Question

1. how did this event help lead to the constitutional convention?
2. the constitutional convention & compromises
3. explain the disagreement between large and small states over representation.
4. describe how the great compromise solved this conflict.
5. explain the purpose of the three - fifths compromise and why it was controversial.
6. why was compromise necessary for the constitution to be created?

Explanation:

Sub - question 1: Explain the disagreement between large and small states over representation.

Large states (e.g., Virginia) wanted representation in Congress based on population. They argued that since they had more people, they should have more representatives to reflect their larger share of the nation's population and tax base. Small states (e.g., New Jersey) feared that if representation was based on population, large states would dominate the legislative process and their interests would be ignored. So, they wanted equal representation for each state, regardless of population size, to ensure that smaller states had an equal voice in the government.

The Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise) created a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives has representation based on the population of each state (satisfying large states). The Senate has equal representation, with two senators per state (satisfying small states). This way, both large and small states got a form of representation that addressed their concerns: large states have influence based on population in the House, and small states have equal power in the Senate.

Purpose: The Three - Fifths Compromise was about counting enslaved people for representation and taxation. Southern states (with many enslaved people) wanted to count enslaved people to increase their population for more representatives in the House. Northern states opposed this as enslaved people were not considered full citizens and were not given the right to vote. The compromise counted each enslaved person as three - fifths of a free person for both representation (to determine the number of House seats) and direct taxation purposes. Controversial because: Enslaved people were treated as property, not full human beings, yet were used to boost the political power of slave - holding states. It also highlighted the moral contradiction of a nation founded on liberty using a system that dehumanized a group of people for political and economic gain.

Answer:

Large states wanted representation based on population (more people = more representatives) to reflect their population and tax base. Small states wanted equal representation per state to avoid domination by large states and to have an equal voice.

Sub - question 2: Describe how the Great Compromise solved this conflict.