What were the key concerns discussed during the Convention?

The key concerns discussed during the Convention primarily focused on representation, federalism, executive power, and slavery. These issues were fundamental to shaping the United States' new government structure after the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation became evident.

Representation was a critical topic, highlighted by debates such as the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, which discussed how states would be represented in Congress—either based on population or equal representation regardless of size. Federalism emerged as a concern due to the need to balance power between state and national governments, ensuring that neither would overpower the other.

The matter of executive power was also contentious, as delegates debated how much authority the executive branch should have, balancing the need for effective leadership with fears of tyranny. Slavery was perhaps the most polarizing issue; discussions about how to address it in the Constitution revealed deep divisions that would have lasting implications for the nation.

Understanding these foundational concerns helps to grasp how the Constitution aimed to create a workable government while accommodating the diverse interests and challenges of the states and the people.