Great Compromise

1. Understanding the Virginia and
New Jersey Plans

2. I. Main Idea
•Delegates to the Constitutional
Convention of 1787 had to compromise
on key issues in order to complete a
new constitution.

3. II.The Virginia Plan
•A. Proposed three separate branches of
government (executive, legislative, and
judicial).
•B. Congress would consist of two houses –
House of Representatives and the Senate.
•In both houses representation based on
population.
•Small states feared this plan.
•Why?

4. III.The New Jersey Plan
•A. Proposed three branches of government.
•B. Congress would consist of only one
house.
•C. Each state would have one vote
regardless of population.

5. IV.The Great Compromise
•A. Proposed by Roger Sherman (Conn.)
•B. Called for a two-house legislature.
•C. Lower House = House of
Representatives (seats based on population).
•D. Upper House = Senate
•E. All states have equal representation (2
senators per state).
•F. What a Great Compromise!