Great Compromise

Definition

The Great Compromise was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that resolved the conflict between large and small states over the structure of the legislative branch of the new federal government. It established a bicameral Congress with a Senate where each state had equal representation and a House of Representatives where representation was based on population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise resolved the conflict between large and small states over the structure of the legislative branch, which was one of the major challenges faced during the drafting of the Constitution.
2. It established a bicameral Congress, with a Senate where each state had equal representation and a House of Representatives where representation was based on population.
3. The compromise was proposed by delegates from Connecticut and is sometimes referred to as the Connecticut Compromise.
4. The Great Compromise was a crucial step in the development of the Constitution, as it allowed the Convention to move forward and address other important issues.
5. The compromise was a delicate balance between the interests of large and small states, and its successful implementation was essential for the ratification of the Constitution.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the Great Compromise and how it addressed the concerns of both large and small states.
  • The Great Compromise established a bicameral Congress with a Senate where each state had equal representation, and a House of Representatives where representation was based on population. This addressed the concerns of large states, which wanted representation based on population, and small states, which wanted equal representation. By creating a two-chamber legislature, the compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states, allowing the Constitutional Convention to move forward and address other important issues in drafting the Constitution.
• Describe the role of the Great Compromise in the development and ratification of the Constitution.
  • The Great Compromise was a crucial step in the development of the Constitution, as it resolved one of the major conflicts faced during the drafting process. The compromise allowed the Convention to move forward and address other important issues, such as the powers of the federal government and the system of checks and balances. Additionally, the successful implementation of the Great Compromise was essential for the ratification of the Constitution, as it addressed the concerns of both large and small states, making the new system of government more acceptable to a wider range of stakeholders.
• Analyze the significance of the Great Compromise in the context of the overall process of drafting and ratifying the Constitution.
  • The Great Compromise was a pivotal moment in the drafting of the Constitution, as it demonstrated the ability of the framers to find a creative solution to a complex and contentious issue. By establishing a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House, the compromise addressed the concerns of both large and small states, paving the way for further progress in the Convention. The successful implementation of the Great Compromise was essential for the ratification of the Constitution, as it helped to ensure that the new system of government would be acceptable to a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, the Great Compromise was a critical component of the broader process of drafting and ratifying the Constitution, and its significance cannot be overstated.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature:

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

Connecticut Compromise:

An alternative name for the Great Compromise, as it was proposed by delegates from Connecticut during the Constitutional Convention.

Virginia Plan:

A proposal made at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong national government with a legislature based on population, which was favored by larger states.