William Paterson

Definition

William Paterson was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers, best known for his role at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he proposed the New Jersey Plan. This plan aimed to create a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, countering the Virginia Plan's proposal for representation based on population. Paterson's contributions were crucial in the debates over how states would be represented in the new government, which ultimately led to the Great Compromise.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. William Paterson served as a delegate from New Jersey and was influential in advocating for smaller states' interests during the Constitutional Convention.
2. Paterson's New Jersey Plan emphasized equality among states, which reflected concerns of smaller states fearing domination by larger ones.
3. He later served as a U.S. Senator and as the second Governor of New Jersey, playing significant roles in both state and national politics.
4. The debates surrounding Paterson's proposals highlighted key tensions between federal and state power that persisted throughout American history.
5. William Paterson's efforts helped to shape the final structure of Congress, balancing representation and ensuring a more unified government.

Review Questions

• How did William Paterson's New Jersey Plan address the concerns of smaller states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • William Paterson's New Jersey Plan directly addressed the concerns of smaller states by proposing a unicameral legislature that offered equal representation for each state, regardless of size or population. This was in stark contrast to the Virginia Plan, which favored larger states by suggesting representation based on population. By advocating for this plan, Paterson aimed to ensure that smaller states would not be overshadowed in legislative decisions, thereby promoting a sense of fairness and equality among all states.
• Evaluate the impact of William Paterson's contributions on the final structure of Congress established by the Great Compromise.
  • William Paterson's contributions were pivotal in shaping the final structure of Congress through his advocacy for equal representation. His New Jersey Plan led to critical discussions that culminated in the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature. This compromise created a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with two representatives from each state, effectively balancing the interests of both large and small states and ensuring more comprehensive governance.
• Analyze how William Paterson's role at the Constitutional Convention reflects broader themes of federalism and representation in early American governance.
  • William Paterson's role at the Constitutional Convention exemplifies broader themes of federalism and representation by highlighting the fundamental tensions between large and small states. His advocacy for equal representation in the New Jersey Plan represented a pushback against what smaller states perceived as potential tyranny by larger ones. This dynamic not only shaped legislative structures but also set precedents for ongoing debates about state versus federal authority in American governance, influencing future discussions about democracy, equality, and representation within the evolving political landscape.

Related terms

New Jersey Plan:

A proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention that called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of size or population.

Virginia Plan:

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that favored larger states by suggesting a bicameral legislature with representation based on population.

Great Compromise:

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation from each state.