Final answer:
The Great Compromise was a critical agreement during the U.S. Constitutional Convention that led to the creation of a bicameral legislature, balancing the interests of both large and small states. It included the House of Representatives, based on population, and the Senate, with equal representation for each state. This arrangement was essential for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and the establishment of the federal government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the U.S. Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise resolved a large-scale debate between larger states, which wanted representation proportional to population, and smaller states, which demanded equal representation. The key points of the Great Compromise include the creation of a bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives, which would represent the states based on population, and the Senate, where each state would have two senators regardless of its size.
The Great Compromise was crucial in shaping the federal form of government by balancing the interests of states with large and small populations. It provided a fair and effective system of representation that was acceptable to various factions, thus paving the way for the ratification of the United States Constitution. The bicameral structure also laid the groundwork for the system of checks and balances, which is fundamental in preventing any single branch of government from becoming too powerful.
In conclusion, the Great Compromise was instrumental in the founding of the United States. It established a dual system of representation that both honored the principle of population-based representation and ensured equal representation of states. This compromise has had a lasting impact on the nation's legislative structure and its democratic principles.