The ability to compromise is crucial in a representative democracy, as it allows elected officials to make decisions for a large number of people by considering different perspectives. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the Great Compromise played a pivotal role in addressing the issue of fair representation of states in the Congress.

Articles of Confederation and Its Weaknesses

Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States operated as a confederation, with each state having the final say over its own affairs. While it created the first central government of the U.S. and organized territory, it had significant weaknesses. The Articles lacked an executive branch, the power to create taxes, a separate judicial branch, and the ability to control trade among states and with other nations. The requirement of unanimous agreement of the states to amend the Articles posed a major obstacle to effective governance.

Shays' Rebellion and Its Significance

Shays' Rebellion, a series of protests by farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-1787 over state laws and taxes, exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The lack of a national military force or executive branch to quell the rebellion underscored the need for a stronger central government.

The Call for a New Constitution

Recognizing the need for revisions to strengthen the national government, the framers sought to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new constitution.

Virginia and New Jersey Plans

At the Constitutional Convention, the issue of representation in Congress led to the proposal of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan, promoted by James Madison, advocated for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature and state representation based on population. On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, presented by William Paterson, proposed a unicameral legislature where each state had an equal number of votes.

The Great Compromise

Delegates at the Constitutional Convention, including Roger Sherman of Connecticut, reached an agreement known as the Great Compromise. This historic compromise established a bicameral Congress, with the Senate providing equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives based on state population.

The Great Compromise addressed the concerns of both small and large states, allowing each to have some of what they wanted. The Senate, with two senators per state, offered equal representation, while the House of Representatives was based on state population, giving larger states greater influence. Both houses were required to work together to approve legislation before it could become law.

In conclusion, the Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 played a critical role in addressing the issue of state representation in Congress, paving the way for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.