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Constitutional Convention

May-September 1787 - Choose Your State

Select a state to represent and argue for your preferred plan of government

Virginia Plan

Bicameral legislature with representation based on population

  • • Lower house elected by people
  • • Upper house elected by lower house
  • • Strong national government
  • • Executive chosen by legislature

New Jersey Plan

Unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state

  • • One vote per state
  • • Weak national government
  • • Preserve Articles of Confederation
  • • Equal state sovereignty

Hamilton Plan

Strong central government with aristocratic elements

  • • Life terms for executive and senators
  • • Strong national government
  • • Limited democracy
  • • Elite rule