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 legislative representation. It effectively resolved the conflict between states with larger populations advocating for representation based on population size (the Virginia Plan) and smaller states seeking equal representation regardless of population (the New Jersey Plan). The compromise established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives, where representation would be based on state population, and the Senate, which would provide equal representation with two senators per state. This compromise not only fostered cooperation among the states but also balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring that all voices were considered in the legislative process. The alternatives to the Great Compromise threatened to derail the convention, as a purely population-based system would diminish the influence of smaller states, while a system based solely on equal representation would not adequately reflect the demographic realities of the nation. Thus, the Great Compromise laid the foundation for a more cohesive and functional federal government.
In a paragraph, analyze the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention. What problem did it solve? What were the alternatives? (4 points)
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