The New Jersey Plan and Equal Representation

The New Jersey Plan supported the idea of?

a. bicameral legislation.

b. equal representation.

c. multi-cameral legislation.

d. parliamentary government.

The correct option is b. equal representation.

The Plan of New Jersey and Equal Representation

The New Jersey Plan, often referred to as the Small State Plan or the Paterson Plan, was a suggestion made for the organisation of the American government during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. The Congress of the Confederation would have been kept, but its authority would have been greatly increased under the New Jersey Plan. The alternate proposal put out by the less populous states mandated equal representation for all states in the legislature, regardless of population. Equal representation in the New Jersey Plan means that each state would have an equal say in the legislative process, regardless of its population size. This was in contrast to the Virginia Plan, which called for representation based on population, favoring the more populous states. The idea of equal representation was crucial for the smaller states to prevent domination by the larger, more populous states. It was a key point of contention during the Constitutional Convention, leading to debates and compromises that shaped the structure of the US government. In conclusion, the New Jersey Plan supported the idea of equal representation, ensuring that all states had an equal voice in the legislative process. This concept was fundamental in establishing a fair and balanced system of government for the newly formed United States of America.
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