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

2. On the last day, which delegate states he is determined to withhold his name from the Constitution?

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

4. What are the Federalist Papers?

5. What is the result of the Great Compromise?

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. Why is Jonathan Smith's speech powerful?

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

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

5. What is the difference between the British and American views of the farmer during the eighteenth century?

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

7. What are James Wilson's arguments in favor of allowing foreign-born Americans to participate in government?

8. What do Randolph and the other members of the Committee of Detail think are necessary elements for a well-composed Constitution?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin are all well-known figures in American history. Choose two of these men and write a well-crafted essay that describes their role or roles at the Convention and their impact on the final Constitution. Include a discussion of how each man is viewed by his contemporaries, being careful to support your work with evidence from Bowen's book or contemporary source.

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

Some of the delegates to the Convention are well-known figures from American history. Other delegates, however, are less well-known. Choose three of the delegates listed below and write an essay that presents their contributions to the Convention discussions and the final Constitution.

Examples are:

Rufus King

Elbridge Gerry

Edmund Randolph

Nathaniel Gorham

Pierce Butler

Gouverneur Morris

James Wilson

(see the answer keys)

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