Explain The Great Compromise. What state was the plan named for? What was included in the compromise? Why was this compromise so important to the Constitutional Convention?
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a resolution proposed at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to address the issue of representation in the United States Congress. The plan was named for the state of Connecticut, whose delegates devised the compromise.
The main concern was how to fairly represent the larger and smaller states in the legislative branch. The Virginia Plan, presented by larger states, proposed a bicameral legislature where representation would be based on the population of each state. However, this plan favored the larger states, leaving the smaller states feeling disadvantaged and concerned about their influence in the government.
In response, the Connecticut delegates proposed the Great Compromise. It suggested a bicameral legislature as well, with a House of Representatives and a Senate. The House would have representation based on each state's population, addressing the concerns of larger states. On the other hand, the Senate would grant each state an equal number of representatives, ensuring smaller states had a voice and power in the government.
The compromise was crucial to the Constitutional Convention because it successfully resolved one of the most pressing and divisive issues at the time. It balanced the interests of both larger and smaller states, allowing them to come together and reach an agreement. It effectively formed the framework for the legislative branch, ensuring a fair and balanced representation within Congress. The Great Compromise was instrumental in facilitating the creation of the United States Constitution, as it helped to form a strong foundation for the newly established government.
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a significant agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It was named for the state of Connecticut, where it was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth.
The compromise attempted to address the contentious issue of representation in the legislative branch of government. The two main plans for representation were the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states. The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, favoring smaller states.
The Great Compromise proposed a combination of both plans. It established a bicameral legislature, with one house called the Senate and the other called the House of Representatives. In the Senate, each state would have an equal number of representatives, ensuring equal representation for all states. In the House of Representatives, the number of representatives would be based on each state's population, addressing the concerns of the larger states.
This compromise was crucial for the Constitutional Convention because the disagreement over representation was threatening to derail the entire process of creating a new constitution. The smaller states felt that the Virginia Plan gave too much power to the larger states, while the larger states believed that the New Jersey Plan did not adequately reflect their population size. The Great Compromise struck a balance between these competing interests, allowing the convention to proceed and eventually leading to the ratification of the United States Constitution.
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was an influential agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. It was named after the state of Connecticut, which proposed the plan. This compromise was of immense significance as it played a crucial role in shaping the structure of the United States government.
To understand the Great Compromise, let's break it down into its key elements:
1. Representation in the Legislature: The main issue at hand was how states should be represented in the legislative branch of government. The Virginia Plan, proposed by larger states, called for representation based on population. The New Jersey Plan, put forward by smaller states, advocated for equal representation for all states. These differing ideas created a stalemate.
2. Bicameral Legislature: The Great Compromise combined aspects of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It established a bicameral (two-house) legislature. In the upper house, the Senate, each state would have equal representation (two senators per state). This addressed the concerns of smaller states that feared being dominated by larger ones. In the lower house, the House of Representatives, representation would be based on population, satisfying the larger states.
3. 3/5 Compromise: Another critical element of the Great Compromise was the resolution to counting slaves for representation purposes. The compromise stipulated that for the purpose of determining both representation and taxation, enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise appeased Southern states that wanted to include slaves as population for representation but not taxation purposes, while Northern states opposed counting slaves altogether.
The Great Compromise was essential for the success of the Constitutional Convention for a few reasons:
1. Preserving Unity: The compromise struck a balance between the competing interests of large and small states, preventing an unraveling of the convention. It allowed for compromise on the most contentious issues and facilitated the consensus necessary for agreement on other vital components of the Constitution.
2. Promoting Ratification: The compromise paved the way for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. By addressing the concerns of both large and small states, it gained broader support from delegates who may have otherwise opposed the final document.
3. Creating a Balanced System: The Great Compromise established a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no one branch of government would have unchecked power. The bicameral legislature based on both population and equality provided a balance between the interests of different states, serving as a foundation for future compromises.
In summary, the Great Compromise, named after Connecticut, resolved the issue of representation in the legislative branch by establishing a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House of Representatives. Additionally, it addressed the controversial matter of counting enslaved individuals for representation and taxation purposes. The compromise was crucial to maintaining unity, promoting ratification, and creating a balanced system of government, shaping the future of the United States.