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 bicameral legislature in the United States. This compromise combined elements from both the Virginia Plan, which favored larger states with representation based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, which favored smaller states with equal representation. It created a balanced approach to representation that aimed to satisfy the needs of both types of states within the newly formed government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, representing Connecticut, and was adopted on July 16, 1787.
2. Under this compromise, representation in the House of Representatives is based on state population, while each state is granted two senators in the Senate, ensuring equal representation regardless of size.
3. The Great Compromise helped to break the deadlock between large and small states during the Constitutional Convention and was crucial in securing support for the new Constitution.
4. It reflects a fundamental principle of American democracy: balancing majority rule with minority rights, giving voice to both populous and less populous states.
5. The compromise laid the groundwork for future debates on representation and governance in the United States, influencing later reforms and political developments.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Compromise resolve conflicts between larger and smaller states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Great Compromise addressed the tensions between larger states, which favored representation based on population, and smaller states, which wanted equal representation. By establishing a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives reflecting population size and the Senate providing equal representation for each state, it created a balanced system. This resolution was critical in fostering cooperation among delegates and ultimately led to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
• Analyze how the structure created by the Great Compromise has influenced modern U.S. politics.
  • The structure established by the Great Compromise has had a lasting impact on modern U.S. politics by ensuring that both populous and less populous states have a voice in federal legislation. The dual system allows for diverse interests to be represented; however, it has also led to ongoing debates regarding equity in representation. The tension between these two forms of representation can be seen today in discussions about issues such as gerrymandering and Senate representation.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Compromise in relation to other foundational agreements made during the Constitutional Convention.
  • The Great Compromise was pivotal not only as a resolution to state representation issues but also as a unifying force among delegates who were divided over various aspects of governance. Its significance lies in its role as a cornerstone for other foundational agreements made during the Convention, such as compromises over slavery and taxation. By establishing a framework that accommodated different interests, it helped to create a cohesive document that balanced federal authority with state sovereignty, ultimately shaping the structure of American government.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses, in this case, the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S. Congress.

Virginia Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that suggested a strong national government with representation in Congress based on population.

New Jersey Plan: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state regardless of population.