What major debate concerned the representation of large and small states at the Constitutional Convention?

The correct answer focuses on a fundamental debate at the Constitutional Convention regarding the structure of representation in the new government. The Convention faced significant contention over how states, regardless of size or population, would be represented in the legislative branches of government.

Larger states advocated for representation based on population, which would give them more power, while smaller states pushed for equal representation regardless of size to ensure their voices were heard and protected. This conflict culminated in the Connecticut Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. Understanding this debate is crucial as it framed how power was distributed among states and laid the groundwork for the federal government that we operate under today.

Considering the other aspects noted in the question, taxation policies and the distribution of federal vs. state powers were significant but emerged from the primary focus on representation. The Electoral College similarly relates to representation but is a more specific outcome of these broader discussions. Thus, the major debate about how to balance power and representation remains central to discussions about the Constitution.