The Tension Mounts. Europe and America. Summary and Analysis

The division between the states is growing worse, as the delegates grow more tired. Now meeting in Convention, the delegates are deadlocked over apportioning representation. The proposal that states have equal representation in the Senate is put forward. Madison strongly opposes this, and Wilson agrees. The small states fear that the larger ones will dominate them without equal representation. Madison's words offend Ellsworth of Connecticut, who protests openly to Washington.

Franklin urges compromise, but the arguments become more serious. Gunning Bedford of Delaware sums up the issue by addressing the delegates of the three largest states, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia. "I do not, gentlemen, trust you," he says. (p. 131) He predicts that in order to protect themselves from larger states, smaller ones may band together or even join forces with a...