Early American Government Quiz

What was the primary purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

• To establish a system for surveying and selling western lands

• To create new state boundaries

• To establish Native American territories

• To determine voting districts

Which was NOT a rule established by the Northwest Ordinance?

• Freedom of religion must be guaranteed

• Slavery was permanently permitted

• Public education must be encouraged

• Basic civil rights must be protected

What was the main cause of Shays's Rebellion?

• High state taxes on farmers

• Lack of representation in government

• British interference in trade

• Religious persecution

Who was known as the "Father of the Constitution"?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

Why did Patrick Henry refuse to attend the Constitutional Convention?

• He was too ill to travel

• He was serving as a state governor

• He feared a strong central government

• He had diplomatic duties abroad

The Virginia Plan proposed:

• Equal representation for all states

• A bicameral legislature based on population

• A unicameral legislature

• Direct election of the president

Which states generally favored the New Jersey Plan?

• Western territories

• Southern states

• Small states

• Large states

The Great Compromise was created by:

• James Madison

• Roger Sherman

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

Under the Great Compromise, the Senate would:

• Have representatives based on state population

• Have two senators per state

• Be elected by state legislatures only

• Have rotating membership

What was a major effect of Shays's Rebellion?

• It led to lower taxes

• It strengthened state militias

• It convinced leaders that a stronger national government was needed

• It resulted in Daniel Shays becoming a political leader