Small states were against the Virginia Plan primarily because it proposed representation in the national legislature based on population. This meant larger states would have more power and influence, leaving smaller states with significantly less voice and authority. Small states feared domination by larger states in the new government structure, threatening their political influence and sovereignty. Key reasons for small states' opposition include:
- The Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation proportional to population, which favored larger states.
- Small states preferred the existing principle of equal representation for each state to preserve their authority, as seen under the Articles of Confederation.
- They were concerned that the Virginia Plan would allow a minority of large states to control the government and diminish the power of smaller states.
- In response, small states proposed the New Jersey Plan, advocating a single legislative house with equal representation per state to protect their interests.
- This opposition led to the Great Compromise, which created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Thus, small states resisted the Virginia Plan to safeguard their political influence and ensure equal say in the new federal government.
