Constitutional Convention Readers Theater — Comprehension Quiz

What was the main reason the delegates wanted to replace the Articles of Confederation?

• They thought the king had too much power.

• The government was too weak to unite the states.

• They wanted to go back under British rule.

Why did George Washington insist that the doors and windows stay shut during the Constitutional Convention?

• To keep the summer heat out.

• To avoid interruptions from reporters.

• To keep the meeting’s discussions secret.

Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Executive Branch created at the Convention?

• To write and pass new laws.

• To enforce and carry out the laws.

• To interpret whether laws are fair.

According to the play, why did George Mason oppose creating a strong central government?

• He feared it would turn into another monarchy.

• He wanted all power to go to the President.

• He believed the states were too small to govern themselves.

What was the main disagreement between large and small states at the Convention?

• Whether to end slavery.

• How many votes each state should have in Congress.

• How to choose the President.

The Great Compromise created a Congress made up of two parts. What were they?

• The Cabinet and the Supreme Court

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

• The Executive and Legislative Branches

Why did southern states want to count enslaved people as part of their population?

• To increase their number of representatives in Congress

• To help end slavery more quickly

• To reduce taxes on plantations

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise decide?

• Every state would have three senators.

• Slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

• Every fifth slave would be granted freedom.

Which statement best summarizes Benjamin Franklin’s role during the convention in the play?

• He argued most fiercely for small states.

• He provided humor and helped the group reach compromise.

• He led the debates and enforced rules of secrecy.

What theme or lesson is best demonstrated by the events of the Constitutional Convention?

• Change is impossible when people disagree.

• Compromise is necessary to create lasting solutions.

• The strongest voices should always win the debate.