The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that addressed the contentious issue of representation in the new national legislature. This compromise emerged as a direct response to conflicts between large and small states over the structure of Congress; larger states favored the Virginia Plan, which proposed representation based on population, while smaller states supported the New Jersey Plan, advocating for equal representation. The Great Compromise ultimately established a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state, thereby blending the interests of both groups.
This relationship can be understood as both a part of the same historical process and a cause-and-effect dynamic. The Great Compromise was a solution to the challenges faced during the Constitutional Convention, reflecting broader themes of cooperation and compromise among the delegates who were striving to create a more effective government. Significant figures, such as Roger Sherman, played key roles in the crafting of this agreement, illustrating the collaborative nature of the convention. Ultimately, the compromise not only resolved the immediate dispute over representation but also laid the groundwork for the federal structure of the United States, showcasing how the negotiations at the Constitutional Convention were essential in formulating a balanced government.