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?

Answer 1

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.