The Virginia Plan, also known as the Randolph Plan, was proposed at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 by Edmund Randolph. It outlined a strong central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The plan called for proportional representation in the legislature based on population, which favored large states like Virginia. It also proposed a bicameral legislature, with a lower house elected by the people and an upper house chosen by the lower house. The Virginia Plan formed the basis of the final Constitution, which established a strong federal government with a system of checks and balances.
Structure of the Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, laid the foundation for the structure of the United States government. Here’s an overview of its key components:
Three Branches of Government
- Legislative Branch:
- Bicameral legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives
- Senators appointed by state legislatures, representatives elected by the people
- Executive Branch:
- Single executive, the President, elected by the Electoral College
- Judicial Branch:
- Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress
Checks and Balances
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, the Virginia Plan included a system of checks and balances:
- Presidential Veto: President could veto legislation, which could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of Congress
- Congressional Override: Congress could override presidential appointments and treaties with a two-thirds vote
- Judicial Review: Supreme Court could declare laws unconstitutional
Representation in Congress
The Plan proposed proportional representation in the House of Representatives based on population. However, representation in the Senate was equal for all states, regardless of size.
Electoral College
The President and Vice President would be elected by an Electoral College, with each state’s electors chosen in a manner determined by its legislature.
Commerce and Taxation
- Federal Regulation: Congress had the exclusive power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce
- Federal Taxation: Congress had the power to levy taxes to pay for government expenses
Judicial Power
- Federal Jurisdiction: Federal courts had jurisdiction over cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties
- Supremacy Clause: Federal laws were supreme over state laws
| Branch | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Legislative | Bicameral, proportional representation in House, equal representation in Senate |
| Executive | Single President, elected by Electoral College |
| Judicial | Supreme Court and inferior courts, judicial review |
Question 1:
What is the Virginia Plan in APUSH?
Answer:
The Virginia Plan, proposed by delegates from Virginia in the 1787 Constitutional Convention, outlined a framework for a new federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Question 2:
How did the Virginia Plan differ from the New Jersey Plan?
Answer:
The Virginia Plan called for a stronger central government with proportional representation in Congress, while the New Jersey Plan favored a weaker federal government with equal representation among states.
Question 3:
What were the key provisions of the Virginia Plan?
Answer:
The key provisions of the Virginia Plan included a bicameral legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives, an executive branch headed by a president, and a national judiciary.
Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my article on the Virginia Plan. I hope you learned a thing or two! I know history can sometimes be a bit dry, but I always try to make it as interesting and relatable as possible. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line in the comments section below. And be sure to check back later for more APUSH goodness!