They Wanted?
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Kind of. They got the bicameral legislature and the power to tax and regulate trade. The Supreme Court took a while to get going, but hey, good things come to those who wait (or, you know, threaten to secede and open a rival cheesesteak franchise).
FAQ: How to Be a Founding Father
How to get invited to the Constitutional Convention?
Be a wealthy white dude with a powdered wig and a strong opinion on cheese.How to make convincing arguments?
Use metaphors like cheesesteaks and buff dudes at the gym. Bonus points for historical accuracy (but seriously, don't worry about it too much).How to deal with disagreements?
Compromise! But only after some good-natured ribbing, like arguing about the merits of whiz vs. provolone.How to create a lasting document?
Include checks and balances, so no one branch gets too hangry and orders a whole cheesesteak platter by themselves.How to ensure your legacy?
Write a really, really good Constitution. And maybe invent the cheesesteak.
 |
