Title: American Law
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The great compromise of 1787
At this time the country was making its first steps in equality and the promotion of democracy. A great debate was taking place; this involved the representation of different states in the congress. This was a matter of great concern to all parties because the congress was to be the law making branch of the national government. Every state wanted equal representation in the congress, but how would the equal number of representatives be arrived at?
The first suggestion was to have the states which were more populous to have a larger representation than those with smaller populations. This suggestion was supported by members in the states with higher populations. The suggestion was referred to as the Virginia plan. The more populated a state was, the higher its representation in the congress.
The second suggestion was to have one representative per state. This was what seemed as a fair suggestion to the states with low population levels. Less populous states supported this suggestion. The suggestion was referred to as the New Jersey plan.
All states came to a mutual agreement after a suggestion by Connecticut delegate at the time, Mr. Sherman to have the equality distributed on an agreed system. The system to share the positions was by having one representative for every 30,000 citizens in a particular state. This would have all citizens represented equally on the basis of the population.
This is referred to as the 1787 compromise, where states accepted the representation in the congress to be based on the population of each state in classes of 30,000 citizens.
The Connecticut compromise
The Connecticut compromise is the compromise made by delegates of all states in a constitutional conference in the year 1787. The motion on which they compromised on was put forward by the Connecticut delegate for the convention, Mr. Sherman. At this time, there was a controversial debate where different states took different sides to protect their interests in the representation in the law making branch of the government.
There were different suggestions at the time that had been brought forward by different delegates. One brought the idea that representation should be in the ratio of one representative per state. This was greater opposed by the larger states which had larger populations. Those who opposed this claimed that the issue of equality would only be resolved if the larger states were given a larger number of representatives than smaller states.
Mr. Sherman came up with the solution, where a standard population size would be awarded on representative in the congress. The special number in this case was 30,000. Per every 30,000 citizens in each state, the country got one representative. Mr. Sherman offered to take his time and go through the process of getting representatives for each state given his format.
This was referred to as the Connecticut compromise because it was suggested and advocated for by delegates from Connecticut in the constitution convention. The compromise also provided for two members to represent each state in the senate. The compromise was a blend of proposals, the New Jersey proposal and the Virginia proposal.
During the constitution convection of 1787, the state of Connecticut was represented by two delegates, Oliver Ellsworth and roger Sherman. The compromise suggestion was their brain child. It took in considerations by both suggestions that had been made earlier. The name Connecticut compromise rose because the compromise was suggested by delegates from Connecticut.
Why does the American Government have a Bicameral Legislature?
A bicameral legislature refers to a legislature with two houses. The main concept behind the bicameral legislature in America was to have a senate that was well equipped with decision makers. Members of the senate were to be put in this position by state representatives/legislatures. In early days of the system, senators were chosen from the top class of the wealthy people. At the time they were perceived as best fit to serve.
In 1787 the great compromise brought about change in functions of the senate. All states were given equal share of participation in the senate. The American constitution provides for a bicameral legislature. This is another reason why the American government has a bicameral legislature, the country aims at following the provisions in the constitution to the letter.
The legislature is the law making branch of the federal and state government. There are two houses in the American congress, however unlike in other countries where the same form of legislature exists, in America there is no upper and lower branch. Both houses operate at an equal level.
Why did Delaware ratify the constitution first before the other states?
The state of Delaware is recorded as the first state to approve the American constitution. In some contexts it is referred to as the first state when discussing about the American constitution. The process scripting and having the American constitution approved took a period of four years. During this period conventions were attended, the last convention was in 1787. After this convention, each state was given time to select a committee which would decide whether to approve or reject the constitution. The process of making such a decision is long and requires some time. However, the state of Delaware was so quick in giving its feedback regarding the constitution.
The vote for ratification was 30 against 0, meaning that all delegates voted for the approval of the constitution. This was because all delegates found that the constitution favored their state and wanted the citizens of Delaware to fully enjoy the benefits of the constitution. Delegates acted in the best interest of the citizens they were representing. The state of Delaware was among the few states that had undisputed ratification of the constitution where all delegates voted as a block for the constitution to be approved.
In conclusion
The constitutional congress of 1787 was a landmark event in America’s history that set the pace for American institutions including the arms of government. Adapting a bicameral legislature gives the two houses of congress an opportunity to preside over law making functions of the government. The state of Delaware is referred to as the first state since it was the first state to approve the constitution. Not only was it the first state to ratify the constitution but also with a high rate of approval. All delegates voted for the constitution.
Reference
Morton, J. C. (2006). Shapers of the great debate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 a biographical dictionary. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
