The Creative Compromise: A Peek into the Constitutional Convention

One of the major points of contention was the representation in the legislative branch. The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on the population of each state. This would give larger states more influence in decision-making.

On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, presented by William Paterson, advocated for a unicameral legislature with each state having equal representation. This plan was favored by smaller states as it ensured that they would have a voice in the government equal to that of larger states.

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a breakthrough agreement that eventually resolved the debate over representation. It proposed a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

This compromise struck a balance between the competing interests of large and small states, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Constitution. It laid the foundation for the structure of the U.S. Congress that we see today, reflecting the spirit of compromise and cooperation that defines American democracy.