Virginia/New Jersey Plan Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Virginia Plan?

A plan of government based on equal representation for all states

A plan of government where representatives are based on each state's population (correct)

A plan for a single-chamber congress

A compromise between small and large states

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Makes the laws

What is the role of the Executive Branch?

Carries out laws

What is the Judicial Branch responsible for?

Administration of justice Signup and view all the answers

What does the New Jersey Plan propose?

A single-chamber congress with equal representation for each state Signup and view all the answers

What is Proportional Representation?

An election system where parties receive seats based on their vote proportion Signup and view all the answers

What is Equal Representation?

The concept that each state has the same number of representatives in Congress Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Compromise?

A compromise that provided equal representation in one house and population-based representation in the other Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Virginia Plan

Proposed by James Madison, a delegate from Virginia.
Called for representation in Congress based on state population, benefiting larger states.

Legislative Branch

Responsible for making laws.
A key component of the federal government structure.

Executive Branch

Tasked with carrying out and enforcing laws.
Works alongside the legislative and judicial branches.

Judicial Branch

Handles the administration of justice.
Ensures laws are interpreted and applied fairly.

New Jersey Plan

Counterproposal to the Virginia Plan.
Suggested a single-chamber Congress with equal votes for each state, favoring smaller states.
Addressed concerns of larger states potentially overpowering smaller ones in legislative decisions.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system where parties gain legislative seats corresponding to the percentage of votes they receive.
Promotes fairness in representation based on voter support.

Equal Representation

Each state receives an identical number of representatives in Congress, particularly in the Senate.
Aimed at ensuring smaller states have a voice in the legislative process.

Great Compromise

Reached during the Constitutional Convention.
Merged elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
Established a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and the other with equal representation for each state.

Description

Test your knowledge of the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts such as the branches of government and representation in Congress. Perfect for students learning about the foundation of the U.S. government.