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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. By August 30th, what date has been set for the final adjournment?

2. What is the result of the Great Compromise?

3. Which delegate is president of the Illinois-Wabash Land Company?

4. Why are Philadelphia's artisans and mechanics in favor of the Constitution?

5. Which delegate is the only Northerner at the Convention who refuses to sign the Constitution?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is slavery an issue at the Convention?

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

4. What is the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

5. Why are test oaths an issue for the delegates?

6. 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?

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

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

9. What are the arguments presented against including a Bill of Rights in the Constitution?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the land known as the Western Territories is untamed frontier, the area is a frequent topic of discussion during the Convention proceedings. Write a well-crafted essay that identifies the concerns and issues surrounding the Western Territories, as well as the ways delegates deal with those concerns and issues.

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

In a well-crafted essay, compare the proposals for the office of executive (presidency) as outlined in the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the final Constitution. What concerns do delegates have regarding this aspect of government? How are their concerns resolved?

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