Goal of the New Jersey Plan (1787 Constitutional Convention)

Proposed by William Paterson, the New Jersey Plan aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation while preserving state sovereignty. Its core goals:

• Unicameral Legislature: One vote per state (equal representation), protecting small states.
• Plural Executive: Multiple executives elected by Congress for a single term.
• Limited Judiciary: Supreme court with only appellate jurisdiction.
• Unanimous Amendments: All states must agree to changes.

It countered the Virginia Plan's proportional representation. Ultimately, the Great Compromise blended both: bicameral Congress (House by population, Senate equal).