Great Compromise
An agreement that large and small states established a two-house legislature under the US Constitution
Real World Example
The Great Compromise, reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was crucial because it balanced the interests of both large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature. It established the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population. This compromise highlighted the ongoing tension between states' rights and federal authority, a debate that continues in modern politics. Today, it impacts people's lives by ensuring that both state and individual voices are considered in federal decision-making, influencing laws and policies that affect everyday issues like education and healthcare. For example, a small state like Vermont has the same number of senators as a large state like California, ensuring equal state representation in important legislative decisions.
