The Agreement to Have a Two-Part National Legislature Meant Quizlet

2023年1月12日

The agreement to have a two-part national legislature, also known as the Great Compromise, was a crucial moment in the drafting of the United States Constitution. This compromise ultimately led to the establishment of the federal government we know today, with Congress consisting of both a House of Representatives and a Senate.

The origins of the Great Compromise can be traced back to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Delegates from each state gathered to create a new governing document that would replace the weak Articles of Confederation. However, the delegates quickly realized that they had fundamentally different ideas about how the new government should be structured.

Some delegates advocated for a legislature that was based solely on population, while others believed that each state should have an equal say in the new government. The larger states, such as Virginia and Pennsylvania, argued that their populations should be the basis for representation in the new Congress. Meanwhile, smaller states, such as Delaware and New Jersey, argued that each state should have equal representation.

After weeks of debate and discussion, the delegates were deadlocked. It seemed impossible to find a solution that would satisfy both large and small states. That`s when Connecticut delegate Roger Sherman stepped in with a proposal that would eventually become known as the Great Compromise.

Under this compromise, Congress would feature two distinct chambers. The House of Representatives would be based on population, with larger states receiving more representatives than smaller states. The Senate, on the other hand, would give each state equal representation, with two senators per state.

The Great Compromise was a brilliant solution that managed to balance the concerns of both large and small states. It ensured that every state had at least some influence in the national government, while also giving larger states a greater say in issues of national importance.

Without the Great Compromise, it`s possible that the United States might look very different today. The Constitution might not have been ratified, and our system of government could be vastly different. But thanks to the wisdom and compromise of the delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention, we have a strong and effective government that has endured for over two centuries.

In conclusion, the agreement to have a two-part national legislature, or the Great Compromise, was a pivotal moment in the creation of the United States Constitution. This compromise successfully addressed the concerns of both large and small states and established the foundation of our federal government. The Great Compromise remains a testament to the power of compromise and collaboration in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.