The United States Constitution was written in 1787 during a time when the 13 colonies were trying to form a more perfect union. One of the biggest disputes that needed to be resolved was how the states should be represented in the new government. The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, played a significant role in resolving this dispute. In this article, we’ll explore the Great Compromise and how it helped shape the representation of states in the United States government.
Background of the Dispute
Before we dive into the Great Compromise, it’s essential to understand the background of the dispute. There were two plans that were proposed for how the states should be represented in the new government – the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature, where representation in both houses would be based on a state’s population. This meant that the larger states, such as Virginia, would have more representation in the government, which smaller states like New Jersey were not in favor of.
The New Jersey Plan, on the other hand, proposed a unicameral legislature, where each state would have equal representation, regardless of its population. This meant that larger states would not have more power in the government, which larger states like Virginia were not in favor of.
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and it aimed to find a solution that would satisfy both larger and smaller states. The compromise proposed a bicameral legislature, with one house of Congress, the House of Representatives, having representation based on a state’s population. The other house, the Senate, would have equal representation for every state, with each state having two senators.
This compromise allowed both larger and smaller states to have representation in the government and helped create a balance of power between them. The larger states would have more representation in the House of Representatives, while the smaller states would have equal representation in the Senate.
Impact of the Great Compromise
The Great Compromise had a significant impact on the formation of the United States government. Without this compromise, it’s possible that the United States would not have been able to form a more perfect union, as the larger and smaller states were at odds with each other.
The Great Compromise helped create a balance of power between the states, ensuring that no state had too much power in the government. This helped create a stable government that has been able to stand the test of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Compromise played a significant role in resolving the dispute about representation in the United States government. It allowed both larger and smaller states to have representation, creating a balance of power that has helped create a stable government. Without the Great Compromise, it’s possible that the United States would not have been able to form a more perfect union, making it an essential part of American history.
