APUSH 3.8 ~ Constitutional Convention and Debates (Heimler's)

When and where did the Constitutional Convention convene?

• 1776 in New York

• 1787 in Philadelphia

• 1790 in Boston

• 1800 in Washington D.C.

Answer explanation

The Constitutional Convention convened in 1787 in Philadelphia. This historical event brought together delegates from the thirteen original states to discuss and create the United States Constitution. The convention was a crucial step in the formation of the American government and laid the foundation for the country's political structure. The choice '1787 in Philadelphia' is the correct answer as it accurately represents the time and place of the Constitutional Convention.

What was the goal of the Constitutional Convention?

• To address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• To create a new constitution

• To revise the existing Articles of Confederation

• To establish a monarchy

Answer explanation

The goal of the Constitutional Convention was to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. This convention aimed to create a new constitution that would replace the existing Articles of Confederation. It did not intend to revise the Articles or establish a monarchy. The convention sought to improve the system of government by addressing the limitations of the Articles of Confederation.

Who were the influential figures in favor of a new Constitution?

• George Washington and Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

• James Madison and Alexander Hamilton

• Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine

Answer explanation

The influential figures in favor of a new Constitution were James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. They played a crucial role in shaping and advocating for the adoption of the Constitution. Their ideas and efforts were instrumental in the formation of a strong central government and the establishment of key principles that still guide the United States today. Their contributions were highly influential and helped pave the way for the ratification of the Constitution.

What was the Virginia Plan?

• A plan for equal representation in Congress

• A plan for a strong centralized government, Bicameral Legislature, Representation based on Population

• A plan for a unicameral legislature

• A plan for representation based on transportation.

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan was a plan for a strong centralized government with a bicameral legislature and representation based on population. It was not a plan for equal representation in Congress, a unicameral legislature, or representation based on transportation.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

• A plan for equal representation in Congress, Unicameral Legislature, Small State Plan

• A plan for a strong centralized government

• A plan for a bicameral legislature

• A plan for representation based on population

Answer explanation

The New Jersey Plan was a plan for equal representation in Congress, also known as the Unicameral Legislature or Small State Plan. It aimed to provide each state with an equal voice in the legislative branch, regardless of their population size. This plan was proposed as an alternative to the Virginia Plan, which called for representation based on population. The New Jersey Plan emphasized the importance of equal representation and sought to protect the interests of smaller states. It was one of the key proposals during the Constitutional Convention.

What was the Great Compromise?

• A compromise on the representation debate

• A compromise on the slavery ban

• A compromise on the election of the president

• A compromise on the ratification process

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise was a compromise on the representation debate. It resolved the conflict between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. This compromise ensured that both large and small states had a voice in the legislative process. The Great Compromise played a crucial role in the formation of the United States Constitution.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• A compromise on the representation of enslaved population

• A compromise on the election of the president

• A compromise on the slavery ban

• A compromise on the ratification process

Answer explanation

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a compromise on the representation of enslaved population. It was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise stated that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining a state's population and representation in the House of Representatives. This compromise was a result of the disagreement between the Northern and Southern states regarding the issue of slavery. It aimed to balance the power between the states and ensure the ratification of the United States Constitution.

How were members of the House of Representatives elected?

• By the people to 2 year terms

• By the state legislatures to 6 year terms

• By the Electoral College

• By the president

Answer explanation

Members of the House of Representatives were elected by the people to 2-year terms. This means that the citizens had the power to choose their representatives in the House every 2 years.

Who were the Federalists?

• Urban, wealthy merchants

• Rural farmers

• State legislatures

• The president

Answer explanation

The Federalists were urban, wealthy merchants. The Federalists wanted a strong National Government. The Anti-Federalists wanted a strong State Government.

What promise was to be included after the ratification of the Constitution to protect individual rights?

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Answer explanation

The Bill of Rights was promised to protect individual rights after the ratification of the Constitution. It ensures that certain fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and religion, are protected. The other options, including the Articles of Confederation, Virginia Plan, and New Jersey Plan, do not specifically address individual rights. The Bill of Rights is a crucial part of the Constitution and provides important protections for individuals.