In This Assignment, You Will Summarize The Major Plans

In this assignment you will summarize the major plans that impacted the creation of the Constitution

In this assignment you will summarize the major plans that impacted the creation of the Constitution: The Virginia Plan, The New Jersey Plan, the Connecticut/Great Compromise. In your own words, create a 150-word summary of each plan (450 words total). Here are some questions to guide you. Please do not simply answer the questions, but rather use them to create a well-organized summary of your information. Who wrote the plan? Who benefited from the plan? What specific powers will the congress have? What powers (if any) will the executive have? Is there a separate judiciary and interpreter of laws? What will the relationship look like between the national and state governments with this plan?

Paper For Above instruction

The Virginia Plan was authored primarily by James Madison and presented at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It aimed to create a strong national government with a bicameral legislature where representation was based on state population or wealth, benefiting larger states such as Virginia. The plan granted Congress broad powers, including the ability to tax, regulate trade, and veto state laws, to establish a more centralized authority. The executive branch was envisioned as a single or multiple leaders chosen by the legislature, with the authority to enforce national laws. A separate judiciary was established, headed by a Supreme Court, to interpret laws and resolve disputes, ensuring an independent judicial system. The Virginia Plan advocated for a federal system where power was divided but balanced between the national government and states, with a focus on strengthening the central authority. Larger states favored this plan to enhance their influence in national affairs, promoting a more unified government structure.

The New Jersey Plan was drafted by William Paterson and presented as an alternative to the Virginia Plan, mainly benefiting smaller states like New Jersey. It maintained that each state should have equal representation in Congress, regardless of size or population, thus preserving the interests of less populous states. The plan proposed a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote, ensuring equal power among states. Congress would retain powers to levy taxes and regulate commerce but with more limited authority than in the Virginia Plan. The executive branch would consist of multiple leaders or a committee chosen by Congress, with limited powers to prevent dominance by any single individual. A separate judiciary would be established to interpret laws, similar to the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan favored maintaining states' sovereignty and limited the scope of federal power, aiming to protect smaller states from being overshadowed by larger states. It emphasized equal representation and a decentralized government structure.

The Connecticut or Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman, sought to reconcile the conflicting ideas of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It combined a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives, with representation based on population, benefiting larger states; and the Senate, with two members per state, benefiting smaller states. This compromise created a balanced system, giving both large and small states a stake in the government. Congress was granted specific powers including taxation, commerce regulation, and the ability to enforce laws across states. The executive branch was structured as a single president elected by the electoral college, with powers to enforce laws and serve as commander-in-chief. A judiciary, headed by a Supreme Court, was established to interpret laws impartially. The relationship between state and national governments was defined as federal, with shared sovereignty but distinct powers. This compromise was crucial in securing the ratification of the Constitution by balancing diverse interests and establishing a durable framework for American government.

References

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