Why do you think the number of people who would represent each state in congress was so important to the delegates?
The states with small populations wanted fair representation.
The number of people who would represent each state in Congress, also known as the issue of representation, was a crucial matter for the delegates at the Constitutional Convention. The reason this matter was significant is because it dealt with the balance of power between states, and directly impacted how the new federal government would be structured.
To understand the importance of this issue, let's explore the background. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention were tasked with creating a new framework for the United States' government, as the previous system under the Articles of Confederation was deemed ineffective. One of the main challenges they faced was reconciling the interests of smaller states and larger states in order to form a unified nation.
In terms of representation, the delegates had to decide on two fundamental questions: firstly, how many representatives each state should have in the House of Representatives (based on population), and secondly, how many senators each state should have (equal for all states).
For smaller states, equal representation was crucial to ensure they would have a voice and influence within the new government. They were concerned that larger states, with bigger populations, would dominate the decision-making process, leaving them marginalized and their interests unprotected.
On the other hand, larger states argued for representation based on population, claiming that it would be fairer and more reflective of the people's will. They believed that since they had more citizens, they should have a greater say in shaping the policies and laws of the new nation.
Reconciling these clashing interests was a challenging task. Eventually, a compromise known as the Connecticut Compromise, or the Great Compromise, was reached. It established a bicameral legislature, including a House of Representatives with representation based on population and a Senate with equal representation for all states.
The compromise ensured that both the larger and smaller states' concerns were addressed to some degree. It recognized the principles of both population-based representation and equal state representation, providing a delicate balance of power between the states.
In summary, the issue of representation was important to the delegates because it required finding a compromise to balance the interests of states with varying populations. The outcome was crucial in shaping the structure of the new government and ensuring a fair distribution of power between states.