 While waiting for the Convention to formally begin , James Madison sketched out his initial draft , which became known as the Virginia Plan and reflected his views as a strong nationalist . By the time the rest of the Virginia delegation arrived , most of the Pennsylvania delegation had arrived as well . They agreed on Madison 's plan , and formed what came to be the predominant coalition . By the time the Convention started , the only blueprints that had been assembled were Madison 's Virginia Plan , and Charles Pinckney 's plan . As Pinckney didn 't have a coalition behind his plan , Madison 's plan was the starting point for deliberations . 
