How the Great Compromise United Supporters of Virginia and New Jersey Plans
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a significant agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This compromise addressed the conflicting desires of supporters of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans, ultimately leading to the establishment of the United States Congress as we know it today.
Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for a strong central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It also proposed a bicameral legislature, where representation in both houses would be based on population. This would give larger states, like Virginia, more power in decision-making.
On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, put forth by William Paterson, supported a unicameral legislature where each state would have equal representation. This plan favored smaller states, like New Jersey, which feared being overshadowed by larger states in a population-based system.
Addressing the Conflict
The Great Compromise resolved this conflict by creating a two-house legislature. In the lower house, the House of Representatives, representation would be based on population, appeasing supporters of the Virginia Plan. This meant that states with larger populations would have more representatives in the House.
On the other hand, representation would be equal for each state in the upper house, the Senate, satisfying proponents of the New Jersey Plan. This ensured that each state, regardless of size, would have an equal voice in the Senate.
Final Outcome
Ultimately, the Great Compromise struck a delicate balance between the desires of larger and smaller states. It combined elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans to create a system of government that was fair and equitable to all states. This compromise played a crucial role in shaping the structure of the United States Congress and laid the foundation for the successful ratification of the US Constitution.
How did the Great Compromise address the wishes of supporters of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans?
Answer: The Great Compromise formed a two-house legislature-In the lower house, the House of Representatives, representation would be based on population-Representation would be equal for each state in the upper house and senate.Explanation:It was suggested in the Virginia Plan, and a second house with equal representation, as suggested by the New Jersey Plan.