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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. What does Bowen describe as Madison's strength?

2. What is the delegates' decision regarding the location of a fixed seat for the national government?

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

4. What motion does Franklin propose on the final day of the Convention?

5. Which delegate voices a moral defense of slavery?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

8. Why does Randolph decline to sign the Constitution?

9. Why is slavery an issue at the Convention?

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

Discussions by the Convention delegates reveals clear divisions between the interests of the large states and the interests of the small states. Choose three examples of issues that involve the size of the states. In your essay, describe the issue, the effect the size of a state's population has on the issue, and the ultimate outcome. How does the final Constitution address the conflicting interests between large and small states?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Of all the states, Virginia and her delegates hold some of the most prominent positions at the Convention. Why does Virginia have such a prominent part at the Convention? What evidence does Bowen provide to support your claim? In a well-crafted essay, discuss the ways that Virginia's delegates shape the final Constitution, including references to specific presentations, arguments, and decisions.

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