Social Studies Constitutional Convention Test

Why did the framers of the Constitution decide to have the Constitutional Convention?

Shays Rebellion showed the need for a central government. The states were working independently and there was no central power. Other countries were concerned that we could not repay our debts. The country was not showing success or ability to sustain itself. We needed to change the way the government was structured.

When and where did the Constitutional Convention meet?

The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from May to Sept. of 1787.

Why was the constitution held in “secret” with doors and windows closed?

The framers of the Constitution met in “secret” because they wanted to be able to speak freely without false rumors or incorrect information influencing anyone’s opinion or vote.

What were some of the delegates or representatives fearful a strong central government would do?

Some of the delegates were fearful that a strong central government would abuse its power and lead to tyranny.

What did the Federalists papers consist of? (How many essays?) and what was the intent of the Federalists papers? (what did they try to convince delegates to do?)

The Federalists Papers were written by people like Madison and Hamilton, Federalists, in favor of a strong central government. There were 85 essays that outlined the need for a new government and the structure the government would take. They were meant to show the Anti-Federalists what the Federalists wanted in a new government. They were intended to show the argument for a strong central government.

In a federal government are the powers between the central government and the states shared or does only one have any power?

In a federal government the powers are shared between the central government and the states to help avoid the possibility of tyranny.

What were the Anti-Federalists promised if they allowed the Necessary and Proper Clause to stay in the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists were promised the Bill of Rights if they allowed the Necessary and Proper Clause to stay in the Constitution.

How many amendments are included in the Constitution now, in 2024?

There are 27 amendments included in the Constitution now, in 2024.

Who is the “Father” of the Constitution?

The “Father” of the Constitution is James Madison.

Why is the Constitution considered a “living document”?

The Constitution is considered a “living document” because it can be changed or amended.

The Constitution is based on the idea of “popular sovereignty”. What is popular sovereignty?

Popular sovereignty is the rule of the people. It means the people rule the government.

What did the sun on the back of Washington’s chair mean to Franklin?

Franklin said the sun on the back of Washington’s chair, to him, meant a rising new nation.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

The necessary and proper clause is found in Article 1 of the Constitution and says that Congress has the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its responsibilities. The Anti-Federalists felt this was too vague and needed to be taken out.

In the order of states that ratified the Constitution, in which place is NJ?

In the order of states ratification of the Constitution, NJ is in 3rd place. We were the 3rd state to ratify.

The Constitution is broken into three parts. In which part can you find the amendments?

The Amendments are in the 3rd part.

Which of the original 13 states did not send representatives to the Constitutional Convention?

Rhode Island was the only one that did not send representatives to the Constitutional Convention.

Why are the powers of the branches separated?

The powers of the branches are separated to avoid tyranny. It is intended to help stop one branch or part of government from becoming too powerful. The goal is to keep the power balanced.

Who was the president of the Constitutional Convention?

The president of the Constitutional Convention was George Washington.

What are the powers of each of the branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative makes laws

Executive enforces laws

Judicial interprets laws

What is the Great Compromise? Include each side of the compromise, who proposed each side and what the final outcome was. Why is this important in our government? What did it establish?

The Great Compromise established our Congress. It set up the manner in which laws would be able to be made. It sets up a series of checks and balances on our legislative branch. The two sides were the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan. The NJ plan called for a one house, unicameral, legislature with equal numbers of representatives per state. The Virginia Plan called for a two house legislature with one house representation based on the population of each state, and the other house to be based on an equal number of representatives. The Great Compromise gave us our Congress. Two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is based on the population of each state, while the Senate is an equal number of representatives for each state. The House of Representatives requires each person to be 25 years or older and a term is for 2 years. The Senate requires each person to be 30 years or older and a term is for 6 years.