Question

the organization of the legislative branch was one of the most contentious issues at the constitutional convention. debates focused on the balance of power between large and small states. two competing plans emerged. read about these plans. then answer the question below.

the virginia plan\tthe new jersey plan
supporters\tstates with large populations like virginia and pennsylvania\tstates with smaller populations like new jersey and new hampshire
goal\tcreating a new constitution with a strong federal government\tcreating a new constitution that kept significant parts of the articles of confederation
structure of the legislature\tbicameral congress (two chambers)\tunicameral congress (one chamber)
representation in congress\tdetermined proportionately by the population of each state, with larger states having more representatives\tan equal number of representatives for each state despite differences in population

which statements accurately describe differences between the two plans? select all that apply.
the new jersey plan wanted the government to be similar to the articles of confederation, while the virginia plan wanted a much stronger federal government.
the new jersey plan wanted to divide congress into two distinct groups, while the virginia plan wanted to have a single, unicameral legislature.
the virginia plan wanted proportional representation, while the new jersey plan wanted equal representation.

Explanation:

1. For the first statement: The Virginia Plan's goal was a strong federal government, while the New Jersey Plan aimed to keep key parts of the Articles of Confederation (which had a weak central government). This is an accurate difference.
2. For the second statement: The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature, and the New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral (one-chamber) legislature. This statement reverses the two plans, so it is inaccurate.
3. For the third statement: The Virginia Plan called for representation based on state population (proportional), while the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for every state regardless of population. This is an accurate difference.

Answer:

• The New Jersey Plan wanted the government to be similar to the Articles of Confederation, while the Virginia Plan wanted a much stronger federal government.
• The Virginia Plan wanted proportional representation, while the New Jersey Plan wanted equal representation.