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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why do delegates to the Massachusetts Convention meet in Boston's Brattle Street Church?
(a) Samuel Adams wants all meetings to open with prayer.
(b) The church is the foundation of Massachusetts government.
(c) The State House is too small.
(d) The governor is an active member of the church.

2. Why does George Mason object to the motion empowering Congress to cut canals where needed?
(a) He believes it create monopolies.
(b) He thinks Philadelphia uses it as an excuse for establishing a bank.
(c) He believes the future of transportation lay elsewhere and this is wasteful spending.
(d) He thinks it gives an advantage to the Western Territories.

3. According to Edmund Randolph, what is the purpose of a preamble?
(a) To answer questions of law.
(b) To demonstrate equality and democracy.
(c) To designate the ends of government and human politics.
(d) To guarantee equal access to Congress.

4. By August 30th, what date has been set for the final adjournment?
(a) No date has been set.
(b) August 31st.
(c) September 31st.
(d) September 1st.

5. What issue is most important for the states of Kentucky and Tennessee?
(a) A tariff on their goods, including tobacco and timber.
(b) Proportional representation for all slaves.
(c) Fair boundaries with neighboring states and a share of the Western Territory.
(d) Free commerce down the Mississippi River and an ocean port for goods.

6. What motion does Franklin propose on the final day of the Convention?
(a) Representation in Congress is changed from one for every 40,000 to 1 for every 30,000 people.
(b) The Constitution is unanimously signed by states, not by individual delegates.
(c) A Bill of Rights is attached to the Constitution.
(d) The Constitution is ratified by Congress as it is written at the Convention.

7. What is the last major issue Convention delegates consider?
(a) The method for electing state legislatures.
(b) The way the Constitution is ratified.
(c) The procedure for electing a President.
(d) The way the states are represented in the new legislature.

8. Why are Philadelphia's artisans and mechanics in favor of the Constitution?
(a) They believe it makes them equivalent to the wealthy landowners.
(b) They believe it improves trade with Europe.
(c) They believe it opens the Western Territories and give them a chance to own property.
(d) They believe it gives them additional opportunities to enter government.

9. Why is merchant Jonas Phillips opposed to a test oath for government officers?
(a) He believes that loyalty to the country is not determined by oath.
(b) He believes church membership is sufficient.
(c) He believes a test oath discriminated against Jews.
(d) He is a Deist.

10. Why is Pierce Butler opposed to foreigners without a long residence in America being elected to Congress?
(a) He believes that only native-born individuals understand democracy.
(b) He believes that Congress functions more efficiently if they are all native English speakers.
(c) He believes that foreigners are not capable of governing effectively.
(d) He believes such individuals bring attachments to other countries that are dangerous to American beliefs.

11. What are foreign visitors to America surprised they don't see more frequently?
(a) Poverty among white men.
(b) Forests and trees.
(c) Slaves.
(d) Deer and wild life.

12. In 1787, which state is not participating in the Union?
(a) Vermont.
(b) Maryland.
(c) New Jersey.
(d) New York.

13. Why does Franklin believe foreign-born citizens are allowed to serve in Congress?
(a) Foreign-born citizens are more likely to support a national government.
(b) Their choice to live in America indicates a depth of attachment to and affection for the country.
(c) Their knowledge of commerce and trade in Europe helps a new government.
(d) Those who live elsewhere have more life experience to share.

14. Which member of the Committee of Style and Arrangement is said to be unequaled as an orator?
(a) Edmund Randolph.
(b) Rufus King.
(c) Elbridge Gerry.
(d) William Samuel Johnson.

15. Who is named amanuensis for the Committee of Style and Arrangement?
(a) William Samuel Johnson.
(b) Alexander Hamilton.
(c) James Madison.
(d) Governor Morris.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which state has only one delegate sign the Constitution?

2. Which delegate moves to postpone the vote on ratification?

3. What question surrounds the division of the Western Territories?

4. Which delegate to the Pennsylvania Convention is most vocal in his support for the Constitution?

5. On the last day, which delegate states he is determined to withhold his name from the Constitution?

(see the answer keys)

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