What Was the Great Compromise Agreement between

The Great Compromise Agreement of 1787: Resolving the Debate over Representation

The United States Constitution is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in the history of democratic governance. But getting to that point was no easy feat. The 55 delegates who convened in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 were tasked with creating a document that would establish a new system of government capable of uniting the fledgling nation. One of the most contentious issues they faced was how to represent the states in the new legislative branch. This debate was ultimately resolved through what has become known as the Great Compromise Agreement.

The Debate

At the heart of the debate over representation was the question of whether each state should have an equal say in the legislative process, or whether representation should be based on population. The larger states naturally favored the latter option, while the smaller states insisted on the former. The debate was so heated that at one point, it threatened to derail the entire constitutional convention.

The Compromise

The Great Compromise Agreement, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut. The compromise had two main components.

First, it established a bicameral legislature, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. Representation in the House would be based on population, with larger states receiving more representatives than smaller ones. This satisfied the larger states, who were pleased to be given greater influence in the legislative process.

Second, each state would have an equal number of senators, regardless of population. This satisfied the smaller states, who were relieved to be given an equal voice in the legislative process.

The Result

The Great Compromise Agreement was a crucial turning point in the constitutional convention. Without it, there may not have been a Constitution at all. The agreement allowed the delegates to move forward with the creation of a new government, knowing that they had found a way to address one of the most divisive issues facing the nation.

Today, the Great Compromise Agreement remains a testament to the power of compromise in politics. It reminds us that even in the face of deep ideological differences, it is possible to find a way forward through respectful and constructive dialogue. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of representation in our democratic institutions, and the ongoing need to balance the competing interests of different states and constituencies.