<P> James Madison and Hamilton were two of the leaders of the proportional representation group . Madison argued that a conspiracy of large states against the small states was unrealistic as the large states were so different from each other . Hamilton argued that the states were artificial entities made up of individuals, and accused small state representatives of wanting power, not liberty (see History of the United States Senate). </P> <P> For their part, the small state representatives argued that the states were, in fact, of a legally equal status, and that proportional representation would be unfair to their states . Gunning Bedford, Jr. of Delaware notoriously threatened on behalf of the small states, "the small ones w (ould) find some foreign ally of more honor and good faith, who will take them by the hand and do them justice ." </P> <P> Elbridge Gerry ridiculed the small states' claim of sovereignty, saying "that we never were independent States, were not such now, & never could be even on the principles of the Confederation . The States & the advocates for them were intoxicated with the idea of their sovereignty ." </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards . The specific problem is: this section is disorganized and repetitive, stating the same information multiple times in different orders so it is difficult to understand the actual sequence of events Please help improve this section if you can . (May 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

The great compromise concerned which of the following issues