Which plan proposed representation based on state population?

Which plan proposed representation based on state population?

• A. New Jersey Plan
• B. Virginia Plan
• C. Articles of Confederation
• D. Connecticut Compromise

Answer: (B)

This item tests how representation was to be allocated in the new government, specifically the idea of basing representation on population. The Virginia Plan argued for a bicameral legislature with seats in both houses allocated according to state population (giving larger states more representatives and influence). This approach aimed to create a national government with stronger power and was designed to favor states with larger populations. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan favored equal representation for each state in a single-house Congress, protecting smaller states. The Articles of Confederation kept a weak central government with one vote per state, not population-based. The Connecticut Compromise later mixed these ideas by creating a bicameral legislature: proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the upper house.

This item tests how representation was to be allocated in the new government, specifically the idea of basing representation on population. The Virginia Plan argued for a bicameral legislature with seats in both houses allocated according to state population (giving larger states more representatives and influence). This approach aimed to create a national government with stronger power and was designed to favor states with larger populations. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan favored equal representation for each state in a single-house Congress, protecting smaller states. The Articles of Confederation kept a weak central government with one vote per state, not population-based. The Connecticut Compromise later mixed these ideas by creating a bicameral legislature: proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the upper house.