The Constitutional Convention gathered in Philadelphia to revise and enlarge the Articles of Confederation.The scope of the resolutions,going with the Articles of Confederation broadening the debate to encompass fundamental revisions to the structure and powers of the national government.One issue facing the convention was weither large and small states would be represented in the legislature,whether by equal representation for each state,besides of its size and population or proportionate to population,with larger states having more votes than less populated states.Under the Articles of Confederation,each state was represented in Congress by one vote.
On May 29 1787 the Virginia delegate Edmund randolph said what would be the Virginia plan.Written by virginian James Madison,the plan traced the broad outlines of what would become the U.S.A Constitution.one with members elected by the people for three year terms and the other composed of older leaders elected by the state legislatures for seven year terms.Both would use population as a basis for dividing seats among the states.
Yes i think the Virginia plan gave to much power to the national government because the States wanted to keep their own power.They were afraid to give too much power to one national government because They did not want a tyranny like the king.The articles of confederation gave power to declare war,appoint military officers,coin money,take care of foreign affairs,each state had one vote in congress regardless of its size.each law must be approved by 9 of the 13 states to pass.They must ask states to contribute money.They can't regulate trade between states or foreign countries.The government was very weak and states had many conflicts.
The Virginia plan is important to our history beause it was the make of the U.S.A constitution of what would become of the usa,written by James Madison.The articles gave power to the national government to decalare war and etc. Without the make of the Articles of confederation the U.S.A would not have been shaped the way it is today
