Simone Lawson
The Virginia Plan, also known as the Randolph Plan or the Large-State Plan, was a proposed plan of government for the United States presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It called for a national government with three branches and a bicameral legislature, with proportional representation in the proposed national legislature. This meant that each state's representation in Congress would be based on its population. The Virginia Plan was drafted by James Madison and Edmund Randolph, and it favored the interests of states with large populations.
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What You'll Learn
The Virginia Plan
After much debate, the delegates eventually reached a compromise, known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise. This proposal called for a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives apportioned by population and the Senate equally represented by each state.
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The New Jersey Plan
The second resolution expanded the powers of Congress, granting it the authority to collect import duties and raise taxes through various means, including a stamp tax and postage. The third resolution established the three-fifths rule, which counted three-fifths of the number of enslaved people in a state when determining its population for funding requests from Congress. The fourth resolution added an executive branch to be appointed by the legislative branch and removed by a majority vote of the states. The fifth resolution provided for a federal judiciary appointed by the executive branch.
Following its defeat, elements of the New Jersey Plan and the competing Virginia Plan were combined to create the Connecticut Compromise, which forms the basis of the current structure of Congress.
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The Connecticut Compromise
The delegates, or representatives for the states, debated for months over what would be included in the Constitution. Large states felt that they should have more representation in Congress, while small states wanted equal representation with larger ones. Roger Sherman, a delegate from Connecticut, proposed a bicameral legislature with two parts. This gave each state equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House of Representatives. The smaller states feared that their interests would be overshadowed by those of the larger states if representation was based on population.
The compromise was approved by delegates on July 16, 1787, with North Carolina switching its vote to equal representation per state and Massachusetts' delegation being divided. This agreement allowed for the Three-fifths Compromise, which further complicated the issue of popular representation in the House.
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The role of state size
The Virginia Plan, also known as the Randolph Plan or the Large-State Plan, favoured the interests of large states. Drafted by James Madison and Edmund Randolph, it proposed a bicameral legislature with representation apportioned according to state population or "quotas of contribution". This plan was introduced on May 29, 1787, and sparked intense debate over proportional representation.
In contrast, the New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Paterson to protect the interests of small states. This plan suggested a unicameral legislature where each state, regardless of population, would have one vote. The New Jersey Plan was heavily criticised by delegates from populous states and ultimately rejected.
To resolve the disagreement, a Committee of Eleven crafted the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise. This compromise proposed a bicameral legislative branch, with the House of Representatives apportioned by population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state. The Connecticut Compromise was approved by delegates on July 16, marking a significant moment in reconciling differences and shaping the structure of Congress today.
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The bicameral system
The United States Constitution's Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, established a bicameral system of government. This system was designed to address the issue of representation in Congress, with larger states advocating for representation based on population and smaller states pushing for equal representation.
The bicameral model is often adopted by countries with a national legislature, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It aims to provide a balance of power and a system of checks and balances within the government. James Madison, one of the Framers, argued that bicameralism would create two "different bodies of men who might watch and check each other." This separation of powers helps prevent the abuse of power by transient majorities and ensures that legislative decisions are carefully considered and agreed upon by both houses.
The Founding Fathers of the United States favoured a bicameral legislature, believing that the Senate would be a stabilising force. They envisioned senators as being wealthier and wiser, selected by state legislators rather than mass electors. This was intended to counter the "fickleness and passion" that could be present in the House of Representatives.
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Frequently asked questions
The Virginia Plan was a proposal for an entirely new national government, calling for a national executive, a two-house national legislature, and a national judiciary. It was introduced by Edmund Randolph, Governor of Virginia, and drafted by James Madison. It is also known as the Randolph Plan or the Large-State Plan.
The Virginia Plan called for representation in Congress to be based on the population of each state. This was in contrast to the existing system, where each state received one vote, and the New Jersey Plan, which proposed equal representation for all states.
The Virginia Plan was notable for setting the agenda for debate at the Constitutional Convention. It was rejected by delegates, particularly those from less populous states who feared their interests would be overshadowed by larger states. The Connecticut Compromise, or Great Compromise, was eventually agreed upon, which combined elements of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
