NOT JOKING The Great Compromise
(Populated States vs. the Less Populated States)

Perhaps the biggest arguments during the Constitutional Convention came when delegates of the convention argued how representation to the government should be divided between the states. States with large populations wanted to be represented in Congress based on the population of each state. The bigger the population, the more representatives that state sent to Congress. This was known as the Virginia Plan.
The states with smaller populations did not agree. They thought the population should not matter. They thought each state should send an equal amount of representatives to Congress. This was known as the New Jersey Plan.
How the founding fathers settled this argument was called the Great Compromise. They decided that Congress would be divided into 2 chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each would have a different method to determine how many members from each state would be sent to Congress.

What’s the Difference?

Article 1 of the Constitution established some clear differences between the House and Senate. Read through the differences below and choose whether or not the statement applies to the House, the Senate, or Both (House & Senate) as a whole. Circle or highlight the correct answer.

Representation is based on the New Jersey Plan.

House Senate Both

A candidate must be at least 25 years old.

House Senate Both

They can serve an unlimited amount of terms.

House Senate Both

Representation is based on the Virginia Plan.

House Senate Both

All members serve a two-year term.

House Senate Both

Brings the charges of impeachment.

House Senate Both

Members serve a term of six years.

House Senate Both

They must approve the President’s choice for the Supreme Court.

House Senate Both

They are members of Congress.

House Senate Both

It has the most members.

House Senate Both

Has the power to propose bills. (Make laws)

House Senate Both

Members must be 30 years old.

House Senate Both

The Speaker presides over this chamber.

House Senate Both

The minority party can filibuster to stop a bill by the majority party.

House Senate Both

Serves as the jury in an impeachment trial.

House Senate Both

Meet in the nation’s Capitol building.

House Senate Both

Has the power to approve treaties.

House Senate Both

Has the power to approve Presidential appointments for federal offices.

House Senate Both

The “power of the purse,” to tax and spend public money for the national government.

House Senate Both

The Vice President presides in this chamber.

House Senate Both