Why Representation LESSON 10 Lesson Objectives q Explain

Why Representation? LESSON 10

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.