Final answer:
The Great Compromise combined the New Jersey Plan's concept of equal state representation in the Senate with the Virginia Plan's idea of population-based representation in the House of Representatives, creating the bicameral legislature of the US Congress.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Did the Great Compromise Do?
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which helped shape the structure of the US Congress. It merged aspects of the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan into a bicameral legislative system, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each state would have equal representation in the Senate with two senators, which was a key feature of the New Jersey Plan favoring smaller states. Representation in the House of Representatives would be based on population, aligning with the Virginia Plan and benefiting more populous states. Senators were originally appointed by state legislatures and served six-year terms, while members of the House were elected by the people and served two-year terms.