Final answer:
The method used for determining states' population was an important debate at the Constitutional Convention due to its impact on representation. The compromise reached was to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method used for determining states' population was an important debate at the Constitutional Convention because it directly impacted representation in the government. There were different opinions on whether enslaved individuals should be counted as part of a state's population and how they should be counted. The three-fifths compromise was eventually reached, which counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for the purpose of representation.
There were two main plans proposed during the convention: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan, put forth by larger states, advocated for representation based on population size. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan, supported by smaller states, proposed equal representation for each state.
The compromise that emerged from this debate was the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise. This compromise suggested a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.
The issue was significant because it addressed the concerns of both large and small states, striking a balance between the principle of representation based on population size and the protection of the interests of smaller states. This compromise was crucial in securing the agreement of the states to the new Constitution and establishing the framework for representation in the U.S. Congress. The decision on population representation also had implications for the distribution of electoral votes in presidential elections, further underscoring its importance in shaping the political structure of the fledgling nation.