1. Why Representation?
Lesson 10

2. Lesson Objectives
Explain the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan
Importance of the Great Compromise
Discuss how the Founders addressed regional issues with the 3/5 Compromise
Explain the provision for a periodic census of the population
Take and defend positions on why major issues debated at the Philadelphia Convention are still on the national agenda.

3. Virginia Plan Create a bicameral legislature Not controversial
British Tradition
Most states were bicameral
Widespread belief that bicameral were less likely to violate citizens rights
Each branch would serve as a check on the other

4. What was controversial
Proportional representation – members in both houses would be based upon state population
Each member of a proportional house would be accountable to a certain number of voters in his state.
They believed that by doing so people in each state had an equal voice.

5. Equal Representation
Others believed that states should have equal representation for each state
Believed that as a confederation of separate states, each state should have an equal voice.
By Mid-June the disagreement reached epic proportions
William Patterson proposed the New Jersey Plan
Proposed under The Articles of Confederation that
Congress would be unicameral
Power to levy import duties and stamp tax
Power to collect money from states
Power to regulate trade among the states/nations
Power to make laws and treaties
Executive made up of several persons appointed by Congress
Judicial would be appointed by the Executive branch

6. Kept the Articles of Confederation
National Government would act on the states not people
After weeks of debate many delegates became convinced that the national government needed new powers
Supported only by Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Delaware, Maryland – divided
Failure of the New Jersey Plan ended the debate over unicameral legislature
Vote over equal representation in the upper house was a tie
No Comprise from either side
Delegates feared the end of the convention without resolution

7. Great Compromise
Committee is formed to develop a plan to solve the issue
Supporters of the Virginia plan opposed the committee
House of Representatives should be elected by the people on the basis of proportional representation
Equal representation of each state in the Senate. State leg to select two senators
House of Representatives should have the power to develop all bills for taxation and spending.
Later changed to allow Senate to amend tax bill originating the House and to develop appropriation bills.

8. 3/5 Compromise
Settling representation in the Senate, did not settle the House
Should slaves be counted in the representation
Should states gain more control because of slaves and then grow the institution of slavery.
Northern states wondered why they should be counted at all?
Ultimately they would be counted at a 3/5 rate
Every 10 years a census would be held for reapportionment.