The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was an agreement made during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established a bicameral legislature in the United States. This compromise balanced the interests of both small and large states by creating two houses: the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population. This structure addressed the contentious debate between those favoring equal representation and those advocating for representation proportional to population.
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The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth from Connecticut, helping to bridge the divide between large and small states.
The Senate was designed to give equal representation to each state, with two senators per state regardless of size, while the House of Representatives was based on population, favoring larger states.
This compromise was crucial in securing enough support for the new Constitution, as it addressed key concerns of smaller states about losing power to larger states.
The Great Compromise laid the foundation for the modern U.S. legislative system and continues to impact how laws are made today.
It helped establish the principle of federalism by balancing state and national interests in governance.
Review Questions
How did the Great Compromise resolve conflicts between large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
The Great Compromise resolved conflicts between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with two distinct methods of representation. In the Senate, every state has equal representation with two senators, ensuring that smaller states have an equal voice. In contrast, the House of Representatives allocates seats based on population, allowing larger states to have more influence. This structure effectively balanced competing interests and helped facilitate the drafting of the Constitution.
Evaluate the impact of the Great Compromise on the structure of Congress and its function in American government.
The Great Compromise significantly shaped the structure of Congress by establishing a bicameral system that remains fundamental to American governance. It allows for a balance between equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House. This dual approach encourages diverse perspectives in law-making and helps prevent any one group from dominating legislative power. The compromise has proven essential for maintaining cooperation between different states and political interests.
Analyze how the Great Compromise reflects broader themes of negotiation and compromise in American political history.
The Great Compromise exemplifies broader themes of negotiation and compromise that are integral to American political history. It highlights how diverse interests can come together to form a functional government despite deep divisions. The ability to find common ground is evident not only in this early instance during the Constitutional Convention but also throughout U.S. history, where various groups have had to negotiate their differences in order to achieve collective goals. This pattern continues to be relevant in contemporary politics, where compromise remains essential for effective governance.
Related terms
Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body that consists of two chambers or houses, typically a lower house and an upper house.
Constitutional Convention: A meeting held in 1787 in Philadelphia, where delegates gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately draft the U.S. Constitution.
Virginia Plan: A proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population.