Which phrase best describes the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, established a crucial framework for the United States Congress during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The correct option highlights that the compromise resulted in a bicameral legislature, which is composed of two separate chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

In this structure, the House of Representatives is based on state populations, meaning that larger states have more representatives than smaller states. This was designed to ensure that the interests of the populous states were adequately represented. At the same time, the Senate grants each state equal representation, with two senators per state, regardless of population. This aspect was crucial for smaller states to feel secure and have a voice in the federal government, preventing larger states from having undue influence.

This balanced approach aimed to satisfy both the populous and smaller states, leading to a more equitable representation system that has endured throughout U.S. history. Understanding the significance of these two separate methods of representation is essential for grasping the foundations of American legislative structure and the compromises that shaped it.