Today, in Philadelphia, the revision of the Articles of Confederation has begun. Virginia is taking the initiative here, to frame the debate by drawing up and suggesting a proposal, primarily created by James Madison. Today, Edmund Randolph, Virginian Governor, brings it to the convention. The proposal is in the form of 15 different resolutions.
This proposal is called the Virginia Plan. It is proposing a legislative branch that has two chambers. We call this a bicameral legislature. Each state would be represented in proportion to their population. Therefore, larger populated states would have more representatives then the smaller states. Of course, the large states are all in favor. Small states are not.
Many other issues are addressed in this Virginia Plan. Its says that one of the chambers of the legislature should be elected by the people, and then the second chamber would be chosen by the first chamber from nominations by the states government. Executive should be chosen by the legislative. Also, a system of “checks and balances” is proposed. This means that legislative acts could be vetoed by a council made up of the executive and some members of the judicial branch. . This would make sure that no one would have too much power. After all, James Madison says, "All men having power ought to be mistrusted."
The Virginia Plan seems to be well thought out. It will be interresting to see how the convention will respond to it. We will keep you updated on the passing, rejecting, or editing of the Virginia Plan.
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