which of the following summarizes the great compromise

Charlotte

2 min read

·

01-03-2025

1

0

Share

Which of the Following Summarizes the Great Compromise? Understanding the Birth of the US Senate

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal moment in the drafting of the United States Constitution. It resolved a major disagreement between large and small states regarding representation in the new federal government, preventing a potential collapse of the Constitutional Convention. But what exactly was the Great Compromise? Let's delve into its essence and explore how to identify it from a list of options.

Understanding the Conflict: Large States vs. Small States

The core issue stemmed from the vastly different populations of the thirteen colonies. Large states like Virginia advocated for representation based on population (proportional representation), giving them a greater voice. Smaller states, fearing being overshadowed, pushed for equal representation for each state, regardless of population. This deadlock threatened to derail the entire process.

The Solution: A Bicameral Legislature

The Great Compromise proposed a solution that satisfied both sides: a bicameral legislature, meaning a Congress with two houses. This clever compromise created a balance of power:

• The House of Representatives: Representation in this house would be proportional to each state's population. Larger states would have more representatives.
• The Senate: Each state would have equal representation in the Senate, regardless of population size. This ensured that smaller states retained a significant voice in the federal government.

Identifying the Great Compromise in Multiple Choice Questions

When faced with a multiple-choice question asking you to summarize the Great Compromise, look for answers that reflect this bicameral structure and the balancing act between proportional and equal representation. Correct answers will likely include these key elements:

• Two houses of Congress: The creation of a bicameral legislature is the cornerstone of the compromise.
• Proportional representation in one house: The House of Representatives' structure directly reflects a state's population.
• Equal representation in the other house: The Senate ensures that every state has an equal voice, regardless of its size.
• Resolution of a conflict: The compromise resolved a critical disagreement that threatened to fracture the Constitutional Convention.

Incorrect Answer Examples:

Incorrect answers might focus on only one aspect of representation (e.g., only proportional representation), omit the bicameral nature of Congress, or inaccurately describe the compromise's outcome. They might also confuse it with other compromises made during the Constitutional Convention.

Example Multiple Choice Question and Answer:

Question: Which of the following best summarizes the Great Compromise?

a) Large states gained complete control of the federal government. b) Small states were completely excluded from the new government. c) The compromise established a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and the other with equal representation for each state. d) The issue of representation was left unresolved.

Correct Answer: c) This answer accurately captures the essence of the Great Compromise – a bicameral legislature with both proportional and equal representation.

In Conclusion:

The Great Compromise was a critical step in establishing the United States government. By understanding its core principles—the creation of a bicameral legislature balancing proportional and equal state representation—you can easily identify the correct summary when faced with multiple-choice questions or other assessments. Remember to look for answers that highlight this balanced approach to representation and the resolution of the conflict between large and small states.