Explain how the Great Compromise assisted both large and small states.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Compromise

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, played a crucial role in the formation of the United States Constitution during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was a solution to the heated debate between the large states and small states regarding the representation in the newly proposed legislative branch. The Great Compromise was instrumental in finding a balance that assisted both large and small states. Let me explain how it achieved that.

1. Background: At the outset of the Constitutional Convention, the large states, such as Virginia, proposed the Virginia Plan, which called for representation based on the population of each state. This plan favored the larger states because they would have more representatives and hence more influence in the legislative branch. On the other hand, the small states, like New Jersey, supported the New Jersey Plan, which demanded equal representation for all states, regardless of their size.

2. Solution: The Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, addressed the concerns of both large and small states. It was a two-part compromise that combined elements of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

- Part 1: Bicameral Legislature - The Great Compromise proposed the creation of a bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This addressed the concerns of both large and small states by incorporating elements of the Virginia and New Jersey Plan.

- Part 2: Representation - In the House of Representatives, the number of representatives from each state would be based on the state's population. This satisfied the large states' demand for proportional representation. On the other hand, in the Senate, each state would have an equal number of senators, regardless of its size. This catered to the concerns of small states by ensuring equal representation.

3. Result: The Great Compromise successfully provided a fair and balanced representation system that assisted both large and small states.

- Large States: The compromise satisfied the large states as they would have a significant advantage in the House of Representatives, where representation would be based on population. This meant that more populous states would have more seats and thus more power in this chamber.

- Small States: The small states were pleased with the compromise because they were guaranteed equal representation in the Senate. Each state, regardless of its population, would have two senators. This gave smaller states an opportunity to have a say in the decision-making process.

Overall, the Great Compromise achieved a delicate balance between the demands of large and small states. It provided proportional representation in the House of Representatives, satisfying the large states, and equal representation in the Senate, addressing the concerns of the small states. Thus, it assisted both large and small states by ensuring their interests were represented in the newly formed legislative branch.