Which plan would have given states representation based on population?

• A. Two-house legislature with representation by population
• B. One-house legislature with equal representation
• C. A unitary executive
• D. A single-chamber assembly with per-state votes

Answer: (A)

Proportional, population-based representation is shown by a plan that structures a two-house legislature so that seats are allocated according to how many people live in each state. In such a setup, larger states would have more representatives and therefore more influence in both chambers, reflecting the idea that representation should mirror population size. This is the plan associated with the Virginia Plan, which aimed for a bicameral Congress with representation in both houses based on state population.

The other options don’t fit this idea: one-house, equal representation would treat every state the same regardless of size; a unitary executive focuses on concentrating executive power rather than how legislative seats are apportioned; and a single-chamber assembly with per-state votes would assign votes by state rather than by population. Historically, this population-based, two-house approach contrasts with plans that favored equality among states, highlighting why proportional representation hinges on population.