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

2. Which article, in the document presented by the Committee of Detail, alarms the Maryland delegates?

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

4. Oliver Ellsworth argues that which state should ratify the Constitution or risk being overtaken by New York?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

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

6. Why is slavery an issue at the Convention?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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