How did the rival plans for the new government differ?

Virginia Plan - - called for a central government divided into legislative, executive and judicial branches each with the power to check the other branches. The proposal called for government with the power to make laws, levy its taxes and control commerce between the states. In addition the plan called for a bicameral legislature. Membership in both houses of congress would be based on a state's population, with more populous states having a greater number of representatives.

New Jersey's Plan - - called for a strong central government made up of three branches. However, the plan was designed to stick closer to the Articles of Confederation. It proposed a unicameral legislature. Each state would have one vote, giving equal representation to every state regardless of its population. As a result, each state, large or small, would have equal say in determining public policy.