Exploring the Authors of the US Constitution

The video explores the creation of the US Constitution in 1787, highlighting the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation, such as state conflicts and federal weaknesses. It discusses Shays' Rebellion and its impact, leading to the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. The Great Compromise resolved representation issues, and the final Constitution was signed, though some delegates demanded a Bill of Rights.

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation that led to the Constitutional Convention?

• Too much power to the federal government

• Lack of a federal government

• Weaknesses in resolving state conflicts

• Excessive taxation by the federal government

Who presented the Virginia Plan at the Constitutional Convention?

• James Madison

• Edmund Randolph

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

What was the primary concern of smaller states regarding the Virginia Plan?

• Lack of a federal court system

• Proportional representation reducing their influence

• Too much power to the President

• Increased federal taxes

What was the Great Compromise?

• A solution to the representation issue between big and small states

• A method to elect the President

• A new tax system

• A plan to abolish slavery

How were slaves counted for representation purposes according to the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• They were not counted at all

• As full citizens

• As property

• As three-fifths of a person

What was the role of the Committee of Detail?

• To copy down the resolutions decided so far

• To elect the President

• To draft the final version of the Constitution

• To resolve issues related to the executive branch

Who wrote the preamble of the US Constitution?

• James Madison

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Governor Morris

What was George Mason's argument regarding the House of Representatives?

• It should have more power than the Senate

• It should have equal representation from each state

• It should be appointed by state legislatures

• It should be elected by the people

Why did some delegates refuse to sign the Constitution?

• They opposed the Three-Fifths Compromise

• They wanted a stronger federal government

• They demanded a Bill of Rights

• They wanted more power for the President

What did Benjamin Franklin believe about the Constitution despite its faults?

• It should include more power for the states

• It should be rewritten entirely

• It needed significant revisions

• It was the best possible system of government