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

2. What is the Bill of Rights?

3. Which is the first state to ratify the Constitution?

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

5. Who is named amanuensis for the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Jonathan Smith's speech powerful?

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

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

6. Why does Randolph decline to sign the Constitution?

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

8. What is Thomas Jefferson's reaction to the Constitution?

9. What is the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

James Madison is labeled the "Father of Constitution". Describe Madison's role in the development and ratification of the Constitution, indicating whether or not he is deserving of this title. If you do not believe Madison deserves that label, propose a more deserving candidate for the title and support your choice with evidence.

Essay Topic 2

Convention delegates have multiple procedures for ensuring every delegate has a chance to express their ideas, concerns, and opinions. One procedure permits delegates to re-open, re-examine, and re-vote on issues that previously are decided. Choose an issue delegates re-consider after a vote. In a well-crafted essay, present the initial discussion and decision, the reason for re-examination, the second decision, and reasons for a change in the decision, if appropriate. Is the re-consideration prompted by someone who initially expresses a dissenting opinion with the majority vote or is there a change in sentiment by the delegate? Does the re-examination have an impact on the final version of the Constitution? If so, what is it? Include evidence to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

What does it mean to be an American in 1787? The delegates to the Convention address this question in various ways. Using the final Constitution as your guide, with supplementing evidence drawn from other chapters in Bowen's book, write a well-crafted essay that describes the delegates' understanding and perception of who is an American and what it means to be an American.

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