The New Jersey Plan: Ensuring Equal Representation in Congress

09 Apr 2024

The New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey Plan was one of the options proposed during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to determine how the United States would be governed. This plan aimed to address the issue of representation in Congress and was introduced by William Paterson, a delegate from New Jersey.

Details of the New Jersey Plan

The key feature of the New Jersey Plan was the call for equal representation for all states in Congress. Unlike the Virginia Plan, which proposed representation based on population, the New Jersey Plan suggested that each state should have one vote in Congress. This would ensure that smaller states would have an equal voice in the legislative branch of the government.

Significance of the New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey Plan was significant as it highlighted the divergent views among the delegates regarding the structure of the new government. The debate between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan ultimately led to the creation of the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise.

Impact of the New Jersey Plan

While the New Jersey Plan was not adopted in its entirety, its emphasis on equal representation influenced the development of the US Constitution. The compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention resulted in a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for all states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Jersey Plan played a crucial role in shaping the structure of the US government by advocating for equal representation in Congress. The debate surrounding this plan ultimately led to a compromise that addressed the concerns of both small and large states, laying the foundation for the system of government that exists today.

The New Jersey Plan called for what specific type of representation in Congress?

The New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for all states in the Congress, giving each state one vote regardless of its population size.