Asked by Victoria

Why were the Great Compromise of 1787 and the Three-Fifths Compromise necessary?

Answered by Ms. Sue
Why is any compromise necessary? What specifically were involved in these compromises?
Answered by Victoria
The Great Compromise of 1787: dividing Congress into two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The Three-Fifths Compromise: every five slaves in each state would count as three free persons for determining both representation and taxation.

Answered by Ms. Sue
But why were they necessary?
Answered by Victoria
I think I understand why the Great Compromise of 1787 was necessary.

It was necessary because it gave the United States the framework of government that it has today, right? Without it, the United States may have never have developed.

I still don't understand why the Three-Fifths Compromise was necessary. It doesn't really seem like a compromise at all.
Answered by Ms. Sue
A compromise always involves two sides with different goals. What were the goals of each side in these disputes. If you can't find them in your text, Google each Compromise.
Answered by Reed
And keep in mind that the House representatives are based on population, giving big states more representation and thus more power. The Senate gives each state an equal voice in that chamber. Why was that considered desirable?

The three-fifths compromise is much more complicated and you should look it up and find out why. The articles are there. Ms. Sue and I don't have to write new ones just for you.
Answered by Reed
If you can't read your text materials, which I'm sure explain it, this should get you started:

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=&oq=three-fifths+compromise&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4VRHB_enUS648US649&q=three-fifths+compromise&gs_l=hp..0.0i131j0l4.0.0.0.8965...........0.mttR_hk9BaU
Answered by Melissa bowers
without them, the small States would have carried little weight in the new government.
Answered by Ms. Sue
No, Melissa. The states with small populations would have the same voice as the states with large populations. The original proposal gave each state the same representation.
Answered by Melissa bowers
good point