Complete question:
Which of the following is NOT a difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?
A) The New Jersey Plan had multiple chief executives, whereas the Virginia Plan created a one-person executive.
B) The New Jersey Plan created a single legislature, whereas the Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature.
C) The Virginia Plan strengthened the national government, whereas the New Jersey Plan weakened the national government.
D) The Virginia Plan created stronger state governments.
The difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan is that the Virginia Plan strengthened the national government, whereas the New Jersey Plan weakened the national government. Here option C is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan
The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were two different proposals put forward during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to address the question of representation in the new government. The primary difference between the two plans lies in their approach to the balance of power between the national government and the states.
Virginia Plan:
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, advocated for a strong national government. It called for a bicameral legislature, with representation based on population in both houses. This meant that states with larger populations would have more representatives and thus more influence in the decision-making process. The Virginia Plan also proposed a national executive and national judiciary, further strengthening the central government's authority.
New Jersey Plan:
In contrast, the New Jersey Plan, presented by William Paterson, aimed to preserve the power of the states. It proposed a unicameral legislature where each state would have equal representation, regardless of its population size. This system would ensure that smaller states had an equal voice in the government and prevent larger states from dominating the political landscape.
Conclusion:
The key difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan is their stance on the strength of the national government. The Virginia Plan sought to empower the central government, while the New Jersey Plan prioritized state sovereignty. Therefore, the statement that the Virginia Plan strengthened the national government, whereas the New Jersey Plan weakened the national government, is accurate.getOption C is the correct answer as it correctly identifies the difference between the two plans.