Article One of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, which primarily consists of Congress, divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure is a direct reflection of the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise) reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Here’s how Article One embodies the Great Compromise:
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Bicameral Legislature: The Great Compromise introduced a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature to balance the interests of both large and small states. Article One reflects this by creating the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state has equal representation with two senators.
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Representation by Population and Equal Representation: In the House of Representatives, states with larger populations have more representatives, which satisfies larger states' desires for proportional representation. Conversely, the Senate's structure ensures that smaller states are not overshadowed, as every state has two senators regardless of its population. This balance was crucial for securing the agreement of states with differing interests.
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Legislative Powers: Both chambers possess specific legislative powers and responsibilities, which reflect the compromise necessary to ensure that both large and small states have a voice in the legislative process. For instance, all revenue-related bills must originate in the House, while the Senate has the power to confirm appointments and ratify treaties.
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Checks and Balances: The design of having two chambers requires agreement from both to pass legislation, reflecting the framers' intention to create a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch, targeting concerns about concentrated power.
The Great Compromise was essential for fostering cooperation among states with varying populations and interests, ensuring the new government could function effectively. Ultimately, the arrangement established in Article One was a critical element in the ratification of the Constitution, as it addressed the fears and demands of both large and small states.