Which plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state?

Which plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state?

• A. Virginia Plan
• B. New Jersey Plan
• C. Connecticut Plan
• D. Great Compromise

Answer: (B)

The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, reflecting the interests of smaller states during the Constitutional Convention. Authored by William Paterson in 1787, the plan sought to amend the Articles of Confederation rather than completely replace them, advocating for a structure that would provide each state with one vote, regardless of its population size. This was aimed at ensuring that smaller states would not be overshadowed by larger states, which could dominate in a bicameral system with representation based on population, as suggested by the Virginia Plan. By promoting equal representation, the New Jersey Plan sought to balance the influence of states in the legislative process, demonstrating a key debate in the formation of the United States government about how to fairly represent different states within the federal system.

The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, reflecting the interests of smaller states during the Constitutional Convention. Authored by William Paterson in 1787, the plan sought to amend the Articles of Confederation rather than completely replace them, advocating for a structure that would provide each state with one vote, regardless of its population size. This was aimed at ensuring that smaller states would not be overshadowed by larger states, which could dominate in a bicameral system with representation based on population, as suggested by the Virginia Plan. By promoting equal representation, the New Jersey Plan sought to balance the influence of states in the legislative process, demonstrating a key debate in the formation of the United States government about how to fairly represent different states within the federal system.