Constitutional Convention of 1787

James Madison and Alexander Hamilton called for a convention in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss trade among the states.

What was the outcome of the Annapolis Convention?

• A call for another meeting in Philadelphia

• Immediate changes to trade laws

• The drafting of a new constitution

• The election of a new president

Trade and currency issues were among the worst problems under the Articles of Confederation.

• True

• False

The doors and windows to Independence Hall were shut so nobody could hear what was being debated at the Constitutional Convention. There were no video cameras or sound recording devices in 1787.

How do we know today what went on during the convention?

• Alexander Hamilton wrote a musical about it.

• James Madison kept detailed notes.

• A collection of speeches was published after the convention was over.

• George Washington's family released his diary after he died.

Which states would benefit from the Virginia Plan?

• Larger states like Virginia

• Smaller states like New Jersey

• Northern states like New York

• Western states like California

What was the goal of the New Jersey Plan?

• To give small states as much power as large states

• To create a new national currency

• To establish a national bank

• To increase military spending

What was the main issue debated during the Constitutional Convention?

• The abolition of slavery

• The rights of states versus the powers of the federal government

• The official language of the United States

• The decision to enter World War I

Which is a picture of a bicameral legislature?

• 
• 
• 

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention did not try to incorporate an end to slavery in the Constitution. Why were they hesitant to discuss it?

• The Founding Fathers were becoming wealthy from the slave trade.

• Slavery was not a significant issue at the time.

• The northern states wanted more slaves.

• The southern states might have withdrawn from the union.

Explain the main difference between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution in terms of governmental structure.

• The Articles of Confederation established a strong central government, while the Constitution established a weak central government.

• The Articles of Confederation had a unicameral legislature, while the Constitution established a bicameral legislature.

• The Articles of Confederation included a Bill of Rights, while the Constitution did not.

• The Articles of Confederation allowed for a president, while the Constitution did not.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Analyze how the delay between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention might have impacted the development of the U.S. government.

• It allowed for the development of a strong monarchy.

• It provided time to experiment with different forms of government, leading to the realization of the need for a stronger central government.

• It caused the U.S. to remain under British control for longer.

• It led to the immediate success of the Articles of Confederation.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking