Fundamental Goals of the Virginia Plan (1787)

The Virginia Plan (Randolph Plan), presented by Edmund Randolph at the Constitutional Convention, aimed to replace the Articles of Confederation with a supreme national government. Its core goals:

1. Form a More Perfect Union – Stronger cohesion, common defense, uniform commerce.
2. Proportional Representation – Both legislative chambers based on population/wealth (favored large states). *Note: Equal state representation in upper house was a later Connecticut Compromise.*
3. Independent National Executive – Single president elected by legislature, with veto power and execution authority.
4. National Judiciary – Supreme + inferior courts, jurisdiction over federal law/state disputes.
5. Legislative Supremacy (Qualified) – Congress could veto state laws; negative on state acts.
6. Balance: National Power vs. State Autonomy – States retain internal police powers; national handles general welfare.
7. Foundation for Rights Protection – Though no Bill of Rights initially, structure enabled later amendments.

Legacy

The Plan set the Convention's agenda. Key elements—bicameralism, independent executive, federal judiciary, supremacy clause—survived into the Constitution, though representation was compromised.