Virginia Plan Quiz: What Did It Propose at the Constitutional Convention?

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Questions and Answers

Who was the main author of the Virginia Plan?

George Washington

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison (correct)

Edmund Randolph

Which branch was proposed by the Virginia Plan to be run by one person?

Executive Branch (correct)

Judicial Branch

Legislative Branch

None of the above

What was used to determine the number of members each state would receive in both houses of the legislature as per the Virginia Plan?

Geographical location

Population and wealth (correct)

Time of statehood

State size

How did the Virginia Plan go beyond the intended purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

By completely replacing the Articles of Confederation with a new constitution Signup and view all the answers

Why did most delegates favor strengthening the national government at the Constitutional Convention?

By giving it powers to tax and control commerce Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the large-state 'nationalists' and the small-state 'states' righters' at the Constitutional Convention?

The large-state nationalists wanted a stronger national government, while the small-state states' righters wanted to strengthen the Articles of Confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What was William Paterson's main contribution during the Constitutional Convention?

Presenting a plan that aimed to protect the sovereignty of individual states. Signup and view all the answers

How did the New Jersey Plan propose to structure the legislative branch (Congress)?

With only one house where each state, regardless of size, would have equal representation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern raised by small states about the Virginia Plan?

The population-based legislature favored large states over small states. Signup and view all the answers

Why was a compromise necessary at the Constitutional Convention?

To address concerns about unequal representation in Congress between large and small states. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Northern delegates agree to let the slave trade continue without government interference for 20 years?

To reach a compromise with Southern delegates who feared their economies would suffer greatly without slaves. Signup and view all the answers

What power did Congress have over the President to prevent them from becoming too powerful?

Congress had the power to impeach the President. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Constitutional Convention decide against direct election of the President?

Most delegates did not trust the judgment of the common people to choose a President. Signup and view all the answers

What power was given to Congress in terms of declaring war on other nations?

Congress was given the power to declare war on other nations. Signup and view all the answers

What method was used to elect the President and Vice President during the early years of the United States?

The Electoral College system was used to elect the President and Vice President. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise and why did it lead to conflict between Northern and Southern delegates?

The Three-Fifths Compromise stated that a slave would count as 3/5 of a person for determining a state's population and representation in Congress. This led to conflict because the Southern delegates wanted slaves to count as full persons for increased representation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Three-Fifths Compromise impact the representation of states in Congress and their taxation?

The Three-Fifths Compromise determined that only 3/5 of a state's slave population could be used to calculate the state's population, representation in Congress, and taxation. This compromise affected the political power of states based on their slave population. Signup and view all the answers

What was the controversy surrounding the Slave Trade Compromise and how did it reflect the differing views of delegates?

The controversy centered around whether to end the importation of slaves from Africa. Southern delegates threatened to leave the Union if the Constitution banned slavery or the foreign slave trade, showcasing the divide between delegates on the issue of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the Northern delegates considered the counting of slaves for representation as unfair during the Constitutional Convention.

Northern delegates viewed the counting of slaves as unfair because slaves were considered 'property' by the Southern delegates, did not pay taxes, and were not considered citizens. Therefore, counting them as part of the population for representation was deemed unjust. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Three-Fifths Compromise become known as a 'strange' compromise and what was its lasting impact on the representation of slaves?

The Three-Fifths Compromise was considered strange because it assigned a slave a value of 3/5 of a person for representation. This compromise perpetuated the dehumanization of slaves and had long-lasting effects on their political representation in the new government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Virginia Plan

The main author of the Virginia Plan was Edmund Randolph.
The Plan proposed the executive branch to be run by one person.
The number of members each state would receive in both houses of the legislature was determined by the state's population.

The Constitutional Convention

The Virginia Plan went beyond the intended purpose of the Constitutional Convention by proposing a strong central government.
Most delegates favored strengthening the national government due to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Debate between Large and Small States

The main difference between the large-state 'nationalists' and the small-state 'states' righters' was the representation of states in the legislative branch.
The large-state nationalists, such as James Madison, wanted representation based on population, while the small-state states' righters, such as William Paterson, wanted equal representation.

The New Jersey Plan

William Paterson's main contribution was the New Jersey Plan, which proposed a unicameral legislative branch with equal representation for each state.
The Plan also proposed a plural executive branch and a supreme court.

The Concerns of Small States

The main concern raised by small states about the Virginia Plan was that they would be overpowered by the larger states.

The Need for Compromise

A compromise was necessary at the Constitutional Convention due to the conflicting interests of the large and small states.

The Slavery Compromise

Northern delegates agreed to let the slave trade continue without government interference for 20 years in order to gain the support of Southern states.
The power of Congress over the President was the ability to impeach and remove them from office.

The Election of the President

The Constitutional Convention decided against direct election of the President due to fears of factionalism and the potential for a demagogue to gain power.
Congress was given the power to declare war on other nations.

The Election of the President and Vice President

During the early years of the United States, the President and Vice President were elected by the Electoral College.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
The compromise led to conflict between Northern and Southern delegates, with the North considering it unfair and the South seeing it as necessary for their economy.

The Impact of the Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise impacted the representation of states in Congress, with Southern states gaining more representation due to their slave population.
It also impacted taxation, with Southern states paying more taxes due to their larger population.

The Controversy of the Slave Trade Compromise

The controversy surrounding the Slave Trade Compromise reflected the differing views of delegates on the issue of slavery.
The compromise was seen as a necessary evil by some, while others viewed it as a moral outrage.

The Unfairness of Counting Slaves

Northern delegates considered the counting of slaves for representation as unfair because it gave the South more power and influence.

The Lasting Impact of the Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise became known as a 'strange' compromise due to its unusual nature and its lasting impact on the representation of slaves in Congress.

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Description

Learn about the Virginia Plan presented by James Madison at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which proposed a national government with three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. Understand the key features and significance of this plan in shaping the early American government.

The Virginia Plan and Constitutional Convention

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