What did the Connecticut Plan, also known as the Great Compromise, establish?

The Connecticut Plan, commonly referred to as the Great Compromise, established a two-house Congress, which is a structure that includes both a Senate and a House of Representatives. This compromise was crucial during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as it balanced the needs of states with large populations and those with smaller populations.

In the Senate, each state is allotted two representatives, ensuring that smaller states are not overshadowed by larger ones in legislative discussions. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives allocates representatives based on each state's population, allowing for a more proportional representation of the people. This bicameral structure was essential in achieving consensus and maintaining balance in the newly formed federal government, addressing the representation conflict that was a significant point of contention among the delegates. The establishment of a two-house Congress remains a foundational aspect of the U.S. legislative system today.