Creation of the Constitution
The Great Compromise
painting titled Scene at the Signing of the constitution
The Constitutional Convention was crucial in shaping the current Constitution of the United States. Different opinions led to the formulation of two plans: the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan.
The New Jersey Plan
Smaller states advocated for the New Jersey Plan. It included a unicameral (one house) legislature with equal representation (one vote per state).
The Virginia Plan
Larger states advocated for the Virginia Plan, which featured proportional representation for states based on population size. This plan included a bicameral (two house) legislature with a House of Representatives based on population, which would give large states more influence.
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise merged the ideas of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans, resulting in the current structure of Congress. This new plan included a bicameral Congress, made up of a population-based House of Representatives and a Senate with equal representation for each state.
Bicameral Lawmaking
Under this compromise, for a bill to become law, it must pass in both houses of Congress.
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As a result of the Great Compromise, the United States adopted what type of Congress?
limited
tricameral
bicameral