Great Compromise

The Great Compromise (also called the Connecticut Compromise or Sherman's Compromise^[1]) was worked out in the Constitutional Convention in 1789. The Compromise settled the debate over legislative representation between proponents of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

The compromise was the work of the three delegates from Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Oliver Ellsworth, and William Samuel Johnson.^[2]

Virginia Plan[edit]

The Virginia Plan proposed representation by population, a Bicameral Legislature, and a new Constitution. The larger states supported this plan.^[3]

New Jersey Plan[edit]

The New Jersey Plan proposed a Unicameral Legislature with one vote per state, and a simple revision of the Articles. The smaller states supported this plan, as it gave them more power.^[3]

Connecticut Compromise[edit]

Roger Sherman probably made the most lasting impact, with his proposal to establish a bicameral legislature (Congress) as proposed in the Virginia Plan.^[4] The upper house (Senate) was to contain two votes per state, with Senators chosen by state legislatures. The lower house (House of Representatives) was based on population, with representatives chosen by the people. The Great Compromise also called for the Articles of Confederation to be completely replaced.

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