Which plan was proposed as a counter to the Virginia Plan during the Constitutional Convention?

The New Jersey Plan was proposed as a response to the Virginia Plan during the Constitutional Convention to address concerns about representation in the newly forming government. The Virginia Plan favored large states by establishing a legislative structure with representation based on population, which would have given more power to states with larger populations. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan advocated for a unicameral legislature where each state would have equal representation, regardless of size or population. This plan was primarily supported by smaller states that feared they would be overshadowed and underrepresented in a system that emphasized population.

By proposing equal representation, the New Jersey Plan sought to ensure that all states had a voice in the legislative process, thus maintaining the principle of equality among the states. This plan highlighted the deep divisions among delegates at the convention regarding how representation should be structured, ultimately leading to further negotiations and compromises that would influence the final shape of the Constitution.