Background of the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention in 1787 aimed to resolve issues under the weak Articles of Confederation. States clashed over congressional representation and federal power. The Articles couldn't levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce, creating a toothless central government.
The main dispute was how to determine congressional representation. Two competing plans emerged:
- James Madison's Virginia Plan: Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states.
- William Paterson's New Jersey Plan: Suggested keeping the single-vote-per-state system from the Articles, appealing to smaller states.
Roger Sherman of Connecticut proposed the Great Compromise, reconciling both perspectives with a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives would have proportional representation, while the Senate would provide equal representation per state.
The compromise passed narrowly on July 16, 1787. Debates continued over counting slaves for representation, resulting in the Three-Fifths Compromise. The nature of the presidency and executive power were also contentious issues.
By the convention's end, delegates created a Constitution balancing varied interests, from state sovereignty to federal authority. The resulting federal structure would endure as the nation's foundational text.
Roger Sherman's Role and Contributions
Roger Sherman, born in 1721, rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in American politics. His diverse background as a shoemaker, surveyor, and lawyer gave him a broad perspective.
Sherman's contributions to American founding documents were unparalleled:
- Association
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Constitution
Sherman signed all four of these major documents, a unique distinction1. At the Constitutional Convention, he and Oliver Ellsworth were central to resolving contentious debates.
Sherman's pragmatic style and ability to cut through noise made him invaluable during deliberations. His Great Compromise balanced the scales between populous and smaller states, ensuring both had a voice in the new government.
Beyond the Great Compromise, Sherman influenced Congress's final structure. He advocated for checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful and championed a balanced federal structure.
"That in the new Congress there should be a representation of the states according to their respective numbers."
– Roger Sherman
Despite his significant contributions, Sherman remains relatively obscure in American history. His legacy is one of substance over style, demonstrating that wisdom and pragmatism often outweigh bombast in governance.

The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise resolved the conflict between larger states wanting proportional representation and smaller states seeking equal representation. Two plans were initially proposed:
Plan | Proposer | Description |
---|---|---|
Virginia Plan | James Madison | Bicameral legislature with representation based on population |
New Jersey Plan | William Paterson | Unicameral legislature with equal votes per state |
Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth of Connecticut proposed a compromise: a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate having equal representation. This solution balanced the interests of both large and small states.
Negotiations were intense, with even the most controversial matters, like counting slaves for representation, addressed through the Three-Fifths Compromise. The Great Compromise passed by a narrow margin on July 16, 1787.
This compromise did more than establish congressional representation; it proved that entrenched ideological adversaries could find common ground. The resulting Constitution was a pragmatic document designed to navigate the complexities of governance.
The Great Compromise's impact on American government cannot be overstated. It laid the foundation for the bicameral system still in use today, ensuring a balance between population-based representation and state equality2.
Impact on Congressional Representation
The Great Compromise's effects on congressional representation continue to shape the balance of power in American governance. The bicameral legislature established in 1787 created a dynamic between the House of Representatives and the Senate that impacts legislative outcomes.
In the House, proportional representation means populous states like California and Texas have more influence. The Senate, with equal representation for each state, acts as a counterbalance. This structure gives smaller states significant influence in national decision-making, which was the Founding Fathers' intent.
The compromise's legacy extends to the electoral college, which incorporates both population-based and state-based representation in presidential elections. This has led to instances where a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the electoral college.
In modern politics, the Senate often stalls or reshapes House-passed bills. This isn't a flaw, but a feature designed to temper quick changes with deliberation. The system forces dialogue and demands that divergent viewpoints be aired and reconciled.
The Great Compromise created a blueprint for American governance that continues to adapt and endure through the evolving political landscape. Its impact on congressional representation embodies the dual principles of fairness and balance that define the United States political system.

Roger Sherman's Legacy
Roger Sherman, despite his pivotal contributions, remains a lesser-known figure in American history compared to Jefferson or Hamilton. Sherman signed all four major American founding documents, yet his legacy is often overlooked.
Sherman's style was pragmatic and methodical rather than flamboyant. His quiet competence and straightforward approach were valued in the 18th century, though they might seem less compelling today.
By the time the Constitution was ratified, Sherman was nearing the end of his career. He passed away in 1793, missing out on shaping his legacy through continued public service in the early federal government.
Sherman's Contributions:
- Crafted the Great Compromise
- Signed all four major founding documents
- Provided pragmatic leadership during revolutionary times
- Focused on crucial aspects of governance
Sherman didn't leave behind many personal writings or engage in dramatic public acts. Instead, he focused on the crucial yet mundane aspects of governance. His strategic mind and understanding of political dynamics were key in crafting the Great Compromise and other foundational policies.
Historians acknowledge Sherman's importance, but popular history often sidelines him. His story of steadfast service doesn't translate as dramatically as the philosophical or economic strategies of other Founding Fathers.
Yet, Sherman's pragmatism was crucial for the young nation. He provided a steady hand amid revolutionary fervor, smoothing out rough edges and knitting together the fibers of a nascent country. While he may not get headlines, his work forms the basis of the nation's governmental structure.

Roger Sherman's practical approach and dedication to balanced governance were crucial in shaping the United States. His contributions, though often overshadowed, laid the groundwork for a functional republic. Remembering his role helps us appreciate the quiet yet profound influence of pragmatic leadership in our nation's history.