What was revolutionary and provocative about the Virginia plan?
Answer: Perhaps the most unique or revolutionary aspect of the Virginia Plan was its proposal that the national government legislate directly upon the American people, rather than upon the states and only indirectly to the American people.
Introduction to the Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia, laid the groundwork for the structure and powers of the United States government. This plan became the foundation for the structure of the U.S. Constitution.
Legislating Directly Upon the American People
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Virginia Plan was its proposal that the national government would legislate directly upon the American people. This was a departure from the earlier Articles of Confederation, which primarily focused on states' authority. By allowing the federal government to pass laws that directly impacted individuals, the Virginia Plan proposed a stronger centralized government.
Shift of Power from States to National Government
The Virginia Plan also aimed to shift power from the states to the national government. The plan called for a bicameral legislature, where the lower house's representation would be based on population, thereby giving more power to states with larger populations. This proposal was considered provocative as it challenged the existing balance of power between the states and the federal government.
Creating a Strong Federal Government
By proposing a strong centralized government with the authority to legislate directly upon the American people, the Virginia Plan aimed to create a more efficient and effective government. This shift towards a stronger federal government was a significant departure from the decentralized authority under the Articles of Confederation.
In conclusion, the Virginia Plan's revolutionary and provocative nature stemmed from its proposals to establish a stronger, centralized government that could legislate directly upon the American people, thereby shifting power from the states to the national government.