Hello and welcome to a history of the United States. Episode 159, the Constitutional Convention

Part 3, the Connecticut Compromise. Last time out, we looked at the start of the 1789 Constitutional

Convention and James Madison's Virginia Plan. The Virginia Plan managed to secure agreement on a number of major

points, such as the National Congress, having the power to directly raise taxes and military

forces, and to stop the states from independently pursuing commercial policies. However,

there was considerable pushback. A group of northern states,

particularly Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, put together an alternative

proposal, which has been termed the New Jersey Plan. Submitted to Congress by William

Patterson of New Jersey on June 15, 1787. It consisted of nine articles which I'll summarize.

1. The Articles of Confederation needed to be modified to adapt to the crises of the 1780s,

rather than being completely replaced with a new constitution.

2. The new Congress should have the power to raise revenue

from import duties and stamps to regulate commerce. Three, Congress could collect taxes which would

be distributed to the states based on population, counting free citizens and inhabitants,

and three fifths of enslaved people,

though only with the consent of a proportion of states. It's worth noting the exact phrasing of this,

quote, authorised to make such requisitions in proportion to the whole number of white and other free citizen and inhabitants

of every age, sex and condition included those bound to servitude for a term of years,

and three-fifths of all other persons, not comprehended in the foregoing description, except

Indians not paying taxes."

4. Congress would elect the National Executive, which would consist of multiple people,

though serving in the executive would only be able to hold the office for one term

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