Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans presented at the Constitutional Convention.
1) What are there structural differences? Address the following items for each plan:
a) number of branches of government; b) number of houses in the Congress of each plan; c) congressional members chosen by whom;
d) length of terms of service for the legislative branch
2) Are there differences in congressional representation? Address the following issues in each plan:
a) the basis of determining a state”s members; b) votes by states in Congress
3) Does congressional power differ? Discuss the following areas:
a) some varying specific powers enumerated in the plans;
b) any powers specifically denied;
c) the relationship between the new federal government and the states
4) Does the executive branch differ in the plans? Address the following areas for each plan:
a) composition of the executive branch; b) selection of the executive branch;
c) powers provided to the executive
5) How is the judicial branch composed? Discuss the following issues:
a) the supreme court composed and chosen how; b) the design and selection of any additional courts
6) In your opinion, which of the two plans provides more power to the new federal government? Explain why specifically.
Documents:
The Virginia plan–Read only Randolph”s 19 propositions. (They start about halfway down the page)
Madison Debates–June 13
The New Jersey plan–Read only Mr. Patterson”s 9 resolutions.
Madison Debates–June 15
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_613.asp
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_615.asp