The Great Compromise: Settling the Debate in 1787

How did the Great Compromise settle the debate between supporters of the Virginia Plan and supporters of the New Jersey Plan?

What were the key elements of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan that led to the need for a compromise?

Answer:

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, played a crucial role in settling the debate between supporters of the Virginia Plan and supporters of the New Jersey Plan during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in the United States.

The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for a bicameral legislature based on proportional representation, meaning that the number of representatives each state would have would be determined by its population. This plan favored larger states with larger populations, such as Virginia.

On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, put forth by William Paterson, advocated for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state. This plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states, which feared that their voices would be overshadowed by the more populous states.

To resolve this impasse, the Great Compromise proposed a two-part solution. First, it established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives would be based on proportional representation, granting larger states greater influence. The Senate, however, would provide equal representation for each state, ensuring that smaller states had an equal say.

This compromise satisfied both sides to some extent. Supporters of the Virginia Plan gained proportional representation in the House, reflecting the principle of population-based representation, while supporters of the New Jersey Plan obtained equal representation in the Senate, safeguarding the interests of smaller states.

By striking a balance between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, the Great Compromise laid the foundation for a fair and equitable system of government in the United States. It helped to address the concerns of both large and small states and ultimately paved the way for the adoption of the United States Constitution.