Congress for Kids: [Constitution]: Word Spy

Constitution

Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Signing the Constitution Ratifying the Constitution Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

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What did the states think of the Great Compromise?

How did the Great Compromise cause the two chambers of Congress to differ in a number of ways?

Should politicians compromise on core principals? Is compromise sometimes essential to effective government?

Do you think the Great Compromise, which resulted in two houses of Congress, is still a good idea today?

The Compromise of the Century

The Great Compromise

Uncle Sam, the word spy, wants you to take a minute and test your knowledge.

Match the word(s) in the left-hand column to complete the questions or statements in the right-hand column. Check your answers.

The Virginia Plan	A. Who proposed what came to be known as the Great Compromise?
Roger Sherman	B. Proposed a two-house legislature with the number of lower house seats determined by population and the number of Senate seats equal for every state.
The Great Compromise	C. The Great Compromise proposed that a state's __________ would determine its representation in the House of Representatives.
New Jersey Plan	D. Unicameral Legislature
land area	E. Proposed 3 branches of government, 2 houses of Congress (House of Rep. & Senate) with members based on population.

Return to Tour

The Great Compromise saved the Constitutional Convention, and, probably, the Union. Authored by Connecticut delegate Roger Sherman, it called for proportional representation in the House, and one representative per state in the Senate (this was later changed to two.) The compromise passed 5-to-4, with one state, Massachusetts, “divided.”

Projects You Can Do

Create your own solution to the problem of representation at the Constitutional Convention and read primary sources to gain different perspectives on the compromise that was actually reached. The project concludes with students creating a cartoon depiction of the final compromise. Students will explain what the Great Compromise was and evaluate its significance; explain how the Great Compromise exists in our government today; explain why we have 2 houses in Congress; name the 2 houses of Congress and explain the system of representation each house uses; and distinguish between and explain the meaning of equal and proportional representation. Learn more at:

The Great Compromise - A House Divided

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