States with smaller populations supported the New Jersey Plan because it proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of size. This approach ensured that smaller states would have an equal voice in the legislative process, protecting their interests against domination by larger states with greater populations. The plan aimed to preserve the sovereignty of smaller states and maintain a balance of power in the federal system.
Many small states felt like they did not have much power when voting, so they demanded something called the New Jersey Plan. This said that states should have an equal amount of votes as the larger states. This favored smaller states with lower populations. Coincidentally, New Jersey is a small state. Next, the larger states liked their power since most of them had larger populations. Due to this, they wanted the Virginia Plan. This based number of votes on population. To make a compromise, the writers of the Constitution made two chambers of Congress. One chamber had the number of votes based on population, while the other chamber had an equal amount of votes for all states. We know these chambers as the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The electoral college in the US is a compromise reached by the founding fathers. States with smaller populations wanted each state to just have one vote, while states with large populations wanted to have every persons vote. This was not seen as fair by the smaller state because the large states could choose the president every time. So they compromised, each state would have a set number of votes based on the size of that states population.
The Great Compromise solved the debate created by the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Paterson in response to the Virginia Plan. The Virginia Plan wanted Congress to be based on population; states with larger populations would have more representation. Those states with small populations were against this idea. Their solution was the New Jersey Plan, which would give equal representation to all states. Both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were not accepted. Instead, the Connecticut Plan, or the Great Compromise, was adopted. This created two branches in Congress. The Senate, which reflected the New Jersey Plan and gave equal representation to all states, and the House of Representatives, which reflected the Virginia Plan and gave representation to states based on population.
Larger states with significant populations, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, would most likely support the Virginia Plan during the Constitutional Convention. The plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, which favored these states over smaller ones. States like Virginia, which had a large population and a strong interest in increasing their influence in the national government, would have been particularly supportive of this plan.
A potential compromise could involve a balanced approach that addresses both New Jersey's interests and those of other states. This might include a phased implementation of new policies that allow for gradual adjustments based on state-specific needs, alongside federal support for infrastructure and social programs. Additionally, incorporating incentives for states that meet certain benchmarks could foster cooperation and ensure broader support across varying state populations. Such a strategy would aim to create equitable benefits while respecting the unique contexts of each state.
States with smaller populations supported the New Jersey Plan because it proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population size. This approach ensured that smaller states would have an equal voice in the legislative process, preventing larger states from dominating decision-making. The plan aimed to protect the interests of less populous states and maintain their influence in the federal government.
The New Jersey Plan, which advocated for equal representation for each state in Congress regardless of population size, would likely garner support from smaller states. States such as Delaware, Vermont, and Wyoming, which have smaller populations and thus would benefit from equal representation, would be inclined to support this plan. Additionally, other states with concerns about being overshadowed by larger states, like Rhode Island and South Dakota, might also favor the New Jersey Plan.
Delegates from smaller states were most likely to support the New Jersey Plan, which advocated for equal representation for each state in Congress, regardless of population size. States such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut, which had smaller populations, were particularly inclined toward this plan. Their support was driven by the desire to maintain equal power in the legislative process against larger states.
It favored the states with the larger populations. People who lived in states with more population got more representation in the House of Representatives. This was a flawed plan, as the smaller states like Rhode Island and Massachusetts were basically left out and didn't have a say in the government.
states with smaller populations
unequal representation of smaller states
The Jersey Plan was more appealing to the smaller states because it gave better voting conditions based on the fact of them having smaller populations as opposed to Virginia with higher population. Because of Virginia having a higher population the chances of a presidential candidate is dramatically increased by the vote of the larger states.
The New Jersey plan
The New Jersey Plan did not work because it benefited smaller states
New Jersey delegates opposed the Virginia Plan primarily because it favored larger states by proposing representation based on population, which would diminish the influence of smaller states like New Jersey. They were concerned that this would lead to a lack of equal representation in Congress. In response, they proposed the New Jersey Plan, which called for equal representation for each state, regardless of size, to ensure that smaller states had a fair voice in the legislative process.
The New Jersey Plan stated that all states would be represented by and equal number of legislators. This is great for small states but would not be enough representation for states with larger populations.
He believed that the Virginia plan would give the larger states more power and that the smaller states would get overuled , so luther a group supported the virginia plan.