Discovering the Foundations of the Legislative Government in the United States

What two plans is the legislative government of the United States based on?

A. Virginia
B. Combination of the New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan
C. New Jersey
D. Pennsylvanian

Answer:

The legislative government of the United States is based on a combination of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

The foundation of the legislative government in the United States is built upon a fascinating blend of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. These two historical plans proposed different approaches to representation in the national legislature, ultimately shaping the structure of government we know today.

The Virginia Plan, also known as the 'large state plan,' advocated for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. This meant that states with larger populations would have more representatives in the national legislature, reflecting the principle of proportional representation.

In contrast, the New Jersey Plan, or the 'small state plan,' proposed a unicameral legislature where each state would have equal representation regardless of its population size. This idea was crucial for smaller states to ensure their voices were heard and their interests protected in the legislative process.

By combining elements of both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, the framers of the U.S. Constitution found a middle ground that balanced the representation of states based on their population while also safeguarding the interests of smaller states. This compromise laid the groundwork for the intricate system of checks and balances that governs the American legislative branch today.