James Madison, a delegate from Virginia at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, recognized that one of the greatest flaws in the Articles of Confederation was its lack of a strong centralized government. In response to this flaw, Madison developed the “Virginia Plan” which was countered by the New Jersey delegation with the aptly named “New Jersey Plan.” Were either of these plans chosen by the delegation or was there a compromise to appease both sides?

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Were either of these plans chosen by the delegation or was there a compromise to appease both sides?

No, these plans were not chosen at the Constitutional Convention of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787. James Madison, a delegate from Virginia at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, recognized that one of the greatest flaws in the Articles of Confederation was its lack of a strong centralized government. In response to this flaw, Madison developed the “Virginia Plan.” However, no all the delegates agreed. That is when the Virginia Plan was countered by the New Jersey delegation, proposing the “New Jersey Plan.” The delegates had many discussions and debates to agree on the new form of government for the United States. Federalists supported a strong central government. Antifederalists supported a simpler government that promoted civil rights and liberties. That is when James Madison drafted the Bill of Rights, which is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution.