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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Which delegates is NOT a member of the Committee of Detail?
(a) Nathaniel Graham.
(b) James Wilson.
(c) Rufus King.
(d) Edmund Randolph.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do delegates to the Massachusetts Convention meet in Boston's Brattle Street Church?

2. What is the purpose of the Committee of Detail?

3. Which delegate argues that the only requirement for a legislator is citizenship, with no restriction on the length of time the individual has been in America?

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?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the discussion on ratification, why does Edmund Randolph announce that he dissents from the whole system?

2. Why do the delegates vote against adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution?

3. How is Washington's character described by his contemporaries?

4. Why does Franklin argue that delegates approve the Constitution even if they have objections?

5. Why is Jonathan Smith's speech powerful?

6. What is the basis for the arguments presented by the Anti-federalists in Massachusetts?

7. Why is it difficult for the delegates to define treason?

8. Why is the Northwest Ordinance called the third great document of American history?

9. What arguments do the Anti-federalists use in their opposition to the Constitution?

10. What is the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

(see the answer keys)

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