Once the delegates settled the Great Compromise, which resolved the issue of representation by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate, they next tackled the issue of federal supremacy and the powers of Congress
. Specifically, on July 17, the delegates worked to define congressional powers, including the authority of Congress to legislate in areas where states were incompetent and the supremacy of federal laws over conflicting state laws
. This followed the Virginia Plan's assertion of national government supremacy and was a key step in balancing state versus federal powers after resolving representation
