What is the Virginia Plan?
Overview of the Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was a proposal put forth by the Virginia delegation during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Led by James Madison, the delegation sought to create a strong central government that would have the power to enact laws, regulate trade, and collect taxes.
Key Features of the Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature, meaning it would have two houses. The upper house, known as the Senate, and the lower house, known as the House of Representatives. Members of the House of Representatives would elect both chambers of the legislature.
Representation in the Virginia Plan
One significant aspect of the Virginia Plan was the proposal for population-based representation in both houses of the legislature. This meant that states with larger populations, like Virginia, would have more representatives and therefore more influence in the federal government.
Impact of the Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was influential in shaping the structure of the United States government. While not all aspects of the plan were adopted, elements such as bicameral legislature and population-based representation were incorporated into the final Constitution.