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What were the three basic rules of Constitutional Convention?

The Constitutional Convention didn't have three formally codified "basic rules." Instead, several key procedures and understandings guided its proceedings. To answer your question in the spirit of identifying crucial guiding principles, we can highlight three important aspects that functioned as practical rules:

1. Secrecy: Delegates agreed to keep their discussions confidential. This fostered open debate without the pressure of immediate public scrutiny and allowed for compromise. Newspapers were largely kept in the dark about the specifics of the convention's progress.

2. One Vote per State: Each state delegation, regardless of its population size, had one vote in the proceedings. This ensured that smaller states had an equal voice in shaping the new government, a crucial compromise considering the differing populations among the states.

3. Rule of Unanimity (or near-unanimity): While not a formal rule, a strong sense of consensus-building prevailed. Major decisions required substantial agreement among the delegates. While formal voting occurred, the convention aimed for a broad acceptance of the final document to ensure its successful ratification.

It's important to note that these weren't written rules in the way a modern parliamentary body might have them. They were rather guiding principles and understandings that shaped the convention's process.

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