The Great Compromise

The Great Compromise

• The delegates of the Constitutional Convention debated the balance of power between the national government and individual states.
• They needed to determine how much power each state should hold, particularly regarding representation in the Congress, given the differing populations between states.
• Two proposals were presented: the Virginia Plan, advocating for proportional representation based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, proposing equal representation per state.
• The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was a solution that resulted in a bicameral legislature.
• The Senate, with two senators per state, would ensure equal representation regardless of population size.
• The House of Representatives, with representation based on population, would favor larger states.

Ratification of the Constitution

• On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution.
• The Constitution officially became law when nine of the thirteen states ratified it.
• Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, followed by Pennsylvania.
• The ratification faced opposition from individuals concerned about relinquishing state power.
• Notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington actively advocated for the Constitution, bolstering its support.

The Great Compromise

• The delegates at the Constitutional Convention debated the balance of power between the national and state governments.
• The key issue was representation: Should each state have equal power in the government, or should representation be based on population?
• Two plans emerged: the Virginia Plan favored larger states with more representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan favored smaller states with equal representation.
• The Great Compromise resolved this conflict by creating a bicameral legislature with two houses:
  • The Senate: Each state would have equal representation.
  • The House of Representatives: Representation would be based on the population of each state.

Ratification of the Constitution

• The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787.
• The Constitution became law after nine of the thirteen states ratified it.
• Delaware was the first state to ratify, followed by Pennsylvania.
• Some people were hesitant to ratify, fearing a loss of state power.
• Influential figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington publicly supported the Constitution.

Explore the pivotal moment in the Constitutional Convention when delegates debated how to balance power between national and state governments. Understand the proposals of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans and see how the Connecticut Compromise shaped the legislative structure of Congress. Dive into the importance of representation in the formation of the United States Constitution.