We the People Unit 3

What was the original purpose for calling a meeting in Philadelphia in 1787?

• To draft the Declaration of Independence

• To revise the Articles of Confederation

• To elect a new president

• To establish trade agreements with Europe

In what ways were the delegates at the Philadelphia Convention representative of the American people?

• They were all from diverse economic backgrounds

• They were all landowners and educated

• They included women and minorities

• They were all young and inexperienced

Should the topics being debated at the Philadelphia Convention have been reported to the public? Why or why not?

• Yes, because transparency is important in a democracy

• No, because secrecy allowed for more honest discussions

• Yes, because the public had a right to know

• No, because it was a private meeting

Explain the difference between equal representation and proportional representation.

• Equal representation means each state has the same number of votes; proportional representation means votes are based on population

• Equal representation means votes are based on population; proportional representation means each state has the same number of votes

• Equal representation means each person has one vote; proportional representation means each state has one vote

• Equal representation means each state has one vote; proportional representation means each person has one vote

Which plan did the states with large populations support?

• The New Jersey Plan

• The Virginia Plan

• The Connecticut Plan

• The Delaware Plan

What important differences of opinion existed between the northern and southern states?

• Trade policies

• Slavery and representation

• Taxation methods

• Military funding

What fundamental ideas about constitutional government were violated by the compromise reached between the northern and southern delegates?

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Equality and human rights

• Federalism

Why do you think the Framers devoted so much of the Constitution to the legislative branch?

• They believed it was the least important branch

• They wanted to ensure it had more power than the executive

• They thought it would be the most democratic branch

• They wanted to limit its power

According to the Constitution, what is the supreme law of the land?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

Why did the Framers make the executive branch share some of its powers with Congress?

• To weaken the executive branch

• To ensure cooperation and prevent tyranny

• To make the executive branch more powerful

• To simplify the government structure