Exploring the Constitutional Convention and Legislative Branch Formation

The video explores the historical significance of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were crafted. It discusses the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Key figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton highlighted the need for a stronger central government. The Virginia Plan proposed a government with three branches, emphasizing the separation of powers to prevent tyranny. The Great Compromise resolved disputes between large and small states by establishing a bicameral Congress, balancing representation by population and equal state representation.

Why is Independence Hall in Philadelphia significant?

• It is where the first Supreme Court met.

• It was the first capital of the United States.

• It was the site of the first presidential inauguration.

• It is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation according to James Madison?

• It gave too much power to the central government.

• It was too similar to British rule.

• It lacked a strong central government.

• It had too many laws.

According to Alexander Hamilton, what was a major deficiency of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Too much power in the hands of the president.

• No central court system.

• No power to tax.

• Lack of a national currency.

What was the purpose of the Virginia Plan?

• To maintain the Articles of Confederation.

• To create a new framework for the government.

• To establish a monarchy.

• To divide the country into smaller states.

Who is known as the 'father of the Constitution'?

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Alexander Hamilton

What was the main idea behind the separation of powers in the new constitution?

• To create a system of checks and balances.

• To ensure that the president had all the power.

• To prevent any one person or group from having too much power.

• To make the government more efficient.

What was the Great Compromise?

• A plan to divide the government into three branches.

• An agreement to end the Revolutionary War.

• A treaty with Great Britain.

• A solution to the representation issue in Congress.

How did the Great Compromise resolve the issue of representation in Congress?

• By giving all states equal representation in both houses.

• By basing representation on population in both houses.

• By creating two houses: one based on population and one with equal representation.

• By allowing the president to appoint representatives.

How were members of the House of Representatives chosen according to the Great Compromise?

• By the state governments.

• By the president.

• By the people directly.

• By the Supreme Court.

How are Senators chosen today, as opposed to the original method proposed in the Great Compromise?

• By the people directly.

• By the House of Representatives.

• By the president.

• By the state governments.