Who played a critical role in the formulation of the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was pivotal in shaping the United States Constitution by balancing the needs of both populous and less populous states. Henry Clay is notably associated with various compromises in the 19th century, but he was not involved in the formulation of the Great Compromise, which occurred during the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

The correct individual here is Roger Sherman, whose contributions were instrumental in devising the compromise that established a bicameral legislature, incorporating both equal representation for states in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives. This compromise effectively addressed the competing interests of large and small states.

While James Madison, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were crucial figures in American history, specifically regarding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, they did not directly frame the Great Compromise. Understanding this historical context clarifies why focus on the key architects, like Sherman, rather than on notable figures like Clay, is essential for accurately grasping the developments during the Constitutional Convention.