What problem did the Great Compromise solve? The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal moment in the drafting of the United States Constitution. It addressed a fundamental issue that threatened to derail the creation of a functional government: the allocation of power between the states and the federal government.
The primary problem that the Great Compromise solved was the debate over representation in the legislative branch. The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, suggested that representation should be based on population, which would have given the larger states disproportionate power. On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, advocated for equal representation for each state, regardless of population. This divide led to a stalemate during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
The Great Compromise proposed a bicameral legislature, with two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives would be based on population, giving larger states more power, while the Senate would have equal representation for each state, ensuring that smaller states had a voice in the government. This solution satisfied both the large and small states, as it balanced their interests and allowed for a more equitable distribution of power.
Furthermore, the Great Compromise also addressed the issue of how to allocate taxing power between the federal government and the states. By creating a bicameral legislature, the compromise established a framework for the federal government to have the authority to tax and regulate, while still allowing the states to retain some autonomy in their own affairs.
In conclusion, the Great Compromise solved the critical problem of representation and power distribution in the United States government. By creating a bicameral legislature and addressing the issue of taxing power, the compromise laid the foundation for a more balanced and functional government. This pivotal moment in American history demonstrated the ability of compromise and negotiation to overcome differences and unite a diverse nation.
