The Federal Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise or Connecticut Compromise, was a crucial agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. It resolved a significant conflict between large states and small states regarding representation in the new federal legislature, the United States Congress. The compromise paved the way for the ratification of the United States Constitution and the creation of a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Key Points of the Federal Compromise:
1. The Bicameral Legislature:
The Federal Compromise established a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure addressed the primary concerns of both large and small states.
2. Proportional Representation in the House:
The House of Representatives would have members elected directly by the people in proportion to each state's population. This provision satisfied the large states, which had larger populations and wanted their representation to reflect the size of their electorates.
3. Equal Representation in the Senate:
Each state would have equal representation in the Senate, with two senators regardless of its population. This provision appeased the small states, as it guaranteed them an equal voice in the legislative process, irrespective of their size or population.
4. Three-Fifths Compromise:
The compromise also included the Three-Fifths Compromise, which was meant to address the issue of slavery. It stipulated that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted when determining a state's total population for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. This provision benefited Southern states with a substantial enslaved population, as it effectively increased their political influence.
5. Ratification Process:
According to the Federal Compromise, the proposed Constitution would be ratified if approved by conventions in at least nine states. This provision ensured a balance between the small states, which preferred a unanimous or supermajority ratification requirement, and the large states, which supported a simple majority ratification process.
The Federal Compromise was instrumental in bridging the differences between large and small states and facilitating the eventual ratification of the United States Constitution. It demonstrated a willingness to make concessions and find common ground among the Founding Fathers, resulting in a governing framework that has stood the test of time.