Quiz: The Struggle for Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

What was required for the new Constitution to become the law of the land?

• Approval from the President
• Ratification by 9 states
• Unanimous approval from all 13 states
• Approval from the Supreme Court

Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?

• Virginia
• New York
• Delaware
• Massachusetts

What major concern did many people have about the original Constitution?

• It gave too much power to the states
• It lacked a list of basic rights
• It didn't establish a strong enough military
• It didn't address economic issues

What promise did the Federalists make to gain support for ratification in Massachusetts?

• To reduce taxes
• To add a list of rights as amendments
• To give more power to the states
• To hold new elections

Which state became the ninth to ratify the Constitution, making it official?

• New York
• Virginia
• Rhode Island
• New Hampshire

Why were New York and Virginia considered crucial for the success of the new nation?

• They had the most natural resources
• They were the most populous states
• They had the strongest militaries
• They controlled important trade routes

What document played a significant role in convincing New York and Virginia to ratify the Constitution?

• The Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Federalist Papers
• The Mayflower Compact

When was the Bill of Rights officially added to the Constitution?

• July 4, 1776
• March 1, 1792
• September 17, 1787
• December 15, 1791

How did the Bill of Rights affect the balance of power in the new government?

• It gave more power to the federal government
• It limited the powers of the federal government
• It eliminated state governments
• It created a new branch of government

What does the First Amendment protect?

• The right to bear arms
• Freedom of speech
• The right to a fair trial
• Protection against unreasonable searches