Question

1. which statement explains why delegates from smaller states opposed parts of the virginia plan? there were concerns that free states would have too much power. there were concerns that the federal government would become too strong. there were concerns that the legislature would be able to control the judicial branch. there were concerns that some states would be able to easily control the government. clear all

Explanation:

The Virginia Plan proposed a legislature with representation based on population. Smaller states opposed this because they feared larger states (with more population) would have more control over the government. Let's analyze each option:

• "There were concerns that free states would have too much power": The Virginia Plan's opposition by small states wasn't about free vs. slave states' power, but population - based representation. Eliminate this.
• "There were concerns that the federal government would become too strong": The main opposition of small states to the Virginia Plan was about state representation in the legislature, not federal government strength. Eliminate this.
• "There were concerns that the legislature would be able to control the judicial branch": The Virginia Plan's structure for the legislature (vs. judicial) wasn't the small states' main concern. Their issue was representation. Eliminate this.
• "There were concerns that some states would be able to easily control the government": Since the Virginia Plan gave more representation (and thus more control) to larger states (by population), smaller states worried larger states could control the government. This matches their opposition.

Answer:

The correct option is: There were concerns that some states would be able to easily control the government.