Big States vs. Small States Flashcards
What was the main issue between large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
How representation in Congress should be determined.
What was the Virginia Plan, and who proposed it?
Proposed by James Madison, it favored large states by basing representation on population in a bicameral legislature.
How would representation work under the Virginia Plan?
One house would be elected by the people, and the other would be chosen by state legislatures, both based on population.
What did the New Jersey Plan propose?
A unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of size, ensuring equal representation for small states.
How did the executive branch differ between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans?
The Virginia Plan called for a single executive (president), while the New Jersey Plan suggested a multi-person executive.
What was the Great Compromise, and what did it establish?
It created a bicameral Congress, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate giving each state two representatives.
Why was the Great Compromise important?
It balanced power between large and small states, helping to unite the country under the new Constitution.
How did the Great Compromise ensure fairness in passing laws?
Most legislation required approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, giving both large and small states a say.
What role does the House of Representatives play in Congress today?
It represents states based on population, giving larger states more influence in legislative decisions.
What role does the Senate play in Congress today?
It ensures equal representation by giving each state two senators, regardless of population.
