Constitutional Convention and Early U.S. Government

What was a significant challenge faced by the United States government under the Articles of Confederation?

• A strong central government that overtaxed its citizens.

• Widespread prosperity leading to an economic boom.

• Inability to effectively address economic instability and civil unrest.

• Lack of interest from states in self-governance.

What was the primary cause of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts?

• Disputes over land ownership with Native American tribes.

• Farmers' inability to pay debts and taxes, leading to foreclosures and imprisonment.

• Protests against British taxation policies after the Revolutionary War.

• Demands for greater representation in the state legislature.

What was the primary goal of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in May 1787?

• To declare war on Great Britain once again.

• To revise the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger central government.

• To establish new trade agreements with European powers.

• To elect the first President of the United States.

What was the primary goal of Edmund Randolph's plan introduced at the Constitutional Convention?

• To amend the existing Articles of Confederation.

• To establish a monarchy in the new nation.

• To create a completely new form of government with three branches.

• To strengthen state governments' power.

The proposed new government aimed to have three branches. Which of the following correctly identifies these branches?

• Legislative, Executive, and Military.

• Legislative, Judicial, and State.

• Executive, Judicial, and Congressional.

• Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

What was the main point of contention regarding representation in the new Congress during the Constitutional Convention?

• Whether states should have equal representation or representation based on population.

• The number of terms representatives could serve.

• The qualifications required for elected officials.

• Whether representatives should be paid.

Besides the internal disagreements over representation, what external factors highlighted the urgent need for a stronger national government during the convention?

• Ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and internal rebellions.

• British occupation of forts, Spanish trade restrictions, and Barbary pirate attacks.

• Economic depression and widespread unemployment.

• Lack of a national currency and high inflation.

What was the proposed structure for the new American government regarding its legislative branches?

• A single legislative body with equal representation for all states.

• A bicameral legislature with an Upper House based on one state, one vote, and a Lower House based on proportional vote.

• A bicameral legislature with both houses based on proportional representation.

• A single legislative body with representation based on population.

Which of the following was NOT a proposed method for selecting or defining the term of the new nation's President?

• The President should serve for life.

• Congress should choose the President.

• There should be three Presidents.

• The President should be elected directly by popular vote.

What was the primary point of contention regarding the counting of enslaved people for representation in the new Constitution?

• Whether enslaved people should be granted full voting rights.

• Whether enslaved people should be counted as 3/5ths of a person for population counts.

• Whether enslaved people should be counted as property for taxation purposes only.

• Whether enslaved people should be completely excluded from population counts.