What did the Connecticut Compromise establish?

• A. A unicameral legislature with equal representation in the House
• B. A bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House
• C. A bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate
• D. A bicameral legislature with population-based representation in both houses

Answer: (B)

The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise of 1787, established a bicameral legislature, which means it consists of two separate chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This compromise was crucial in addressing the debate between states favoring representation based solely on population and those advocating for equal representation regardless of size.

Under the terms of this compromise, representation in the House of Representatives is based on the population of each state. This caters to the interests of larger states, as they would have more representatives due to their higher population. On the other hand, in the Senate, every state, irrespective of size, has equal representation, with two senators per state. This aspect of the compromise was designed to appease smaller states that feared losing influence in the legislative process.

The combination of these two systems of representation in the bicameral legislature allowed for a more balanced approach, ensuring that both population and state sovereignty were taken into account in the new government structure established by the U.S. Constitution. This framework remains foundational to the functioning of the U.S. Congress today.