Virginia Plan

The Virginia Plan, proposed during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, aimed to establish a strong national government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This plan responded to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had created a weak central government unable to effectively govern the states. By proposing a system where each branch had equal power, the Virginia Plan laid the groundwork for the checks and balances we see in the U.S. Constitution today. This concept still matters because it ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, protecting citizens' rights and maintaining democracy. For example, when new laws are proposed, they must be reviewed and approved by Congress, signed by the President, and can be challenged in court, ensuring that every decision is balanced and fair.