How did small states want representation in Congress to be decided?(1 point) Responses They wanted representation based on population. They wanted representation based on population. They wanted representation based on economy. They wanted representation based on economy. They wanted representation based on land size. They wanted representation based on land size. They wanted equal representation for all states.
They wanted equal representation for all states.
Small states wanted equal representation for all states.
Small states wanted equal representation for all states. To get this answer, we can examine the historical context surrounding the formation of the United States and the debates and discussions that took place during the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
During the Constitutional Convention, one of the key issues regarding representation in Congress was the balance of power between large and small states. Larger states, such as Virginia and Pennsylvania, advocated for representation based on population, as they had larger populations and thus wanted more seats in Congress to ensure their interests were well-represented.
On the other hand, smaller states, including Delaware, New Jersey, and Connecticut, were concerned that a system based solely on population would leave them at a significant disadvantage. They argued that with smaller populations, their voices would be drowned out by the larger states, and their interests and concerns would not be adequately addressed.
To address this concern, the smaller states proposed the idea of equal representation, where each state, regardless of its population, would have an equal number of seats in Congress. This idea became known as the "New Jersey Plan," and it was strongly supported by the smaller states.
Ultimately, a compromise was reached in the form of the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise. This compromise established a bicameral legislature with two chambers: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state would have equal representation with two senators per state. This compromise effectively satisfied the concerns of both the larger and smaller states.
Therefore, small states wanted equal representation for all states as a way to ensure their interests were given proper consideration in Congress.