What did the Great Compromise accomplish?
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal point in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It resolved the dispute between the larger and smaller states over the issue of representation in the new government. The Great Compromise created a solution that satisfied both sides and established the framework for the legislative branch of the United States government.
To understand what the Great Compromise accomplished, we must first analyze the problem it aimed to solve. During the Convention, the larger states argued that representation in the legislature should be based on population, as they believed it would provide fair and proportional representation. On the other hand, the smaller states feared being overshadowed by the larger states and advocated for equal representation for all states.
Here's how the Great Compromise achieved a middle ground:
1. Bicameral Legislature: The Compromise proposed a two-house legislature. The first house, the House of Representatives, would have representation based on each state's population, satisfying the larger states' demands for proportionality. The second house, the Senate, would provide equal representation for each state, addressing the concerns of the smaller states.
2. House of Representatives: The number of representatives in the House would be apportioned based on each state's population. The exact formula for calculating the number of representatives was determined later, through subsequent legislation (the Apportionment Act of 1792).
3. Senate: In the Senate, each state would have an equal number of senators, regardless of its population. Initially, each state had two senators, ensuring that smaller states had an equal say in the legislative process.
By establishing a bicameral legislature with both proportional representation and equal representation, the Great Compromise struck a balance between the demands of the larger and smaller states. It ensured that the interests of both types of states were adequately represented in the new government structure, fostering unity and cooperation among the states.
In summary, the Great Compromise accomplished a significant breakthrough by resolving the contentious issue of representation, shaping the foundational structure of the United States Congress, and contributing to the successful ratification of the United States Constitution.