The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise explains the pivotal agreement that saved the Constitutional Convention in 1787 by resolving the deadlock between large and small states over congressional representation—an essential topic in 8th grade U.S. history. Large states (Virginia Plan) wanted representation based on population, giving them more power. Small states (New Jersey Plan) wanted equal votes for every state. Connecticut delegate Roger Sherman proposed the solution: a bicameral Congress with the House of Representatives apportioned by population and the Senate giving every state two equal votes. Without this compromise, the Constitution could not have been written.
Key Concepts
At the Constitutional Convention, a major conflict erupted over how states should be represented in the new government. The Virginia Plan , favored by large states, proposed a legislature based on population. The New Jersey Plan , favored by small states, demanded a legislature where every state had an equal vote.
The debate nearly tore the convention apart until delegates agreed to the Great Compromise . This plan created a Bicameral Legislature (two house Congress). The House of Representatives satisfied large states by basing representation on population, while the Senate satisfied small states by giving every state two equal votes, ensuring a balance of power.
Common Questions
What was the Great Compromise?
The Great Compromise (also called the Connecticut Compromise) was the 1787 agreement that created the bicameral Congress: a House of Representatives where each state's representation is based on population, and a Senate where each state has exactly two senators regardless of size.
What was the Virginia Plan?
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for representation in both houses of Congress to be proportional to each state's population. This favored large states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, and was opposed by small states who feared being permanently outvoted.
What was the New Jersey Plan?
The New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, called for a single-chamber legislature where each state had one equal vote, regardless of population. This preserved the structure of the Articles of Confederation and was supported by small states like Delaware, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Why was the Great Compromise necessary?
Without a compromise on representation, small states threatened to walk out of the convention entirely, which would have doomed the effort to create a new constitution. The convention was deadlocked for weeks before Roger Sherman's proposal broke the impasse by giving both sides something they wanted.
How does the Great Compromise affect government today?
The Great Compromise's structure is still the basis of Congress. Wyoming (580,000 people) and California (39 million people) each have two senators. This gives small states disproportionate Senate power, which continues to shape legislation, judicial confirmations, and constitutional amendments.
When do 8th graders learn about the Great Compromise?
The Great Compromise is a core topic in 8th grade history in the Constitution and Foundation of Government unit (1783-1791), as the key moment that made the Constitutional Convention succeed despite deep disagreements.