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 balanced the interests of both small and large 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 regardless of size.

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 was a crucial factor in ensuring that smaller states would not be overshadowed by larger states in legislative matters.
3. The agreement allowed for the formation of a House of Representatives with members based on state population and a Senate with two senators from each state.
4. The Great Compromise was essential in overcoming significant disagreements between delegates and helped pave the way for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
5. This compromise reflected the principle of federalism, balancing power between national and state governments.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise address the conflicting interests of large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise effectively balanced the interests of both large and small states by establishing a bicameral legislature. In this system, the House of Representatives allocates seats based on population, favoring larger states, while the Senate ensures equal representation with two senators from each state, protecting smaller states' interests. This arrangement allowed for a fair compromise that enabled all states to have a voice in Congress.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Compromise in shaping the structure of the U.S. government.
  • The Great Compromise played a vital role in shaping the structure of the U.S. government by creating a bicameral legislature that balances representation based on population with equal representation for states. This dual system laid the groundwork for how laws would be made and how different interests would be represented in Congress. By ensuring that both large and small states had a stake in governance, it fostered cooperation and helped mitigate tensions that could have led to disunity.
• Assess how the Great Compromise influenced later discussions about representation and federalism in American politics.
  • The Great Compromise significantly influenced later discussions about representation and federalism by establishing a precedent for balancing power between different governmental levels. It sparked ongoing debates about how best to represent diverse populations while maintaining state sovereignty. This tension has continued to shape American political discourse, influencing key issues such as voting rights, gerrymandering, and state versus federal authority throughout U.S. history.

Related terms

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

Virginia Plan: A proposal for a new constitution presented at the Constitutional Convention that favored larger states by suggesting representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan: A proposal that called for equal representation for each state regardless of population size, aimed at protecting the interests of smaller states.