The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure of the United States government presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The plan was created in response to the Virginia Plan, which called for a strong national government with three separate branches. The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature in which each state would have an equal number of representatives and a single executive branch. The plan also contained provisions for a judiciary branch, but did not call for a strong national government like the Virginia Plan.
The New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Paterson of New Jersey, who argued that the large states would dominate in a bicameral legislature like the one proposed in the Virginia Plan. The plan was supported by the smaller states, who feared that their representation would be overwhelmed by the larger states in a bicameral legislature. Paterson’s plan called for a unicameral legislature in which each state would be represented equally. He argued that this would ensure that the smaller states would not be overshadowed by the larger states. The plan was opposed by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who argued that it would lead to an overly weak government.
The New Jersey Plan also proposed a single executive branch, which was to be elected by Congress. This executive would have the power to veto legislation, but could not be removed from office unless impeached by Congress. The plan also called for a judiciary branch, which would have the power to hear cases involving disputes between states.
The New Jersey Plan was ultimately rejected in favor of the Virginia Plan. However, it is credited with influencing the development of the Constitution, as it provided an example of a different way to structure the government that was ultimately rejected. The plan is also credited with influencing the development of the Bill of Rights, as it contained provisions for a strong national government that was to be limited by a set of enumerated rights.
Conclusion

The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure of the United States government presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The plan was created in response to the Virginia Plan, which called for a strong national government with three separate branches. The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature in which each state would have an equal number of representatives and a single executive branch, as well as provisions for a judiciary branch. The plan was ultimately rejected in favor of the Virginia Plan, but it is credited with influencing the development of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
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