Why did the Great Compromise establish a two-house legislature?
(1 point)
Responses
to fairly represent all states
to fairly represent all states
to allow for population growth
to allow for population growth
to provide checks and balances
to provide checks and balances
to prevent unconstitutional laws
to fairly represent all states
Why is James Madison considered to be the Father of the Constitution?
(1 point)
Responses
His ideas about democratic government influenced the writing of the Constitution.
His ideas about democratic government influenced the writing of the Constitution.
He wrote the Declaration of Independence.
He wrote the Declaration of Independence.
He wrote the Anti-Federalist Papers, protecting the rights of the states.
He wrote the Anti-Federalist Papers, protecting the rights of the states.
He developed the Great Compromise.
His ideas about democratic government influenced the writing of the Constitution.
The Great Compromise was a pivotal moment during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates debated the composition of the legislative branch of the United States government. In order to understand why the Great Compromise established a two-house legislature, we need to consider the motivations and concerns of the delegates involved.
To fairly represent all states:
One of the major issues under discussion was how representation in the legislature would be allocated among the states. Smaller states were concerned that they would be overshadowed by larger states in a legislature based purely on population. On the other hand, larger states believed that their larger populations should give them more influence.
To address this concern, the Great Compromise established a two-house legislature. In the House of Representatives, representation is directly proportionate to a state's population. This satisfied the larger states by ensuring that their populations were accurately reflected in Congress. However, it did not fully address the concerns of the smaller states.
To accommodate the smaller states, the Great Compromise also established the Senate, where each state would have an equal number of representatives, regardless of population. This gave smaller states a more equal footing with larger states in the legislative process.
To allow for population growth:
Another reason for the two-house legislature was to account for future population growth. The framers wanted a system that could adapt and accommodate the changing demographics of the country over time. By having one house based on population and another with equal representation for all states, it ensured that no matter how much the population grew, each state would still have a voice in the legislative process.
To provide checks and balances:
The establishment of a two-house legislature also served as a system of checks and balances. The House of Representatives, with its proportional representation, was designed to be more reflective of the will of the people. The Senate, with its equal representation, was intended to be a more conservative and deliberative chamber, where the interests of individual states could be protected. This division of powers and responsibilities helped avoid the concentration of power in the hands of one group or state.
To prevent unconstitutional laws:
Lastly, the two-house legislature was put in place to serve as a safeguard against the passage of unconstitutional laws. By requiring legislation to pass through both houses, it created an additional layer of scrutiny and debate. This process made it less likely for hastily drafted or biased legislation to be enacted, as it would have to withstand the scrutiny of both houses.
In summary, the Great Compromise established a two-house legislature to address concerns over representation, allow for population growth, provide checks and balances, and prevent the passage of unconstitutional laws.