-
Essay / Features and Similarities Between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans
Table of ContentsMajor Features of the Virginia and New Jersey PlansSimilarities Between the Virginia and New Jersey PlansConclusionThe Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan Were Two Proposals significant progress during the Constitution. Convention of 1787, which sought to establish a framework for the government of the United States. These plans differed in their approach to representation and the structure of legislative power, highlighting the competing interests and concerns of the states. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Main Features of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans The Virginia Plan, also known as the Great States Plan, was written by James Madison and presented by Edmond Randolph. He advocated for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. The Virginia Plan was based on a national and state system of government with a separation of powers including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. A bicameral (two houses) legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate would feature proportional representation. The Virginia Plan was presented in the form of fifteen resolutions that detailed why the Articles of Confederation should be radically amended and called for forming a strong national government capable of collecting taxes and passing and enforcing laws . The Virginia Plan also consisted of creating a very powerful Congress consisting of two legislatures based on proportional population, a congressional power to veto any law, and an executive chosen by Congress. The executive would have the power to execute national laws and reject any legislative act that cannot subsequently be passed unless two-thirds of the legislature votes for it. The main features of the Virginia Plan were: A Strong National Government: The plan proposed a powerful central government with expanded legislative, executive, and judicial powers, granting more authority to the national government over the existing Articles of Confederation. Proportional representation: Representation in Parliament would be based on the population or wealth of each state, thus favoring larger states. This approach was intended to ensure that more populous states had a greater say in the legislative process. Separation of Powers: The Virginia Plan emphasized a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power. James Madison was the creator of the Virginia Plan which raised the idea of a national republic, but ultimately William Paterson created the New Jersey Plan in an attempt to turn away from a radical plan. This was unsuccessful and caused divisions among the delegates. In the Virginia plan, there would be a bicameral legislature because it would support proportional representation. There was a balance of power because Congress had the right to veto laws passed by legislators. New Jersey's plan was different because it would consist of unicameral state legislation and there would be an equal number of representatives. It was Congress's job to tax citizens and regulate commerce. The main features of the New Jersey Plan were: Unicameral Legislature: Unlike the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan called for a unicameral legislature, where each state would have an equal vote regardless of its population size. This approach aimed to.