What Was the Biggest Disagreement during the Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a pivotal moment in American history. It was during this gathering that the founding fathers came together to craft the United States Constitution, a document that would shape the course of the nation for centuries to come. However, the convention was not without its disagreements, and one of the most significant disputes was over the issue of representation.

At the time of the convention, the 13 states were split over how to determine the number of representatives each state should have in the newly formed federal government. Some states, such as Virginia, advocated for a system known as proportional representation. Under this plan, the number of representatives a state would have in the national government would be based on its population. This would give larger states more power and influence in the new system.

Other states, such as New Jersey, favored a system of equal representation. This plan would give each state an equal number of representatives, regardless of its size or population. This would ensure that smaller states would have a voice in the proceedings and not be drowned out by the larger states.

The disagreement between these two plans threatened to derail the entire process of creating a new government. However, after much debate and compromise, the framers of the Constitution ultimately settled on a system of bicameralism, with a House of Representatives and a Senate.

In the House of Representatives, seats would be apportioned based on population, giving more power to the larger states. In the Senate, however, each state would have two representatives, giving smaller states an equal voice in the proceedings. This compromise allowed for a balance of power between the large and small states, ensuring that neither group could dominate the other.

The debate over representation at the Constitutional Convention was a significant moment in American history. It highlighted the difficulties of crafting a new government and the importance of finding compromise and balance in the process. Today, the system of bicameralism and the balance of power it provides remains a fundamental part of American government.