What Was the New Jersey Plan and Why Was It Proposed?

The New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey Plan, also known as the Paterson Plan, was a proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was put forth by William Paterson, a delegate from New Jersey. The plan called for a unicameral legislature where each state would have an equal vote, regardless of population size.

Reasons for Proposal

The New Jersey Plan was proposed as an alternative to the Virginia Plan, which called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. Small states like New Jersey were concerned that they would be overshadowed by larger states under the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states and ensure that they would have an equal voice in the government.

Impact and Resolution

The debate between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan led to the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. This compromise established a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state. The inclusion of elements from both plans helped to create a balanced system that satisfied both small and large states. Overall, the New Jersey Plan was an important proposal in the development of the United States Constitution. It highlighted the tension between states with different population sizes and the need to find a compromise that would ensure fair representation for all states.

the new Jersey plan called for?

The New Jersey Plan called for a unicameral legislature where each state would have an equal vote, regardless of population size.

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