Exploring the Foundations of American Democracy

The video explores the challenges faced by the United States under the Articles of Confederation, highlighting issues like Shays' Rebellion. It discusses the Constitutional Convention, where delegates debated and ultimately created a new Constitution. Key topics include representation, the Great Compromise, and the contentious issue of slavery. The video concludes with the ratification of the Constitution and the election of George Washington as the first President.

What was the main issue faced by farmers after the war ended?

• Inability to pay debts

• High taxes

• Poor weather conditions

• Lack of seeds

Who led an attack by farmers on a federal arsenal in Massachusetts?

• Daniel Shays

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

• George Washington

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention?

• To abolish slavery

• To elect a new president

• To create a new form of government

• To fix the Articles of Confederation

What did Madison and Washington propose for the new government?

• A direct democracy

• A monarchy

• A single legislative house

• A government with three branches

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

• The number of houses in Congress

• The method of electing representatives

• The inclusion of a judicial branch

• The power of the president

What was the Great Compromise proposed by Dr. Franklin?

• Two houses, one with equal representation and one with proportional representation

• A single house with proportional representation

• Two houses with proportional representation

• A single house with equal representation

What was the compromise regarding the counting of slaves for representation?

• Slaves would not be counted

• All slaves would be counted

• Three-fifths of the slaves would be counted

• Only free slaves would be counted

Who was elected as the first President of the United States?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

What did Dr. Franklin hope the new Constitution would achieve?

• Immediate abolition of slavery

• A perfect government

• A more perfect union

• A monarchy

What does the Constitution guarantee according to Dr. Franklin?

• Wealth

• The pursuit of happiness

• Happiness

• Freedom from taxes