Great Compromise

Definition

The Great Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established a bicameral legislature in the United States, balancing the interests of both small and large states. It created two chambers: the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population. This compromise was crucial in shaping the structure of Congress and ensuring that all states had a voice in the federal government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and was essential in breaking the deadlock between large and small states during the Constitutional Convention.
2. In the Senate, each state is represented by two senators, regardless of population, ensuring equal power among states.
3. The House of Representatives' membership is determined by state populations, meaning larger states have more representatives and thus more influence.
4. The compromise not only shaped legislative representation but also laid the groundwork for the federal system of government in the U.S.
5. It demonstrated how negotiation and compromise were necessary for creating a unified nation out of diverse interests during the founding period.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise balanced the interests of large and small states by establishing a bicameral legislature with two different methods of representation. In the Senate, each state has equal representation with two senators, ensuring that smaller states are not overshadowed by larger ones. In contrast, the House of Representatives allocates seats based on population, giving larger states more representatives and thus greater influence. This dual system allowed both types of states to have a voice in Congress.
• Discuss how the Great Compromise influenced the design of legislative processes in modern American governance.
  • The Great Compromise significantly influenced modern American governance by establishing a bicameral legislature as a key feature of Congress. This structure allows for diverse perspectives and interests to be represented through both equal and proportional representation. It also facilitates checks and balances within the legislative process, requiring collaboration between both chambers to pass legislation. As a result, this compromise has become foundational in maintaining a balance of power among states in federal decision-making.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Great Compromise on political dynamics within Congress today.
  • The long-term implications of the Great Compromise have been profound, shaping political dynamics within Congress that persist today. By creating a bicameral legislature, it established ongoing tensions between populous states seeking to maximize their influence through representation and smaller states aiming to preserve their equality. This foundational compromise has also led to intricate negotiation processes on legislation, reflecting diverse regional interests. Consequently, it influences party politics, bipartisan cooperation efforts, and ongoing debates about representation and fairness within American democracy.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature:

A legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses, such as the Senate and House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress.

Virginia Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that favored larger states by suggesting representation based on population, leading to a stronger national government.

New Jersey Plan: A proposal that called for equal representation for each state in Congress, favoring smaller states and advocating for a weaker national government.