Great Compromise (Connecticut 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 blended the Virginia Plan, which favored representation based on population, with the New Jersey Plan, which advocated for equal representation for each state. By creating a House of Representatives with representation based on population and a Senate with equal representation for all states, the Great Compromise played a critical role in shaping the structure of the federal government and easing tensions between larger and smaller states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth from Connecticut during the Constitutional Convention.
2. It helped to resolve a major conflict between large states that wanted representation based on population and small states that wanted equal representation.
3. The compromise laid the groundwork for the current structure of Congress, where the House of Representatives reflects population and the Senate provides equal representation.
4. The Great Compromise was crucial in gaining support for the new Constitution, leading to its ratification by states that were initially opposed.
5. This agreement highlighted the importance of negotiation and compromise in American political development, establishing a precedent for future governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise addressed concerns by combining elements from both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It created a bicameral legislature where larger states could have representation based on population in the House of Representatives, while smaller states were ensured equal representation in the Senate. This balance helped to ease tensions between states of differing sizes and facilitated collaboration in creating a unified federal government.
• Evaluate the impact of the Great Compromise on the ratification process of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The Great Compromise significantly impacted the ratification process by providing a solution to one of the most contentious issues at the Constitutional Convention. By addressing both large and small states' concerns about representation, it garnered broader support for the new Constitution. This compromise played a key role in convincing delegates from smaller states to agree to ratification, leading to a more cohesive national framework and ensuring that all states had a stake in the new government.
• Analyze how the principles established by the Great Compromise continue to influence American political structure and governance today.
  • The principles established by the Great Compromise have had lasting effects on American political structure, particularly through its creation of a bicameral legislature. This dual system allows for diverse representation, ensuring that both populous and less populous states have their interests considered in legislative processes. The balance achieved by this compromise reflects ongoing debates about representation and power distribution in government, influencing everything from congressional decision-making to federal policies. It set a standard for future compromises in American politics, demonstrating how negotiation can lead to effective governance.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature:

A legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the United States.

Virginia Plan:

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong national government with representation in Congress based on state population.

New Jersey Plan:

A proposal that suggested a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population, to ensure smaller states had a voice.