USHistory.org 14a. State Constitutions

What did it mean to replace royal authority with institutions based on popular rule?

• Giving more power to the governor

• Allowing the people to make all decisions

• Continuing colonial traditions without any modifications

• Creating a state government with legislative power

Which state created the most radical state constitution of the period?

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Massachusetts

• None of the above

What was the major change made in Pennsylvania's state government?

• Abolishing property requirements for voting and holding office

• Creating an upper legislative body

• Establishing a unicameral government

• Appointing a governor with significant power

How did John Adams describe the Pennsylvania constitution of 1776?

• Democratical and effective

• Confusing and producing evil work

• Conservative and necessary

• Radical and progressive

What were the property requirements for voting and running for office in South Carolina?

• No property requirements

• Low property requirements

• Moderate property requirements

• High property requirements

Who were considered too dependent on others to exercise reliable political judgment in South Carolina?

• Poor white men

• All women

• Children

• African Americans

Why was the proposed constitution of Massachusetts rejected in 1778?

• The people wanted the government to make the rules

• The people thought it was too important for the government to decide

• The government wanted to take away people's liberties

• The government wanted to change the rules whenever it wanted

What was the new way of thinking about popular rule in Massachusetts?

• Having a special convention of the people to decide important constitutional issues

• Giving more power to the state legislature

• Allowing the government to make its own rules

• Rejecting the idea of popular sovereignty

Which state constitution played a central role in the ratification of the national Constitution in 1787-1788?

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Massachusetts

• None of the above

What is the main target audience for this quiz?

• Grade 9 students

• College professors

• Historians

• Politicians