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. It balanced the needs of both small and large states by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and helped break a deadlock between delegates from large states, who wanted representation based on population, and those from small states, who preferred equal representation.
2. The House of Representatives would have representation based on population, allowing larger states to have more influence, while the Senate would provide equal representation with two senators from each state.
3. This compromise was crucial in ensuring that all states felt represented in the new government framework and facilitated broader support for the Constitution.
4. The agreement reflected a fundamental principle of American democracy by balancing the interests of both populous and less populous states.
5. The Great Compromise laid the groundwork for future debates over representation and federalism within American politics.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise resolve the conflict between larger and smaller states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise resolved the conflict by establishing a bicameral legislature that satisfied both large and small states. It created the House of Representatives, where representation is based on state population, thus giving larger states more influence. At the same time, it established the Senate, where each state has equal representation with two senators. This balanced approach allowed both groups to feel fairly represented in the new government.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Great Compromise on American political structure and governance.
  • The Great Compromise had significant long-term implications for American political structure by creating a system that balanced population-based representation with equal state representation. This dual system has shaped legislative processes and debates over issues like federalism and states' rights throughout American history. It also set a precedent for negotiation and compromise in U.S. governance, reflecting the diverse interests of different states and regions.
• Evaluate how the principles embodied in the Great Compromise influence contemporary discussions about representation and governance in the United States.
  • The principles embodied in the Great Compromise continue to influence contemporary discussions about representation and governance by highlighting ongoing tensions between populous and less populous regions. Debates around issues like electoral reform, gerrymandering, and equal voting rights often echo concerns from the Constitutional Convention about fair representation. As demographics change and regional interests evolve, policymakers still grapple with finding a balance between equitable representation and effective governance, rooted in the foundational ideas established by this compromise.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates from the states convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately drafted the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong national government with representation based on state population, favoring larger states over smaller ones.