The New Jersey Plan: A Proposal for a Small State Republic
The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure and functioning of the United States government presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was one of two major competing proposals, the other being the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan was intended to benefit small states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Key Features of the New Jersey Plan
- Equal RepresentationThe plan called for equal representation for states in a unicameral legislature, regardless of their population size. This was in contrast to the Virginia Plan, which proposed proportional representation based on population.
- Unicameral LegislatureThe New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral (one-house) legislature.
- Executive Elected by National LegislatureThe plan suggested an executive branch that would be elected by a national legislature.
- Powers to Raise Revenue and Regulate CommerceThe New Jersey Plan aimed to maintain the form of government under the Articles of Confederation while adding powers to raise revenue and regulate commerce and foreign affairs.
Rejection and Compromise
The New Jersey Plan was ultimately rejected in favor of the Virginia Plan. However, some of its provisions were incorporated into the final Constitution, such as the equal representation of states in the Senate.
Sources
- https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/creating-the-united-states/convention-and-ratification.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Jersey-Plan
- https://historyforkids.org/new-jersey-plan-facts-for-kids/
FAQs
What was the New Jersey Plan?
The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure and functioning of the United States government presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was intended to benefit small states and proposed equal representation for states in a unicameral legislature, regardless of their population size.
Who proposed the New Jersey Plan?
The New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Paterson, a delegate from New Jersey.
What were the key features of the New Jersey Plan?
The key features of the New Jersey Plan included equal representation for states in a unicameral legislature, an executive branch elected by a national legislature, and powers to raise revenue and regulate commerce and foreign affairs.
Why was the New Jersey Plan rejected?
The New Jersey Plan was rejected in favor of the Virginia Plan, which proposed proportional representation based on population. However, some of its provisions were incorporated into the final Constitution, such as the equal representation of states in the Senate.
What was the New Jersey Plan also known as?
The New Jersey Plan was also known as the Small State Plan or the Paterson Plan.
What were the advantages of the New Jersey Plan?
The advantages of the New Jersey Plan included protecting the interests of small states and ensuring that each state had an equal voice in the national government.
What were the disadvantages of the New Jersey Plan?
The disadvantages of the New Jersey Plan included giving small states too much power and making it difficult for the national government to respond to the needs of the larger states.
What is the legacy of the New Jersey Plan?
The New Jersey Plan helped to shape the final structure of the United States government, particularly the equal representation of states in the Senate.