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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. Why does George Mason object to the motion empowering Congress to cut canals where needed?

2. Which member of the Committee of Style and Arrangement is said to be unequaled as an orator?

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

4. Which state has the largest delegation present at the end of the Convention?

5. Why does the Convention need to end by September?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is ratification an important issue?

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

3. Why does Franklin argue that delegates approve the Constitution even if they have objections?

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

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

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

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

8. Why is slavery an issue at the Convention?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Convention delegates find many topics that cause controversy. In several instances, the best solution is a compromise. Identify three controversial topics, describe the source of the controversy, and explain how the delegates compromise to resolve the issue. Which compromise do you believe to be the most important? Provide evidence to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Although the Constitution is eventually ratified by all of the states, there is opposition in each state. Write an essay that presents and explains the reasons for opposition to the Constitution presented by the delegates in each of the state conventions. Analyze the validity of their reasoning, placing your analysis in historical context. How do the supporters of the Constitution address these concerns?

(see the answer keys)

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