What was the purpose of the Great Compromise, introduced at the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

end the debate over slavery

separate Virginia and West Virginia

maintain peace between Britain and America

give equal representation to both large and small states

The purpose of the Great Compromise, introduced at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was to give equal representation to both large and small states. It aimed to resolve the conflict between the Virginia Plan, which advocated for representation based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, which called for equal representation for all states. The Great Compromise resulted in the creation of a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives representing states based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for all states.

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The purpose of the Great Compromise was to give equal representation to both large and small states.

The purpose of the Great Compromise, introduced at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was to give equal representation to both large and small states. This compromise was necessary because during the convention, the states were divided over whether representation in the national legislature should be based on population (favored by larger states) or should be equal for each state (favored by smaller states).

To understand the purpose of the Great Compromise, it is important to consider the context of the Constitutional Convention and the issues being debated. The delegates at the convention were tasked with creating a new framework for governing the United States, as the existing government under the Articles of Confederation was seen as ineffective. One of the major points of contention was how representation in the national legislature should be determined.

To reach a compromise, two proposed plans were brought forward: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan advocated for representation based on population, which would benefit the larger states with higher populations. The New Jersey Plan, on the other hand, suggested equal representation for each state, regardless of size.

To settle the dispute, a committee was formed, and the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was proposed. It suggested a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate, each state would have an equal number of representatives, providing smaller states with equal representation. In the House of Representatives, representation would be based on each state's population, giving larger states more influence.

This compromise struck a balance between the interests of both large and small states, ensuring that neither had disproportionate power in the national legislature. It was a crucial step in reaching a consensus at the Constitutional Convention and ultimately shaping the framework of the United States government.