Final answer:
The framers established a bicameral Congress to balance the interests of small and large states, fix the failures of the unicameral Articles of Confederation, and create an efficient, powerful legislative system. This was partly inspired by the British Parliament but with a democratic twist, ensuring fair representation and thoughtfully crafted legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bicameral Nature of Congress
The decision by the framers to establish a bicameral Congress during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a significant moment in American history. This structure was both a compromise to balance the interests of small and large states, and was designed to address the inadequacies of the then-governing unicameral system under the Articles of Confederation. The House of Representatives was created to represent the people directly with representation based on population, while the Senate was established to defend the interests of states with equal representation. The need for a more effective national government was made evident by the failure of the Articles of Confederation, which led to the consensus that a stronger, more efficient legislative body was necessary.
In designing the bicameral legislature, the founders took inspiration from the British Parliament, but aimed to create a more democratic system. Furthermore, the debates and compromises at the Constitutional Convention not only resulted in the establishment of the two chambers of Congress, the House and the Senate, but also in the foundational principles of bicameralism in the United States. This system was meant to ensure that different segments of society would be fairly represented and that legislation could be created in a more thoughtful and durable manner.
Concerns about political rights and suffrage also influenced the final design of the Constitution, as the debates over the constitution in 1778 revealed a public desire for the political rights of 'ordinary men' to be acknowledged. Despite the initial rejection of the first draft of the constitution by the public, the principles behind a bicameral legislature ultimately prevailed, codifying a legislative process that separates powers between two distinct houses, each with its own specific roles and functions.