US Constitution: Virginia Plan vs New Jersey Plan (1787)
by Anonymous
The Constitutional Convention faced deadlock over representation. Large states wanted proportional representation (Virginia Plan), small states wanted equal representation (New Jersey Plan). The Connecticut Compromise combined both.
Virginia Plan (Proportional)
1787
year
Both chambers by population
representation model
Large states (VA, PA, MA)
who benefits
Partially adopted — House of Representatives
outcome
New Jersey Plan (Equal)
1787
year
Equal votes per state
representation model
Small states (NJ, DE, CT)
who benefits
Partially adopted — Senate
outcome
Connecticut Compromise (Both)
1787
year
House by population, Senate equal
representation model
Both large and small states
who benefits
Adopted — still the US system today
outcome
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