Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Equal Representation: The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature where each state would have an equal number of representatives, regardless of its size or population. This ensured that small states would have a stronger voice in the federal government compared to larger states like Virginia.
- Protection against Large States: Small states feared that the larger states would dominate the federal government under a proportional representation system. By having equal representation, small states could protect their interests and prevent the larger states from passing legislation that could be detrimental to them.
- State Sovereignty: The New Jersey Plan placed more emphasis on state sovereignty and autonomy. Small states preferred this approach as it allowed them to retain more power and control over their internal affairs without being subject to the decisions of the federal government.
- Fear of Mob Rule: Small states believed that a proportional representation system would give large states too much influence and lead to "mob rule" where the interests of the majority would overshadow the interests of the minority. By having equal representation, small states could ensure that their voices would be heard and that their concerns would be taken into consideration.
- Historical Precedent: The New Jersey Plan was based on the existing practice of equal representation in the Continental Congress, where each state had one vote regardless of its size or population. Small states saw the New Jersey Plan as a continuation of this tradition and a way to preserve their power and influence in the new federal government.