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 resolved the dispute between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state has equal representation with two senators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was crucial in shaping the structure of Congress and balancing power between populous and less populous states.
2. It was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, delegates from Connecticut, to break the deadlock between supporters of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
3. The agreement helped to ensure that both large and small states were satisfied with their level of influence in the new government.
4. The establishment of a bicameral legislature allowed for more comprehensive debate and consideration of legislation.
5. The compromise laid the groundwork for future negotiations and compromises in American politics by demonstrating the importance of collaboration.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise effectively balanced the interests of large and small states by establishing a bicameral legislature. In this structure, representation in the House of Representatives is based on population, benefiting larger states, while each state has equal representation in the Senate with two senators. This arrangement ensured that both groups had a fair say in the legislative process, thereby promoting cooperation and unity among the states.
• Discuss the significance of the Great Compromise in shaping the legislative framework of the United States government.
  • The Great Compromise was significant because it created a dual system of representation that has defined American governance ever since. By establishing both proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate, it facilitated a legislative process that accommodates diverse interests across varying state populations. This dual system has allowed Congress to function effectively while also preventing domination by either large or small states.
• Evaluate how the Great Compromise reflects broader themes of negotiation and compromise in American political history.
  • The Great Compromise illustrates a key theme in American political history: the necessity of negotiation to achieve consensus among differing factions. By finding common ground between competing interests—the populous desires for representation versus smaller states' need for equal footing—the compromise became a foundational aspect of U.S. governance. This spirit of compromise continued to be crucial throughout American history as various social, economic, and political conflicts arose, demonstrating its lasting importance in shaping a functional democracy.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses, typically an upper house and a lower house.

Virginia Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong national government with representation based on state population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation for each state in Congress, favoring smaller states.