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 bicameral legislature in the United States. This compromise resolved a dispute between large and small states regarding representation in Congress by creating two chambers: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state has equal representation regardless of size.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and was crucial in breaking a deadlock between the larger and smaller states during the Constitutional Convention.
2. The House of Representatives was designed to reflect population size, giving more populous states greater influence, while the Senate was established to ensure equal representation with two senators per state.
3. This compromise helped to secure support for the new Constitution from smaller states, which feared losing power in a purely population-based system.
4. The structure created by the Great Compromise laid the foundation for the legislative branch of the U.S. government and has been instrumental in shaping American governance ever since.
5. The Great Compromise also set a precedent for future negotiations and compromises in American politics, highlighting the importance of collaboration and balance between competing interests.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states regarding representation in Congress?
  • The Great Compromise addressed concerns by establishing a bicameral legislature that balanced the needs of both large and small states. In the House of Representatives, representation is based on population, benefiting larger states. Conversely, in the Senate, each state has equal representation with two senators each, ensuring that smaller states retain influence in Congress. This dual structure allowed for a fairer representation system that satisfied both parties.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Compromise in relation to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and its impact on federalism.
  • The Great Compromise was pivotal during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution as it provided a solution to one of the convention's most contentious issues: representation. By balancing power between populous and less populous states, it established a framework for federalism that recognized both state sovereignty and national authority. This compromise facilitated broader support for the Constitution among varying interests, ultimately leading to its ratification.
• Synthesize how the principles established by the Great Compromise have influenced modern American political structures and debates about representation.
  • The principles established by the Great Compromise continue to shape modern American political structures by maintaining a bicameral legislature that reflects both population and state equality. These principles have fueled ongoing debates about representation and fairness within Congress. For instance, discussions surrounding gerrymandering and unequal Senate representation echo concerns from 1787 about ensuring that every state's voice is heard while managing population disparities. The Great Compromise serves as a lasting testament to negotiation and collaboration in U.S. governance.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Constitutional Convention: A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates from the states convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately drafted the United States Constitution.

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