View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is elected secretary of the Convention?

2. How does Rutledge and Butler believe representation is determined?

3. On May 30th, what amendment to the Virginia Resolves is proposed by Randolph?

4. What is the first resolution of the New Jersey Plan?

5. According to the Convention rules, how many states make a quorum?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Alexander Hamilton's role in the events leading up to the 1787 Convention?

2. What are the "original principles" according to the delegates?

3. What do the delegates to the Convention understand as the meaning of "democracy"?

4. Why is there a secrecy rule at the Convention?

5. What is New York City like in 1787?

6. What is the relationship between France and America during the period of the Convention?

7. What does the Virginia Resolves propose?

8. Why does the Convention remove the word "national" from the first Virginia Resolve?

9. What arguments do James Madison present in his rebuttal of the New Jersey plan?

10. What rules do Convention delegates agree upon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does it mean to be an American in 1787? The delegates to the Convention address this question in various ways. Using the final Constitution as your guide, with supplementing evidence drawn from other chapters in Bowen's book, write a well-crafted essay that describes the delegates' understanding and perception of who is an American and what it means to be an American.

Essay Topic 2

James Madison is labeled the "Father of Constitution". Describe Madison's role in the development and ratification of the Constitution, indicating whether or not he is deserving of this title. If you do not believe Madison deserves that label, propose a more deserving candidate for the title and support your choice with evidence.

Essay Topic 3

Some people say that money makes the world go around. Write a well-crafted essay that details how economics and finance, including issues of trade and commerce, impact the Convention and the final Constitution.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample