Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan: Reflecting on the Constitutional Convention of 1787

What were the primary differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

Were the goals of both plans aligned in certain aspects?

Answer:

The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were two prominent proposals put forth during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, each reflecting the contrasting needs and perspectives of larger and smaller states. The Virginia Plan advocated for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, favoring larger states. On the other hand, the New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, irrespective of size. Despite these differences, both plans shared common objectives.

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 served as a pivotal moment in American history, where delegates gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and establish a more effective system of government. During this convention, the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan emerged as two contrasting proposals, reflecting the diverse interests of the states.

The Virginia Plan, championed by states with larger populations, aimed to create a two-house legislature where representation would be based on the size of each state. This would give more influence to larger states in decision-making processes, reflecting their desire for greater power and representation. On the contrary, the New Jersey Plan, supported by smaller states, called for a single-house legislature with equal representation for all states. This was seen as a mechanism to prevent larger states from overpowering smaller ones within the national legislature.

While the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan had distinct features, they both shared common goals. Both plans sought to establish a stronger federal government with the authority to regulate commerce and levy taxes. This overarching objective of strengthening the central government and enhancing its capacity to govern effectively was a unifying factor between the two proposals.