What was a key feature of the New Jersey Plan?

• A. A strong national government with a bicameral Congress
• B. Representation based on population in a unicameral Congress
• C. One vote per state in a unicameral Congress
• D. A plan to abolish state governments

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how representation is arranged to balance state interests. The New Jersey Plan argued that states should have equal representation in the national legislature, not representation based on population. That led to a unicameral Congress in which each state would have one vote, giving smaller states the same say as larger ones.

This design was meant to preserve state sovereignty and prevent domination by more populous states, which is why it favored equality among states rather than weight by population. In contrast, plans that envisioned a strong, two-house national government or representation tied to population would tilt power toward bigger states and undercut the goal of equal state influence.

So the key feature is one vote per state in a single-chamber Congress, reflecting the plan’s emphasis on equal state representation.