What Were the Three Major Agreements Made under the Connecticut Compromise

The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was a crucial turning point in the drafting of the United States Constitution. This compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and played a significant role in shaping the structure of the federal government. In this article, we will explore the three major agreements made under the Connecticut Compromise and their impact on the country`s history.

1. The Bicameral Legislature

The first major agreement that emerged from the Connecticut Compromise was the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate. This was a pivotal moment in American history because it established a system of checks and balances, ensuring that neither the large nor small states had too much power. By creating two separate chambers, the Connecticut Compromise allowed for equal representation in the Senate, where each state is represented by two senators, and proportional representation in the House of Representatives, where each state is allocated representatives based on its population.

2. The Three-Fifths Compromise

The second major agreement reached under the Connecticut Compromise was the Three-Fifths Compromise. This agreement resolved the contentious issue of how to count slaves in the population. It was agreed that for representation and taxation purposes, slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This agreement was a significant compromise because it allowed the new government to move forward by appeasing both the slave-owning and non-slave-owning states.

3. The Commerce Compromise

The Commerce Compromise, the third major agreement made under the Connecticut Compromise, addressed the role of the federal government in regulating interstate commerce. The southern states wanted to protect their own economic interests, while the northern states wanted the federal government to have more control over commerce. It was agreed that Congress would have the power to regulate commerce, but that it would not be able to put any taxes on exports or prevent the slave trade for at least 20 years.

Conclusion

The Connecticut Compromise was a pivotal moment in American history, as it helped to create a federal government that has stood the test of time. The establishment of a bicameral legislature, the Three-Fifths Compromise, and the Commerce Compromise were all crucial agreements that helped ensure a balanced representation of states and addressed contentious issues that threatened to derail the drafting of the Constitution. These agreements helped to create a nation that has thrived for over two centuries, and they continue to shape American politics to this day.