U.S. Constitution - The New Jersey Plan

How did the New Jersey Plan respond to the Virginia Plan and who proposed it?

The New Jersey Plan was a revulsion to the Virginia Plan  and instead proposed a  "union of the States merely federal." The plan was proposed by William Paterson of New Jersey and rallied behind on June 13th by many small state delegates.

What did the New Jersey Plan do to address problems with the Articles of Confederation?

The "New Jersey resolutions" called only for a revision of the articles to enable the Congress more easily to raise revenues and regulate commerce. It also provided that acts of Congress and ratified treaties be "the supreme law of the States."

How was the New Jersey Plan received in the delegation?

The plan was ultimately rejected and the convention moved to the creation of a new government rather than reform. The nationalists, led by Madison, appeared to have the proceedings in their grip.

What additional victory did Madison and the nationalists have?

They persuaded the members that any new constitution should be ratified through conventions of the people and not by the Congress and the state legislatures. Madison and his allies believed that the constitution they had in mind would likely be scuttled in the legislatures, where many state political leaders stood to lose power. The nationalists wanted to bring the issue before "the people," where ratification was more likely.