First States Constitutions

Where can you find the rules outlined for amending the constitutions of the state of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States?

• The Bible

• The Rule Book

• The Constitutions (VA and US)

• The Dictionary

When was Indiana’s Constitution written?

• The first constitution was written in 1816 when Indiana became a state. The second, and current, constitution was enacted in 1851.

• 1. Indiana's Constitution was written during the American Civil War. It was during the Civil War that Indiana first became a state.

• Indiana's first Constitution was enacted in 1851. The second constitiution was written in 1916, on the 100th anniversary of Indiana's statehood.

• Indiana has no written constitution, but follows the U.S. Constitution.

How is the Indiana Constitution similar to the United States Constitution?

• Both have a preamble, articles, and a Bill of Rights. Both have been amended numerous times.

• The Indiana Constitution bears no resemblance to the U.S. Constitution.

• 1. The Indiana Constitution was written by the same people who wrote the United States Constitution.

• 1. Both constitutions were written in the same year.

Where does a governor’s power come from?

• the state constitution and state laws

• the federal constitution and federal laws

• the Electoral College

• the Indiana Supreme Court

What was the first state to adopt its own constitution after declaring independence from Britain?

• A) Virginia

• B) Massachusetts

• C) Pennsylvania

• D) New York

Which state’s first constitution was known for its democratic principles and influenced the U.S. Constitution?

• A) New Jersey

• B) Delaware

• C) Pennsylvania

• D) Georgia

What unique feature did the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 have?

• A) It was the first to include a Bill of Rights

• B) It was the first to be ratified by a popular vote

• C) It was the first to establish a bicameral legislature

• D) It was the first to allow women to vote

Which state’s first constitution abolished the position of governor?

• A) New Hampshire

• B) South Carolina

• C) Pennsylvania

• D) Maryland

What was a common feature of the first state constitutions?

• A) They all included a Bill of Rights

• B) They all established a unicameral legislature

• C) They all had a strong executive branch

• D) They all allowed universal suffrage

Which state’s first constitution was the longest and most detailed?

• A) Virginia

• B) New York

• C) Massachusetts

• D) South Carolina