Virginia Plan's fundamental goal was to:
1. Form a more perfect union: The plan sought to create a stronger and more unified nation to foster cooperation, stability, and cohesion among the states.
2. Provide equal representation: Although representation was to be based on a proportional basis per state, the Virginia Plan initially suggested a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the upper house, regardless of population size, to ensure fairness and equal footing for each state's interests.
3. Establish an independent executive branch: The plan proposed an executive branch headed by a single president elected by the national legislature. This concept aimed to concentrate executive authority while ensuring accountability through checks from other branches.
4. Balance between states and the central government: While aiming to empower the central government, the Virginia Plan also recognized the importance of state autonomy. The plan allowed states to manage internal affairs, while granting the federal government authority over national matters.
5. Secure individual liberty and protect rights: The framers of the Virginia Plan were cognizant of the need to safeguard individual liberties. Although specific details about rights and protections were not immediately addressed in the plan, it laid the groundwork for the Constitution's future Bill of Rights, focusing on limited government to preserve individual freedoms.
