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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. Which delegate signs the Continental Association of 1774, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution?

2. Which delegate to the Constitution Convention is not elected as a delegate to the Massachusetts Convention?

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

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

5. In 1787, which state is not participating in the Union?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the insertion of the phrase "We the People of the United States" considered to be both a bold move and a smart decision?

2. What underlying concerns are voiced during the discussion about the seat of a national government?

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

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

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

6. Why aren't the delegates upset by the idea of a monarchy as a form of government?

7. What are the differences between living conditions along the Atlantic coastline and in the interior country or back land?

8. What is the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

9. Why is slavery an issue at the Convention?

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

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

Bowen's book is titled "Miracle at Philadelphia", where the "miracle" is the ultimate appearance of the Constitution itself. However, throughout the book, she provides several examples of smaller miracles, significant decisions that lead to the final drafting of the Constitution. Choose three (3) significant decisions that you consider to be miracles and describe the conflict and the outcome, demonstrating how the resolution of the conflict is a miracle.

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