The Connecticut Compromise: Key Points of the 1787 Plan

Core Provisions of the Connecticut (Great) Compromise

1. Bicameral Legislature: House of Representatives (population-based) + Senate (equal state representation: 2 each).
2. House Apportionment: Seats allocated by state population; direct election by people.
3. Senate Selection: Originally chosen by state legislatures (17th Amendment later changed to direct election).
4. Single Executive: President elected by Electoral College (not legislature as initially proposed).
5. Federal Judiciary: Supreme Court + inferior courts established by Congress.
6. Amendment Process: 2/3 both Houses + ratification by 3/4 of states.

This plan merged the Virginia (large-state) and New Jersey (small-state) plans, forming the backbone of the U.S. Constitution.