Test Review: Constitutional Convention

Front

What was the position of the group known as Federalists?

Back

They supported the new Constitution.

Answer explanation

The Federalists were proponents of the new Constitution, advocating for a stronger national government to replace the Articles of Confederation. They believed this was essential for maintaining order and unity in the nation.

Front

The number of members of which of these is affected by state population? Senate, Supreme Court, president's cabinet, House of Representatives

Back

House of Representatives

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives' membership is directly based on state populations, with larger states having more representatives. In contrast, the Senate has equal representation from each state, regardless of population.

Front

What did the Great Compromise decide?

Back

representation in Congress

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a dual system of representation in Congress, creating a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state.

Front

Which of these did both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans include?
an end to slavery,
an elected president,
two houses of Congress,
three branches of government

Back

three branches of government

Answer explanation

Both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans included the establishment of three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring a separation of powers.

Front

Which was the greatest challenge at the Constitutional Convention? Options: how to get agreement between eastern and western states, how to balance the interests of large and small states, how to address the concerns of farmers and ranchers, how to respond to the interests of foreign countries

Back

how to balance the interests of large and small states

Answer explanation

The greatest challenge at the Constitutional Convention was how to balance the interests of large and small states. This was crucial for ensuring fair representation and preventing dominance by more populous states.

Front

Why is James Madison known as the "Father of the Constitution"?

Back

He was well prepared to lead the discussion at the convention.

Answer explanation

James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution" because he was well prepared to lead the discussion at the Constitutional Convention, contributing significantly to the debates and the drafting process.

Front

What was the original purpose of the convention in May 1787?

Back

to revise the Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The original purpose of the convention in May 1787 was to revise the Articles of Confederation, which were found to be inadequate for governing the new nation effectively.

Front

Why is Shays' Rebellion an important event in U.S. history?

Back

It led to the passage of a new Constitution.

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to calls for a stronger central government and ultimately the drafting and passage of the U.S. Constitution.

Front

One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that Congress could not

Back

impose taxes

Answer explanation

One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that Congress could not impose taxes. This limitation hindered the federal government's ability to raise revenue and effectively manage the nation's finances.

Front

Following the American Revolution, what did Congress fear about a strong central government?

Back

rights for which people fought would be lost

Answer explanation

Following the American Revolution, Congress feared that a strong central government could infringe on the individual rights for which people fought, leading to a loss of freedoms and liberties that were hard-won during the war.