The New Jersey Plan was a proposal during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, championed by smaller states to counter the Virginia Plan favored by larger ones.

Historical Context

It advocated equal representation for each state in Congress (one vote per state), unlike the population-based system in the Virginia Plan. This preserved power for less populous states against dominance by big ones like Virginia or Pennsylvania. William Paterson of New Jersey introduced it on June 15, 1787, emphasizing sovereignty and confederation principles.

States That Supported It

Smaller states rallied behind the plan to protect their interests. Key supporters included:

  • New Jersey : Home state, led by Paterson; feared losing influence.
  • Delaware : Small population; opposed strong national government favoring big states.
  • Maryland : Similar concerns over representation and trade power.
  • Connecticut : Backed small-state equality, though pragmatic (split later).
  • New York : Initially supportive under delegates like Yates and Lansing, wary of centralized power.
  • Rhode Island : Didn't attend full convention but aligned philosophically as a holdout against the final Constitution.

These states formed the core "small state" bloc, pushing for a unicameral legislature with equal votes.[ from prior context on historical discussions]

Why They Backed It

Small states saw the Virginia Plan as existential—population-based bicameralism would marginalize them forever. The New Jersey Plan retained weak executive/judiciary, state vetoes on federal laws, and equal say, appealing to fears of "mob rule" by larger neighbors. Tensions peaked in the "Connecticut Compromise," blending ideas into the bicameral Congress we know.

Modern Echoes

No current "New Jersey Plan" exists in 2026 politics (searches hit NJ budgets instead), but federalism debates echo it—like small states defending Senate equality today. Forums speculate on "what if" scenarios, imagining a weaker U.S. union.

TL;DR : Primarily small states (NJ, DE, MD, CT, NY, RI) supported it for equal power; it shaped compromises but didn't pass fully.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.