Which describes Abraham Baldwin’s contribution at the Constitutional Convention?
(1 point)
Responses
He cast a vote for the larger states with led to the passing of the Constitution.
He cast a vote for the larger states with led to the passing of the Constitution.
He cast the final vote for the smaller states which broke the tie.
He cast the final vote for the smaller states which broke the tie.
He cast the vote that created a tie leading to the Great Compromise.
He cast the vote that created a tie leading to the Great Compromise.
He refused to vote which led to the creation of the Great Compromise.
He refused to vote which led to the creation of the Great Compromise.
The correct answer is: He cast the vote that created a tie leading to the Great Compromise.
To arrive at this answer, it's important to understand the role of Abraham Baldwin and the significance of the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a crucial event in American history where delegates from the states gathered to draft the United States Constitution. One of the major issues that arose during the convention was the question of representation in the legislative branch.
Some states, known as the larger states, believed that representation in the legislature should be based on the state's population. On the other hand, smaller states argued for equal representation, regardless of their population. This disagreement threatened to derail the entire process.
It was during this debate that Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia, cast a vote that led to a tie between the larger states and the smaller states. This vote created a roadblock and forced the delegates to find a compromise that would satisfy both sides.
This impasse led to what is known as the Great Compromise, or the Connecticut Compromise. Under this compromise, the bicameral Congress was created, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate provided equal representation for each state, with each state having two senators, giving smaller states an equal voice. On the other hand, the House of Representatives was based on population, giving larger states proportionate representation.
Abraham Baldwin's tie-breaking vote was instrumental in bringing about this compromise and resolving the conflict over representation. It was a significant contribution that helped pave the way for the eventual passing of the Constitution.