At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, one of the biggest topics of discussion was the issue of how states should be represented in Congress. This was a contentious issue, as states with larger populations were pushing for proportional representation, while smaller states were concerned about being overshadowed.

The agreement that ultimately emerged from these debates is known as the Great Compromise. This compromise established a bicameral legislature, with one chamber (the House of Representatives) based on proportional representation and the other (the Senate) providing equal representation for each state.

Under the terms of the Great Compromise, each state would be allotted two Senators, regardless of its size or population. This was a major victory for smaller states, which would have been severely disadvantaged under a purely proportional system.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives would be based on population, with each state receiving a number of representatives proportional to its size. This meant that larger states would have greater representation in this chamber, but not to the extent that smaller states would be shut out entirely.

The Great Compromise was a critical turning point in the Constitutional Convention, as it helped to resolve one of the most contentious issues facing the delegates. Without this agreement, it is possible that the Convention would have ended in deadlock, with no consensus on how to proceed.

Today, the Great Compromise remains an important part of the framework for the American government. It ensures that smaller states have a voice in Congress, while also allowing larger states to have their views represented. This balance has helped to ensure that the American system of government remains stable and effective, even in the face of significant challenges.