Exploring the Foundations of the United States Constitution

What was a key factor in the success of the American Revolution?

• The intervention of foreign powers

• The leadership of visionary leaders like George Washington

• The immediate establishment of a strong central government

• The lack of internal conflicts among the states

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It could easily be amended

• It gave too much power to the central government

• It allowed states to have their own separate currencies

• It had a strong executive branch

Why was George Washington initially reluctant to attend the Constitutional Convention?

• He did not believe in the need for a new constitution

• He was unsure about risking his reputation

• He was opposed to any form of central government

• He was busy with his military duties

What was the Great Compromise proposed by Roger Sherman?

• A single legislative body with equal representation for all states

• A legislature split into two bodies, one based on population and one treating states as equals

• A powerful executive branch with limited legislative power

• A judiciary with the power to overrule state laws

How were enslaved people counted for purposes of representation and taxation according to the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• As three-fifths of a person

• As property with no representation

• As full persons

• As half a person

What was a major concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the new Constitution?

• It lacked a guarantee of individual rights

• It was too easy to amend

• It did not provide for a strong central government

• It gave too much power to the states

Which state was the ninth to ratify the Constitution, ensuring its adoption?

• Virginia

• New Hampshire

• Rhode Island

• New York

Why did George Washington agree to become the first President of the United States?

• He believed no other man could unify the nation

• He was forced by Congress

• He wanted to gain more power

• He was eager for a life of public service

What is the significance of the US Constitution today?

• It is the world's oldest representative constitution in existence

• It has never been amended

• It is only used as a historical document

• It was replaced by a new constitution in the 20th century

What role did George Washington play in the Constitutional Convention?

• He refused to attend the convention

• He chaired the convention and helped unify the delegates

• He proposed the Three-Fifths Compromise

• He was a vocal opponent of the new constitution