GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
During the Constitutional Convention, delegates from larger states argued for proportional representation in the legislature, while delegates from smaller states advocated for equal representation. This disagreement was ultimately resolved by creating a bicameral legislature with different representation schemes in each house. This compromise is known as the:
- AElectoral College Compromise
- BThree-Fifths Compromise
- CGreat Compromise
- DCommerce Compromise
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the dispute between large and small states over representation by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Electoral College Compromise determined the method for electing the President, not the structure of the legislative branch.
- B. The Three-Fifths Compromise dealt with how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation, not the structure of the legislature itself.
- D. The Commerce Compromise addressed federal power to regulate trade, particularly regarding tariffs and the slave trade.
Great Compromise
The Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise) resolved the debate between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention over legislative representation. It created a bicameral (two-house) legislature.
- Created a bicameral legislature (House of Representatives and Senate).
- House of Representatives: proportional representation based on state population.
- Senate: equal representation for all states (two senators per state).
Memory trick: Compromises built the Constitution brick by brick.