U.S. Constitution - The Virginia Plan

Who opened the debate with a broad plan that he and Virginia compatriots had developed?

Edmund Randolph the 34 year old governor of Virginia laid out the plan of which James Madison had on his mind for years.

What was the governmental structure proposed in the Virginia Plan?

The proposed government had three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial with checks against each other.

What was the balance of power between the central government and the states in the plan?

The proposed government was highly centralized and could veto laws enacted by state legislatures. This was, indeed, the rat so offensive to Patrick Henry.

What was Gouverneur Morris's point during the 10 days of debating the Virginia Resolutions?

Gouverneur Morris argued that the critical issue was the distinction between a federation of 'friends based on good faith' and a national government with a more compulsive operation. Morris favored the national government capable of exercising necessary authority.