Constitutional Convention Snapshot
By Tami Cox
The Constitutional Convention
Taking place between 1787 and 1789 in Philadelphia, delegates from all the states except Rhode Island met to solve the issues of the Articles of Confederation. James Madison came up with the Virginia Plan, which benefitted larger states. In response, William Paterson came up with the New Jersey Plan, which would benefit the smaller states. In the end, Madison wrote the first draft of the Constitution, which benefitted both parties.
The Two Plans
The Virginia Plan
- Supporters were generally large states
- Calls for a much stronger government that can press taxes, make laws, control interstate trade, and reverse state laws
- Suggests a three branch government with checks and balances
- Calls for a bicameral legislature that is composed on delegates from all the states depending on their population
Supporters of the Virginia Plan
George Washington
One of the most well known individual from his time, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. During the Constitutional Convention, he was the presiding officer and supported the Virginia Plan. He would be eventually unanimously elected the first president of the United States.
James Madison
A delegate from Virginia, he was the writer of the first draft of the Constitution. He also came up with the Virginia Plan and took vigorous notes through the entire convention. Eventually, he would become the fourth president of the United States.
The New Jersey Plan
- Supporters were from smaller states
- Thought that the Virginia Plan gave too much power to larger states
- Stuck closer to the Articles of Confederation, and suggested a three branch central government
- The legislature is unicameral
- Each state would have equal representation, no matter their population
Supporters of the New Jersey Plan
William Paterson
Although born in Ireland, Paterson later moved to the American colonies. He was a delegate of New Jersey during the Constitutional Convention. He wrote the New Jersey Plan, which countered the Virginia Plan.
Oliver Ellsworth
A delegate from Connecticut, he left his mark on the Great Compromise. He originally supported the New Jersey Plan.
Problems at the Convention
There was a large debate between the smaller and larger states on representation issues. This lasted for days, and delayed the resolution. Furthermore, the delegates disagreed on the way to elect a president. The topic of slavery made the debate even more heated. However, after Madison wrote the first draft of the Constitution, most of the states agreed to the terms and the Constitutional Convention came to a close.
Works Cited
- "A Biography of William Paterson 1745-1806." N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2016.
- Costly, Andrew. "BRIA 25 2 The Major Debates at the Constitutional Convention - Constitutional Rights Foundation." BRIA 25 2 The Major Debates at the Constitutional Convention - Constitutional Rights Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.
- History.com Staff. "James Madison." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 16 Sept. 2016.
- "Milestones: 1784–1800 - Office of the Historian." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.