The Constitutional Convention

There was no strong central (federal) government.

Each state was basically an independent country.

Executive / President must be "checked."

Legislation - representation must be fair.

Two houses for legislature

Representation based on population.

Gave more power to big states

One house for legislature

Representation based on Statehood

Each state got equal representation; this favored small states.

Created a Bicameral Legislative branch (two houses)

Upper House (Senate) each state is equal - 2 Senators

Lower House (House of Representatives) power is based on population of each state - Minimum of one representative.

President elected by the people through electoral college

Four year term

Electoral college - the number of electors from each state is equal to total number of representatives in Congress.