Great Compromise

Definition

The Great Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established a dual system of congressional representation. This compromise combined elements from both the Virginia Plan, which favored representation based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, which advocated for equal representation for all states. As a result, it created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, balancing the interests of both populous and less populous states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and ultimately adopted on July 16, 1787, during the Constitutional Convention.
2. Under this compromise, the House of Representatives is based on population, allowing larger states more representatives, while each state has two senators in the Senate, ensuring equal representation.
3. The compromise was crucial in breaking the deadlock between delegates favoring population-based representation and those advocating for equal representation regardless of state size.
4. The Great Compromise set the foundation for how laws would be created and passed in the United States, impacting the legislative process to this day.
5. It demonstrated the necessity of compromise in forming a new government and helped pave the way for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the conflicting interests of large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise resolved tensions between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with different forms of representation. The House of Representatives allows representation based on population, benefiting larger states, while the Senate provides equal representation with two senators per state, protecting smaller states' interests. This balance was essential for gaining support from both sides and moving forward with a unified government framework.
• Discuss how the Great Compromise influenced subsequent discussions about federalism and representation in American government.
  • The Great Compromise significantly influenced future debates about federalism by establishing a system where both state sovereignty and population size mattered in governance. It shaped how representatives are elected and how laws are made, influencing ongoing discussions about balance between national authority and state rights. By institutionalizing these principles in the Constitution, it set a precedent for how representatives would continue to engage with their constituents and interact within a federal system.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Compromise on American politics and governance since its inception.
  • The Great Compromise has had lasting impacts on American politics by creating a legislative structure that remains foundational to the U.S. government. By ensuring both proportional and equal representation, it has contributed to political stability and facilitated a diverse range of interests being represented in Congress. The ongoing dynamic between large and small states continues to influence policy decisions and legislative negotiations, demonstrating how this compromise has shaped American governance and public policy over centuries.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body that has two chambers or houses, typically an upper house and a lower house, such as the U.S. Congress, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Virginia Plan: A proposal for a new constitution that called for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature, where representation would be based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan: A proposal that aimed to amend the Articles of Confederation by providing for equal representation for each state in a unicameral legislature, thus protecting the interests of smaller states.