​Specialized: Constitutional Convention

Chair: Yuki Nakano & Alexandar Xu
Email: yuknak23@bergen.org & alexu23@bergen.org​
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Topic A: State vs. Federal Powers
Ever since America gained her independence, the debate between State vs. Federal rights has been a contentious one. On one hand, proponents for States’ rights argue that lawmakers elected from a state’s own population are better equipped to serve the interests of the local citizens. Meanwhile, those who support Federal rights believe that a strong government is necessary in maintaining unity and thus needs to prevent individual States from creating a conflict of interest. It is up to this committee to strike a delicate balance of power between State and Federal governments to pave a way for a prosperous future for this nation. 

Topic B: Commerce and the Economy
With her newly won independence, America is now faced with the difficult task of establishing a functional government that balances the economic interests of the various states. Although the Articles of Confederation created a powerful alliance between the 13 colonies, it was more or less a treaty between independent nations instead of a national constitution. This led to a weak national government incapable of regulating trade, therefore rendering it unable to levy the tariffs that would help the industrialized North. Meanwhile, the agrarian Southern economy relies on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, making them opposed to any potential tariffs supported by the North. It is up to you and your fellow delegates to navigate through the muddy waters of America’s newly forming government to ensure a prosperous economic future.

Topic guide coming soon!