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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Society of the Cincinnati?

2. Which late-arriving delegate is also governor of New Jersey?

3. What type of government does Virginia's George Wythe support?

4. Who writes that Rhode Island's absence from the Convention is insignificant in the face of the stated unity of the delegates?

5. What sound is prevalent in Philadelphia during the Convention?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter Eight, why does Bowen include an anecdote from Pierce's Reliques?

2. What is the difference between the European view of the forest and the American view of the forest?

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

4. Why does Madison believe popular ratification of the Constitution is essential?

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

6. Why is Washington concerned about the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in Philadelphia at the same time as the Convention?

7. What kind of reception does John Adams receive in England?

8. Why is there an argument over the issue of a single executive?

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

10. What does James Wilson mean by his statement that Federal liberty is to states what civil liberty is to individuals?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The delegates to the Convention brig with them vivid memories of the recent events that accompany their separation from England. Their memories and feelings help shape the Constitution. Choose three historical events mentioned in Bowen's text and describe how each event is viewed by the delegates, as well as how the memory of the event influences delegates in their construction of the Constitution.

Essay Topic 2

The Bill of Rights is not included in the original Constitution, but is added upon recommendations from the state conventions. In a well-crafted essay, address the reasons why delegates feel a Bill of Rights is not needed in the Constitution. Discuss how the individual amendments that comprise the Bill of Rights are extensions, elaborations, or modifications to specific Articles from the Constitution.

Essay Topic 3

Of all the states, Virginia and her delegates hold some of the most prominent positions at the Convention. Why does Virginia have such a prominent part at the Convention? What evidence does Bowen provide to support your claim? In a well-crafted essay, discuss the ways that Virginia's delegates shape the final Constitution, including references to specific presentations, arguments, and decisions.

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