Virginia Plan
A proposal to the Constitutional Convention for the creation a government with 3 branches equal in power
Real World Example
The Virginia Plan was a proposal during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that suggested establishing a government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with equal power. It was important because it addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by promoting a stronger central government and ensuring a system of checks and balances. The plan aimed to balance power among states by suggesting representation based on population, which was a contentious issue at the time. Today, the three-branch system remains crucial as it helps prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful, maintaining democratic principles. For example, when new laws are proposed, the legislative branch creates them, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch can review them, ensuring that citizens' rights are protected.
