Issue 1: How Should States Be Represented
in the New Government?
Task 2: The Virginia Plan vs. New
Jersey Plan
1. Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
• How did the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan differ?
• Which Plan would your delegate most likely favor, and why?
2. After we’ve understood the differences between The Virginia Plan and The New Jersey
Plan, and we know which one our delegate would most likely favor, it’s time to “pick the
brains” of our fellow delegates and see where they stand on this issue. Mingle with the
other delegates and find those who represent the characteristics below. Remember to
write your answers in complete sentences.
• Find a delegate who believes that the national legislature should have one house.
• Who are they, what state do they represent and is it a small, medium or large state?
• What does this delegate think should determine each state’s representation in this
house?
• Would this delegate more likely support the Virginia Plan or the New Jersey Plan
and why?
• Find a delegate who believes that the national legislature should have two houses.
• Who are they, what state do they represent and is it a small, medium or large state?
• What does this delegate think should determine each state’s representation in each
of these houses?
• Would this delegate more likely support the Virginia Plan or the New Jersey Plan
and why?
**NOTE: Students must find a different delegate for each bullet point
3. Time to vote! Once students have answered the questions above, they will participate
in a mock vote. Students will consider the position of their delegate and vote for one of
the following options on how to divide representation in the national legislature
(Congress):
a. The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend on the state’s
population.
b. Each state will have equal representation in Congress, regardless of the state’s size.
c. The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend partially on the
wealth of the citizens of the state.