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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 foreigners are not capable of governing effectively.
(c) He believes such individuals bring attachments to other countries that are dangerous to American beliefs.
(d) He believes that Congress functions more efficiently if they are all native English speakers.

2. What does Widgery do after the Constitution is ratified by the Massachusetts Convention?
(a) He travels to New York to support the opposition by members of that state.
(b) He writes a series of newspaper articles decrying the result.
(c) He pledges to continue fighting against the principles outlined in the Constitution.
(d) He pledges to uphold the decision of the Convention and sow seeds of union and peace.

3. What is the purpose of the Committee of Detail?
(a) To keep a clear record of all the votes on the issues.
(b) To publish the final proceedings of the Convention in a format everyone understands.
(c) To offer suggestions about issues that are not yet considered.
(d) To put Convention resolves, amendments, and suggestions into a workable document.

4. What does the term "American" mean to William Priest?
(a) An Indian or one of the New World "aborigines".
(b) Someone who pledges to support the new government.
(c) A white man descends from a native of Europe.
(d) Any person living in the New World.

5. How does George Washington show his approval or disapproval of measures discussed at the Convention?
(a) By sharing his comments with Madison, who presents them to the full Convention.
(b) By making short comments.
(c) By delivering long speeches.
(d) By smiling or frowning.

6. Which delegate proposes that the positive vote of seven states constitutes ratification of the Constitution?
(a) David Carroll.
(b) James Wilson.
(c) Pierce Butler.
(d) James Madison.

7. Who finally appears at the Convention a week after the Great Compromise is passed?
(a) Thomas Jefferson.
(b) The governor of New Jersey.
(c) The delegation from Kentucky.
(d) Two delegates from New Hampshire.

8. Which delegate argue that restrictions on the citizenship of legislators are left for Congress to decide?
(a) James Madison.
(b) Charles Pinckney.
(c) Robert Morris.
(d) Edmund Randolph.

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

10. Why is it necessary for the Western Territories to have an ocean port?
(a) It enables them to fish and expand their diet.
(b) It enables them to trade effectively with others.
(c) It enables them to have a navy in case of war.
(d) It enables them to travel and explore the rest of the continent.

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

12. Where does the Constitution go after it is signed in Philadelphia?
(a) To the individual states for ratification.
(b) To Congress, who recommends it to the states for ratification.
(c) To Congress for ratification.
(d) To state governors for their approval, then to Congress.

13. Why is the Province of Maine worried about the new Constitution?
(a) They think it is too restrictive on commerce.
(b) They think it interferes with provincial government regulations.
(c) They think it gives too many rights to Southern states.
(d) They think it prevents their separation from Massachusetts to become an independent state.

14. 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 knowledge of commerce and trade in Europe helps a new government.
(c) Their choice to live in America indicates a depth of attachment to and affection for the country.
(d) Those who live elsewhere have more life experience to share.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which basic proposition is common to the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Report of the Committee of Detail?

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

3. What does the Committee of Detail present to the Convention on August 6th?

4. What does Congress do eight days after receiving the Constitution?

5. What new phrase does Governor Morris insert in the short preamble to the Constitution?

(see the answer keys)

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