John Rutledge, a prominent figure in the early history of the United States, had a complex relationship with the Great Compromise. Initially, Rutledge was an advocate for the interests of the southern states, which often aligned with the views of small states in terms of legislative representation. He was one of the delegates from South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and played a crucial role in shaping the discussions around representation.
However, Rutledge was also a proponent of the Virginia Plan, which favored larger states and proposed representation based on population. This stance put him at odds with the smaller states that were concerned about their influence in the new government structure. The Great Compromise, crafted by Roger Sherman, established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate providing equal representation for all states and the House of Representatives based on population.
Ultimately, while Rutledge may not have fully supported every aspect of the Great Compromise, he understood the necessity of compromise in the face of differing state interests. By the time the compromise was reached, he recognized its importance in securing the ratification of the Constitution. Thus, while he may have had reservations, Rutledge did lend his support to the overall framework established by the Great Compromise.