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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Madison oppose the popular election of the President?
(a) He believes people prefer to elect a citizen from their own state and smaller states have a disadvantage.
(b) He believes the government is in the form of a monarchy.
(c) He believes that the people are not smart enough to understand the consequences of a popular election.
(d) He is concerned that political parties unduly effect the outcome of a popular election.

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

3. What is Deism?
(a) A political movement advocating test oaths with a religious basis.
(b) The religious foundation for the state of Massachusetts.
(c) The practice of disagreeing with organized religion.
(d) A religious belief that god is to be found through belief, not revelation.

4. Which state has only one delegate sign the Constitution?
(a) Pennsylvania.
(b) Virginia.
(c) New York.
(d) Massachusetts.

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

6. Which delegate wishes to establish a national university supported by Congress?
(a) Elbridge Gerry.
(b) James Madison.
(c) Alexander Hamilton.
(d) George Washington.

7. What does the Committee of Detail present to the Convention on August 6th?
(a) An amended version of the Virginia Plan.
(b) An amended version of the New Jersey Plan.
(c) A final draft of the Constitution.
(d) A revision of the Great Compromise.

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

9. What does Edmund Randolph propose on the final day of the Convention?
(a) To empower Congress to establish a University.
(b) To hold a second general Convention after the people have a chance to examine the proposed Constitution.
(c) To add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
(d) To empower Congress to cut canals where they are needed.

10. What question surrounds the division of the Western Territories?
(a) Whether the land is divided equally among the existing states.
(b) Whether the newly created states are admitted to the Union on an equal basis.
(c) Whether the land is effectively governed by a Chief Executive.
(d) Whether the newly created states ratifies a Constitution.

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

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

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

14. What are the Federalist Papers?
(a) The published version of Washington's description of the Convention.
(b) A series of articles published in New York newspapers against the ratification of the Constitution.
(c) A series of articles published in New York newspapers supporting the ratification of the Constitution.
(d) The published version of Madison's notes from the Convention.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is a permanent location for the new government more important than it is for the old government?

2. How does George Washington show his approval or disapproval of measures discussed at the Convention?

3. According to Roger Williams, what is the principle at the heart of constitutional government?

4. Which delegate is the only Northerner at the Convention who refuses to sign the Constitution?

5. Who is elected president of the Massachusetts Convention to ratify the Constitution?

(see the answer keys)

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