What was the primary purpose of the Virginia Plan?

What was the primary purpose of the Virginia Plan?

• A. Proposal to create a strong national government
• B. A constitutional proposal that would have given each state one vote in a new congress
• C. Checks and balances to limit central power
• D. An agreement to count slaves for representation

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how the Virginia Plan aimed to create a stronger national government. It proposed a new framework for a central authority with three separate branches and a bicameral legislature whose representation would be based on state population (and contributions), giving larger states more influence. This structure was designed to empower the national government to levy taxes, regulate trade, and govern more effectively than under the Articles of Confederation. While the plan included a clear separation of powers, its centerpiece was building a powerful federal government rather than simply giving every state an equal vote or addressing counts of slaves for representation. The emphasis was on strengthening national authority, which is why this option best captures the primary purpose.

The main idea being tested is how the Virginia Plan aimed to create a stronger national government. It proposed a new framework for a central authority with three separate branches and a bicameral legislature whose representation would be based on state population (and contributions), giving larger states more influence. This structure was designed to empower the national government to levy taxes, regulate trade, and govern more effectively than under the Articles of Confederation. While the plan included a clear separation of powers, its centerpiece was building a powerful federal government rather than simply giving every state an equal vote or addressing counts of slaves for representation. The emphasis was on strengthening national authority, which is why this option best captures the primary purpose.