π Introduction: Clash of the Plans at the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a pivotal moment in American history, where delegates gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation. However, disagreements quickly arose regarding the structure of the new government, leading to the introduction of two competing plans: the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. These plans represented fundamentally different visions for the future of the United States, particularly concerning representation in the legislature.
π― Learning Objectives
- ποΈ Understand the historical context leading to the Constitutional Convention.
- βοΈ Identify the key features of the Virginia Plan.
- π½ Explain the core tenets of the New Jersey Plan.
- π€ Analyze the major points of contention between the two plans.
- β Evaluate the impact of the eventual Great Compromise on the structure of the U.S. government.
π Materials
- π Handouts summarizing the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
- π» Access to online resources about the Constitutional Convention.
- βοΈ Pens and paper for note-taking.
π₯ Warm-up Activity (5 minutes)
Briefly review the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Ask students to brainstorm what problems the delegates were trying to solve.
ποΈ Main Instruction: Comparing the Virginia and New Jersey Plans
βοΈ The Virginia Plan: Proportional Representation
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, advocated for a strong national government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. A key element of the Virginia Plan was representation in the legislature based on population. This favored larger states.
- ποΈ Proposed a bicameral legislature (two houses).
- π’ Representation in both houses would be proportional to each state's population or wealth.
- π Favored larger, more populous states.
- πΌ Called for a strong national government with the power to legislate for states and veto state laws.
π½ The New Jersey Plan: Equal Representation
The New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, aimed to amend the Articles of Confederation rather than completely replace them. A central feature of the New Jersey Plan was equal representation for each state in the legislature, regardless of population. This favored smaller states.
- π‘οΈ Proposed a unicameral legislature (one house).
- π― Each state would have equal representation in the legislature, regardless of population.
- π Favored smaller, less populous states.
- πͺ Sought to maintain states' rights and limit the power of the national government.
βοΈ Key Points of Contention
The major point of disagreement between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans was the method of representation in the legislature. Larger states supported proportional representation (Virginia Plan), while smaller states advocated for equal representation (New Jersey Plan). This conflict threatened to derail the entire convention.
- π Representation: Proportional (Virginia Plan) vs. Equal (New Jersey Plan).
- βοΈ State Power: Strong national government (Virginia Plan) vs. Strong state governments (New Jersey Plan).
- ποΈ Legislature: Bicameral (Virginia Plan) vs. Unicameral (New Jersey Plan).
π€ The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the conflict between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It established a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state has two senators. This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states.
- π‘ Created a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives (proportional representation) and a Senate (equal representation).
- βοΈ Balanced the interests of both large and small states.
- β
Ensured that all states had a voice in the national government.
π Assessment
Answer the following questions to check your understanding:
- β What was the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?
- π‘ Which states did each plan favor, and why?
- π€ How did the Great Compromise resolve the conflict between the two plans?