Big states Small states, General v Specific lang, Enumerated Powers

Question 1

Big States (VA plan)

Answer 1

• population based representation
• legislature with two houses (bicameral)
• in both houses, the number of reps from each state would be based on a state’s total population or wealth
• would have the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and make laws
• a strong national government, with powers divided among three branches, and that the legislative branch would have 2 branches
• James Madison

Question 2

Small States (NJ plan)

Answer 2

• equal representation in the government, regardless of the size
• legislature with only one house
• states would only get 1 vote, no matter the size
• a weaker government with a very weak executive branch
• William Paterson

Question 3

Virginia Plan’s Congress:

Answer 3

• House members elcted by the state’s people
• Senate memebers nominated by state’s people but elected by the lower house

Question 4

Great/Connecticut Compromise:

Answer 4

• Sherman and Ellisworth
• 2 legislative bodies in Congress (HOR population based, Senate equal rep - 2 reps per state)
• state legislatures would choose Senators
• passed with one vote

Question 5

General Lang:

Answer 5

• allowed fed gov to veto laws by the states
• grants more power to fed gov
• believed you have to let the gov do whatever they need to do for it to make sense in the future

Question 6

Specific Lang:

Answer 6

• limit the fed govs power by telling them what they can and can’t do

Question 7

Enumerated Powers facts

Answer 7

• Constitution grants 17 enumerated powers for the fed gov
• Some are collecting taxes, declaring war, post offices, and national currency