How many states ratified the Great compromise?

Answer 1

Would you believe FIVE? (of perhaps six, then five?)

From the link he provides, I believe Staisil is thinking of how many states (by their OWN conventions) had to later ratify the Constitution. That number was indeed 9 of the 13 (or 2/3), though in the end ALL 13 did so.

But I take it you're asking about the specific votes by which the "Great Compromise" or "Connecticut Plan" was adopted by the Constitutional Convention

In fact, NO vote on the representation debates at the Constitutional Convention EVER received as many as nine votes! (If any matter received seven votes of the 10 or 11 states represented, that was high!)

Note first that this "Compromise" happened through TWO separate votes, three weeks apart. (In a sense there was NO compromise until the second vote took place, so if you're after ONE vote on the matter, that would be it.)

1) first vote - the the "first branch" (eventually named the "House of Representatives") should have proportionate representation (though the issue voted on was stated as NOT following the rule used in the Articles of Confederation)

2) second vote - on equal representation in the "second branch" (later "Senate)

(Note that only 11 states were present for the first vote, 10 for the second [NY not there for a time, NH had left, RI never sent a delegation], and that passage of motions was by a simple majority of states VOTING [abstentions or equally divided state delegations ignored in the total needed])


Here, from Madison's notes to the Constitutional Convention are the questions voted on, and the totals:

June 29
On the motion to agree to the clause as reported, "that the rule of suffrage in the 1st. branch ought not to be according to that established by the articles of Confederation."

Ay (6) - MA, PA, VA, NC, SC, GA
No (4) - CT, NY, NJ, DE
. . . divided - MD
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/debates/629.htm

July 16
On the question for agreeing to the whole Report as amended & including the equality of votes in the 2d. branch. it passed in the Affirmative.

Ay (5) - CT, DE, NJ, MD, NC
No (4) - PA, VA, SC, GA
. . . divided - MA
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/debates/716.htm

In short, the "Great Compromise" passed by a vote of 5-4, that the division of MA was also necessary and that ONLY North Carolina voted "Ay" on BOTH questions (kudos, Tarheels!)

Answer 2

Nine