What were the details of the Great Compromise?
http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_greatcompromise.htm
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal moment during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was a proposed solution to the heated debate over the structure and representation of the legislative branch in the newly forming United States government.
To understand the details of the Great Compromise, let's break down the context and the specific issues it aimed to resolve:
1. Representation: One contentious issue was how the states would be represented in the legislative branch. The larger states wanted representation based on population (known as the Virginia Plan), which would heavily favor them, while smaller states favored equal representation for each state (as in the New Jersey Plan).
2. Bicameral Legislature: Another key issue was the structure of the legislature itself. Some delegates favored a unicameral legislature, while others believed in a bicameral legislature with two separate chambers.
Now, let's look at how the Great Compromise addressed these issues:
1. Bicameral Legislature: The Compromise proposed a bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives (the lower house) and the Senate (the upper house). This structure satisfied advocates for both a unicameral and a bicameral legislature.
2. House of Representatives: Representation in the House of Representatives would be based on state population. The larger states would have more representatives, providing them with a significant influence over legislation.
3. Senate: In the Senate, each state would have an equal number of representatives, ensuring smaller states would have a voice and preventing domination by the larger states. Initially, each state had two senators, though this changed later with the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913.
By combining these elements, the Great Compromise achieved a delicate balance between the interests of large and small states, addressing their concerns and ultimately paving the way for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
To learn more about the specific details, I would recommend referring to primary sources such as the records and debates of the Constitutional Convention, including the various drafts and proposals put forward during the discussions.