in a paragraph analyze the great compromise during the constitutional convention. what problem did it solve? what were the alternatives?

Answer 1

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This compromise solved the critical problem of representation in the newly formed United States. The main issue at hand was the disagreement between large and small states regarding the unfairness of representation in the legislative branch. The larger states argued that representation should be based on population size, while the smaller states advocated for equal representation for all states. To address this, the Great Compromise proposed a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate granting equal representation to each state. This compromise successfully balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring that no state would be overly dominant. Alternatives to this compromise included having either one chamber based on population or two equal chambers representing each state. However, neither of these alternatives would have satisfied both factions, leading to prolonged disagreements and potentially undermining the formation of a strong, united government. Thus, the Great Compromise proved crucial in creating a fair and functioning system of representation in the United States.