The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a significant event in the formation of the United States Constitution. The Compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when delegates from different states came together to address the issues of representation in the newly formed federal government. The disagreement among the delegates regarding representation in the legislative branch was a critical issue that threatened to derail the entire process. In this article, we’ll examine what agreement was reached under the Great Compromise and its impact on the formation of the United States government.
The Great Compromise was a plan proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, Connecticut`s delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The plan aimed to resolve the conflict between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan proposed a national government with two chambers, both of which would use proportional representation. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan suggested a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states. The disagreement between the large and small states seemed insurmountable until the Great Compromise offered a solution.
Under the Great Compromise, the legislative branch was divided into two chambers. The Senate, the upper chamber, would have equal representation for all states, while the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, would have proportional representation based on the state`s population. The Senate would have two senators per state, while the House of Representatives would be apportioned based on each state`s population, which would be determined every ten years through a census.
The compromise had significant implications for the newly formed United States. The equal representation in the Senate ensured that smaller states had a voice in the legislative process, whereas proportional representation in the House of Representatives ensured that larger states had a proportional voice as well. The Great Compromise became a crucial tool for ensuring that the interests of both large and small states were represented in the federal government.
The Great Compromise had a significant impact on the formation of the United States government. It ensured the adoption of the Constitution and created a framework for a balanced and fair government. The Great Compromise set the precedent for compromise and negotiation in political decision-making, a hallmark of the American political system.
In conclusion, the Great Compromise was the solution to the representation crisis that threatened to derail the formation of the United States government. The compromise created a framework for a balanced and fair government, ensuring that the interests of both large and small states were represented in the federal government. The Great Compromise was a critical event in American history and a testament to the power of compromise and negotiation in political decision-making.