Exploring the Authors of the US Constitution

What was one of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• It did not allow states to govern themselves.

• It imposed heavy taxes on the states.

• It gave too much power to the federal government.

• It could not resolve conflicts between states.

Who presented the Virginia Plan at the Philadelphia Convention?

• Edmund Randolph

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• James Madison

What was a key feature of the Virginia Plan?

• No federal courts

• A single-house legislature

• Equal representation for all states

• A stronger federal government

What was the main issue that led to the Great Compromise?

• Taxation

• Slavery

• Trade regulations

• State representation

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise determine?

• The number of senators each state would have

• How slaves would be counted for representation and taxes

• The method of electing the president

• The powers of the federal government

What role was created to lead the Senate and take over if the president could not serve?

• Secretary of State

• Chief Justice

• Speaker of the House

• Vice President

What was the purpose of the Electoral College?

• To have electors from each district choose the president

• To allow Congress to choose the president

• To directly elect the president by popular vote

• To let state legislatures select the president

Who wrote the preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

• Governor Morris

• George Washington

• James Madison

• Benjamin Franklin

Why did some delegates refuse to sign the Constitution?

• They disagreed with the Electoral College

• They demanded a Bill of Rights

• They wanted equal representation for all states

• They wanted more power for the federal government

What did Benjamin Franklin say about the sun carved on the back of Washington's chair?

• It represented the rising sun of the new nation

• It symbolized the setting sun of the British Empire

• It was a reminder of the Revolutionary War

• It indicated the need for a Bill of Rights