Great Compromise and Legislative Representation

In 1787, delegates from 12 of 13 states met in Philadelphia to form the U.S. government. They considered the Virginia and New Jersey plans, differing mainly in legislative structure. The Virginia Plan proposed a two-house legislature, while the New Jersey Plan suggested one. The Great Compromise resolved representation issues, giving equal Senate representation and population-based House representation. This compromise, passed on July 16, 1787, remains foundational to U.S. legislative structure.

What was the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

• The New Jersey Plan was chosen for the government structure.

• The Virginia Plan proposed a single house legislature.

• The New Jersey Plan included an executive branch.

• The Virginia Plan suggested a two-house legislature.

Which plan was ultimately used for the structure of the U.S. government?

• The Philadelphia Plan

• The Connecticut Plan

• The Virginia Plan

• The New Jersey Plan

What was the main issue that the Great Compromise aimed to resolve?

• The powers of the executive branch

• State representation in the legislature

• The role of the judicial branch

• The location of the capital

Why did larger states want representation based on population?

• They had more land area.

• They had larger populations due to more slaves.

• They had more wealth.

• They had more political influence.

Which states were primarily in favor of representation based on population?

• Southern states

• Eastern states

• Northern states

• Western states

What was the outcome of the debates in June 1787 regarding legislative representation?

• The delegates decided to abandon the convention.

• A committee was formed to find a solution.

• The New Jersey Plan was adopted.

• The Virginia Plan was rejected.

How did the Great Compromise satisfy both large and small states?

• By allowing states to choose their own representation method

• By providing equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House

• By giving all states equal representation in both houses

• By creating a third house for smaller states

What was the representation rule for the House of Representatives according to the Great Compromise?

• Each state would have one representative.

• Representation was based on land area.

• Each state would get one representative for every 30,000 people.

• Representation was based on wealth.

When was the Great Compromise passed by the delegates?

• July 4, 1787

• August 1, 1787

• July 16, 1787

• September 17, 1787

What aspect of the U.S. government remains the same 200 years later as a result of the Great Compromise?

• The representation in the legislative branch

• The powers of the judicial branch

• The structure of the executive branch

• The location of the capital