The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison of Virginia in 1787, was a radical proposal for the structure of the United States government. It was presented at the Constitutional Convention and advocated for a strong national government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Virginia Plan served as the initial framework for the Constitution, setting the agenda for the Constitutional Convention. Although the final Constitution included elements of other plans, such as the New Jersey Plan, the Virginia Plan's emphasis on a strong national government and proportional representation profoundly shaped the structure of American government.
The Virginia Plan faced significant opposition from smaller states, which feared being dominated by larger states. This led to the development of the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise), which established a bicameral legislature with the Senate providing equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives providing representation based on population.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 29, 1787 | The Virginia Plan is introduced at the Constitutional Convention. |
| June 15, 1787 | The New Jersey Plan is introduced as an alternative to the Virginia Plan. |
| July 16, 1787 | The Great Compromise is reached, blending elements of both plans. |
| September 17, 1787 | The final Constitution is signed. |
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