Final answer:
The Philadelphia Convention of 1787 initially aimed to amend the Articles of Confederation but shifted to drafting the United States Constitution. The Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan proposed different methods of state representation, leading to the Connecticut Compromise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Original Goal of the Philadelphia Convention of 1787
The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, convened with the initial goal of amending the Articles of Confederation. However, due to the document's significant weaknesses, particularly in establishing a strong federal government, this goal was quickly set aside. Instead, the delegates realized that creating a new governmental framework was necessary, leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
Difference Between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans
Among the central debates at the convention were the conflicting proposals known as the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan favored large states by proposing representation in Congress based on state population, while the New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation regardless of state size, thus favoring smaller states. This critical disagreement shaped the discussions and ultimately led to the Connecticut Compromise, which created a bicameral legislature featuring both proportional (House of Representatives) and equal (Senate) representation.