Missouri Compromise Theme of Compromise

It should come as no shock that perhaps the single most fundamental theme of the Missouri Compromise is, well, compromise.

While the majority of this compromising was between factions within Congress, it was also between the federal and state government. The Feds gave a little in granting state status and in allowing self-determination, while Missouri gave a little in allowing Congress final say on the content of their constitution.

1. How evenly distributed were the compromises between state and federal powers? Which side came out on top?
2. Was it necessary that the federal government make any compromises at all?
3. How might Missouri have responded to stricter demands by the federal government?
4. How was the compromise both a great success and an enormous failure?

The compromises between state and federal power within the Missouri Compromise represent one of the great successes of the American system of checks and balances, allowing state and federal power to coexist within the rule of law.

The imbalance in bargaining power between the state of Missouri and Congress resulted in a slightly lopsided series of compromises. The Federal government won out, despite making numerous concessions to the state of Missouri.