Final answer:
The Philadelphia Convention aimed to create a new government, leading to the U.S. Constitution, while the Virginia Convention debated its ratification. Differences between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans were focused on state representation in Congress, with the former advocating for population-based representation and the latter for equal representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Philadelphia Convention vs. Virginia Convention
The main goal of the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was to create a new government rather than revise the Articles of Confederation, as originally planned. This convention was prompted by the economic problems and national weaknesses highlighted by Shays' Rebellion. In contrast, the debate in the Virginia Convention focused on whether Virginia would ratify the newly proposed Constitution. Virginia's ratification was significant due to the state's influence and the stature of its leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison.
The difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan was essentially about state representation in the new government. The Virginia Plan, backed by the larger states, proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population. Conversely, the New Jersey Plan, favored by smaller states, advocated for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, regardless of size.
Both conventions and plans played crucial roles in shaping the United States' government structure and principles and demonstrated the challenges of balancing state sovereignty with effective national governance.