Exploring the Two Plans of Government Considered by Delegates

During the 1787 constitutional convention, delegates from different states gathered to establish the government of the United States. The main agenda was the creation of a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. Two prominent plans of government were deliberated upon during the convention:

The New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey Plan, presented by William Paterson, proposed a unicameral government with equal representation for all 50 states. This plan aimed to maintain the sovereignty and independence of individual states while enhancing the effectiveness of the national government.

The Virginia Plan

Authored by James Madison, the Virginia Plan advocated for a robust national government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It suggested a bicameral legislature with representation determined by population in both houses, emphasizing the importance of a strong central authority.

Ultimately, a compromise known as the Connecticut Plan combined elements of both the New Jersey and Virginia plans. The resulting framework established a system of government that balanced state sovereignty with centralized authority, paving the way for the formation of the United States Constitution.

What two plans of government did the delegates consider?

The New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan