The Great Debate. June 19-28. Summary and Analysis

On Tuesday, June 19, Madison is the first to speak. He systematically dismantles the New Jersey plan. He suggests that it would not prevent "internal state turmoils" like Shay's Rebellion, or prevent the states from issuing their own money to escape debts to other states. It would also be an expense to smaller states, which would have a more difficult time paying their representatives. After Madison's speech, Rufus King asks for a vote on which plan is preferred. The Virginia plan wins. The small states are not beaten, however, Bowen says. The question of representation will continue throughout the summer.

On June 20, the delegates meet in full convention with Washington presiding. The Convention's first action is to remove the phrase "national government" from the first Virginia resolve and replace it with "government of the...