Which of the following issues was resolved by a major compromise at the Constitutional Convention?
A.
representation in the executive branch
B.
representation in the legislative branch
C.
representation in the judicial branch
D.
representation in Parliament
The major compromise that was resolved at the Constitutional Convention was representation in the legislative branch.
To understand this, we need to learn about the two major plans proposed at the Convention: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
The Virginia Plan, put forward by the larger states, called for representation in the legislature to be based on population. This would have given more power to the larger states, as they would have more representatives in the legislative branch.
On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, proposed by the smaller states, called for equal representation for each state in the legislature. This would have given equal power to all states, regardless of their population.
After much debate and negotiation, a compromise was reached known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise. This compromise created a bicameral legislature with two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The House of Representatives would have representation based on population, satisfying the Virginia Plan supporters. The number of representatives in the House would be determined by each state's population.
The Senate, on the other hand, would have equal representation for each state, satisfying the New Jersey Plan supporters. Each state would have two senators, regardless of its population.
This compromise ensured a balance between the larger and smaller states, as it provided both representation based on population and equal representation for all states. It was a major breakthrough that helped to resolve one of the key issues at the Constitutional Convention.
Have you checked your notes? Your textbook?
What do you think the answer is?