Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What principle did the Virginia Plan advocate for representation?

1. Equal representation for all states

2. Representation based on population

3. Representation based on land ownership

4. Appointment by existing government officials

The correct answer is: Representation based on population

The Virginia Plan advocated for representation based on population, which was a significant proposal during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This plan suggested that larger states, which had more people, should have a greater number of representatives in the legislature compared to smaller states. This concept aimed to ensure that the interests of states with larger populations were proportionately reflected in the national government. The idea was championed by delegates such as James Madison, who believed that a system of representation that reflected population would lead to a more equitable and effective government. The emphasis on population for representation was a fundamental shift from previous frameworks, such as the Articles of Confederation, which provided for equal representation among the states regardless of size. This proposal was a key factor in the debates over how to structure Congress and ultimately led to the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with both population-based and equal representation elements. Thus, the Virginia Plan's advocacy for representation based on population was influential in shaping the framework of the U.S. government as we know it today.