Question: What is the Great Compromise?

Answer: Two plans were put forth during the Constitutional Convention to create the new branches of government. The Virginia Plan wanted a strong national government with three branches. The legislature would have two houses. One would be directly elected by the people and the second would selected by the first house from people nominated by the state legislatures.

Further, the president and national judiciary would be chosen by the national legislature. On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan wanted a more decentralized plan amending the old Articles yet allowing for a somewhat stronger government. Each state would have one vote in Congress.

The Great Compromise combined these two plans creating our current legislature with two houses, one based on population and elected by the people and the other house allowing two senators per state being appointed by state legislatures.

Learn more about the US Constitution:

• Who is the known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?
• What were the Federalist Papers?
• Who were the chief anti-federalists?
• What was the order for ratification of the Constitution?
• What rights and liberties are guaranteed within the body of the Constitution?
• What is the necessary and proper clause?
• What does the Constitution say about slavery?
• What are the Bill of Rights?
• What methods are allowed for amending the Constitution?
• How many amendments have been added to the Constitution?