• The Great Compromise is connected to both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan
• The Virginia Plan favored large states and representation by population
• The New Jersey Plan favored small states and equal representation
• The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature
• The House of Representatives and Senate were formed as a result

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.

• Why did the states disagree about representation?
• What would have happened if no compromise was reached?
• Why is it called a “compromise”?
• What powers does each house of Congress have now?
• How did this decision impact smaller and larger states differently?

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.

To the observational question, What was the Great Compromise?

LOW-LEVEL

The Great Compromise made two houses. One is based on population and one is equal.

HIGH-LEVEL

The Great Compromise is an agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that created a two-house legislature. It solved the issue of representation by giving population-based representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”