Question

Suppose you are a delegate at the Constitutional Convention. Write a journal entry describing the arguments from each side of the debate that led to the Connecticut Compromise.

Answer 1

Journal Entry:

Supporters of the Jersey Plan mostly come from the larger states like New York or New Jersey. They believe that the seats of Congress should be distributed according to the states population. This plan clearly benefits the larger states.

Supporters of the Virginia Plan mostly come from the smaller states and the South. They feel that the seats of Congress should be distributed equally among the states, regardless of population size. This plan clearly benefits the least populated states.

A compromise should be reached that benefits both sides. Perhaps a bicameral Congress with one chamber benefiting the most populated states, and the other chamber benefiting the least populated states.