What did the Great Compromise establish for the legislative branch?

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This compromise established a bicameral legislature, which consists of two separate chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives is based on population, allowing states with larger populations to have more representatives, while the Senate provides equal representation for each state, with two senators per state regardless of size. This structure was designed to balance the interests of both populous and less populous states, ensuring that all states had a voice in the legislative process while also reflecting the population's representation.

In contrast to a unicameral legislature, where there is only one legislative body, the bicameral system allows for more thorough debate and consideration of legislation, as bills must be approved by both chambers. This dual-chamber framework is foundational to how the legislative branch operates in the United States today.