What was the proposed role of the executive in the Virginia Plan?

The proposed role of the executive in the Virginia Plan was that this position would hold veto power and appoint officials. The Virginia Plan, introduced by James Madison during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, aimed to create a stronger national government with an executive branch that had significant authority. The framers envisioned an executive capable of checking the powers of the legislature through a veto and ensuring the effective implementation of laws. By allowing the executive to appoint officials, the plan intended to create a more efficient and cohesive administration that could respond to the needs of the government effectively. This framework highlighted the importance of a strong executive branch while still maintaining a balance of power among the different government branches.

The other roles mentioned in the options do not accurately reflect the vision laid out in the Virginia Plan. For example, serving merely as a ceremonial head of state would not align with the plan's intention to create an active and powerful executive branch. Similarly, the idea of executing laws without legislative input misunderstands the checks and balances the plan sought to establish, as the legislative branch was still seen as essential for lawmaking. Leading the military without legislative approval would have undermined Congress's authority, further deviating from the collaborative governance model the Virginia Plan proposed.