Often times, America is referred to a a democracy. While this statement is partially true, a more accurate term would be a “representative democracy”. We, the people, do not vote on each issue that passes through Congress; instead, we elect officials to represent us during the voting process. Congress is bicameral legislature. This means that we have divided the legislature into two chambers. When creating the Congressional structure we have today, there were many disagreements about how representation would be apportioned. There were two major plans discussed: The Virginia Plan proposed by Edmund Randolph and the New Jersey Plan proposed by William Patterson. The Virginia Plan, also known as big state plan, favored appointment of representation in both houses to be based on state population. He wanted the larger states to have more representatives, because they had more people to represent within their states. However, this worried the smaller states, because they felt they would not be adequately represented. Therefore, they supported the New Jersey Plan which wanted apportionment of representation in both houses to be equal for every state.
Ultimately, the disagreement …show more content…
Based on the Virginia Plan, the number of elected officials in the House of Representatives is determined by state population. California, the most populous state, has 53 representatives. But, on the other hand, Delaware, Montana, North & South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming and Alaska all only have one representative. Texas has 36 representative, and while we are a “red” (conservative) state, Texas voters have elected 11 democrats to the House of Representatives. The second chamber, the Senate, is comprised of 100 elected officials. This chamber is based on the New Jersey Plan, and each state has been allotted 2 officials to represent their citizens in the Senate. For Texas, the senators are Ted Cruz and John
Ultimately, the disagreement …show more content…
Based on the Virginia Plan, the number of elected officials in the House of Representatives is determined by state population. California, the most populous state, has 53 representatives. But, on the other hand, Delaware, Montana, North & South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming and Alaska all only have one representative. Texas has 36 representative, and while we are a “red” (conservative) state, Texas voters have elected 11 democrats to the House of Representatives. The second chamber, the Senate, is comprised of 100 elected officials. This chamber is based on the New Jersey Plan, and each state has been allotted 2 officials to represent their citizens in the Senate. For Texas, the senators are Ted Cruz and John