Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Definition

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that created a two-house legislature, with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.

Analogy

Imagine you're deciding where to go for dinner with your family. Your parents want to go to a fancy restaurant because they're paying (like larger states wanting more say), but you and your siblings want fast food. You compromise by going to a nice place that also has burgers and fries on the menu - this is like how the Great Compromise created a system that satisfied both large and small states.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses.

House of Representatives: The lower house of U.S Congress where representation is based on state's population.

Senate: The upper house of U.S Congress where each state gets equal representation irrespective of its size or population.