VIRGINIA PLAN vs. NEW JERSEY PLAN
The Virginia Plan proposed
instead a legislative branch
consisting of two chambers
(bicameral legislature), in each of
which the states would be
represented in proportion to
their “Quotas of contribution, or
to the number of free
inhabitants.” States with a large
population, like Virginia (which
was the most populous state at the time), would thus have more
representatives than smaller states. Large states supported this plan,
and smaller states, which feared losing substantial power in the
national government, generally opposed it, preferring an alternative
put forward by the New Jersey delegation on June 15. The New Jersey
Plan proposed a single-chamber legislature in which each state,
regardless of size, would have one vote, as under the Articles of
Confederation.
The Virginia Plan
Branches
Three - legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature was more
powerful, as it chose people to serve in the executive and judicial
branches.
Legislature
Two houses (bicameral). The House of Representatives was elected by
the people and the Senate was elected by the state legislatures. Both
were represented proportionally.
Other Powers
The legislature could regulate interstate trade, strike down laws
deemed unconstitutional and use armed forces to enforce laws.
