Great Compromise

Definition

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established a dual system of congressional representation. This compromise balanced the needs of states with larger populations that wanted representation based on population with those of smaller states that preferred equal representation, ultimately leading to a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and ultimately created a legislature with two houses: the House of Representatives, based on population, and the Senate, with two senators from each state.
2. This compromise resolved a major conflict between large and small states, allowing for more equitable representation and helping to ensure the ratification of the Constitution.
3. The compromise demonstrated the effectiveness of negotiation and compromise in creating a functional government structure that addressed diverse interests.
4. The Great Compromise set a precedent for future compromises in American politics, illustrating how balancing competing interests is essential for governance.
5. Without the Great Compromise, it is likely that the Constitution would not have been ratified, as many smaller states were unwilling to join a union that did not protect their interests.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise effectively addressed the concerns of both large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature. In the House of Representatives, representation was based on population, which favored larger states, while in the Senate, each state received equal representation with two senators. This dual approach allowed for a fair compromise that recognized the importance of both population size and state sovereignty in governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Great Compromise on the structure and functioning of the U.S. government.
  • The Great Compromise had a significant impact on the structure and functioning of the U.S. government by establishing a bicameral legislature that has remained a fundamental aspect of American governance. It balanced the interests of different states and helped to facilitate cooperation among them. By ensuring both population-based and equal representation, it promoted legislative efficiency and encouraged collaboration across party lines, which has been crucial for passing laws and addressing national issues.
• Analyze how the Great Compromise reflected broader themes in American political development during the founding era.
  • The Great Compromise reflects broader themes in American political development such as negotiation, compromise, and federalism. By balancing competing interests between populous and less populous states, it showcased how representatives were willing to work together despite differences to form a functional government. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of federalism by recognizing both state sovereignty through equal Senate representation and popular sovereignty through House representation based on population, laying the groundwork for future political discourse and legislative practices in America.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature:

A legislative body with two chambers, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the United States.

Virginia Plan:

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that favored larger states by suggesting representation in Congress based on population.

New Jersey Plan:

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that favored smaller states by calling for equal representation in Congress regardless of population.