The Great Debate: Virginia Plan vs New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan:
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, suggested a bicameral legislature with representation based on the population of each state. This meant that larger states would have more representatives in the legislature, giving them more influence in decision-making processes.
The plan also included a national executive branch and judiciary, creating a strong central government with the power to enforce laws and maintain order.
New Jersey Plan:
On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan, put forward by William Paterson, advocated for a unicameral legislature where each state would have an equal vote. This was viewed as a way to ensure that smaller states would not be overshadowed by larger states in the decision-making process.
The plan aimed to preserve the sovereignty of individual states while still allowing for a central government to handle national issues.
Impact on the Constitutional Convention: The debate between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan was a significant moment at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It highlighted the differing interests and priorities of the states, ultimately leading to a compromise known as the Great Compromise or Connecticut Compromise. This compromise resulted in the creation of a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population (as in the Virginia Plan) and the Senate with equal representation for each state (reflecting the New Jersey Plan).