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

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

3. What does Edmund Randolph propose on the final day of the Convention?

4. Why do delegates to the Massachusetts Convention meet in Boston's Brattle Street Church?

5. Why is merchant Jonas Phillips opposed to a test oath for government officers?

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 ratification an important issue?

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

4. How is Washington's character described by his contemporaries?

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

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

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

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

9. What is the basis for the arguments presented by the Anti-federalists in Massachusetts?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, Bowen notes the importance of the written word for the delegates and for the final ratification of the Constitution. In a well-crafted essay, discuss the way writing is used to construct and present arguments about government and the Constitution before, during, and after the Convention.

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

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.

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