U.S. Citizenship Civics TestColonial Period and IndependenceHard
During the Constitutional Convention, which compromise resolved the dispute between large and small states over legislative representation?
- AThe Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
- BThe Three-fifths Compromise
- CThe Commerce Compromise
- DThe Electoral College Compromise
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives (satisfying larger states) and equal representation in the Senate (satisfying smaller states).
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The Three-fifths Compromise dealt with how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation, not directly the large vs. small state representation.
- C. The Commerce Compromise addressed issues of trade regulation and tariffs, not legislative representation.
- D. The Electoral College Compromise determined the method for electing the President, balancing direct popular vote with state representation.
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
A pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining proportional representation (House of Representatives) and equal representation (Senate) to balance the interests of large and small states.
- Resolved large vs. small state debate.
- Created bicameral Congress.
- House: proportional representation; Senate: equal representation.
Memory trick: Great compromise made Senate equal, and House proportional for all.