Exploring the Constitutional Convention

After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. faced a crisis due to the weak Articles of Confederation. Captain Daniel Shays led a rebellion, highlighting the need for a stronger government. In 1787, delegates met in Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution. They debated state representation and slavery, resulting in compromises like the three-fifths rule. The new Constitution, signed in 1787, established stronger national powers while preserving state roles. It was ratified in 1788, forming a new government.

What event led to the young United States facing a crisis shortly after the Revolutionary War?

• The War of 1812

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Civil War

• Shays' Rebellion

Why was the government under the Articles of Confederation considered weak?

• It could not make laws

• It had no president

• It could not raise taxes or pay soldiers

• It could not declare war

What was the purpose of the convention called by the U.S. Congress in late May?

• To elect a new president

• To declare independence

• To suggest amendments to the Articles of Confederation

• To draft the Bill of Rights

Who was the president of the convention that drafted the new constitution?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

What were the two major issues the framers faced during the convention?

• Taxation and trade

• Representation of states and enslaved people

• Military and foreign policy

• Judicial and executive powers

How did the framers resolve the issue of state representation?

• By giving all states equal votes

• By creating a Congress with two houses

• By creating a single house of Congress

• By allowing states to vote on representation

What was the compromise regarding the counting of enslaved people?

• Three-fifths of the enslaved people were counted

• Enslaved people were not counted

• All enslaved people were counted

• Half of the enslaved people were counted

What did the final proposal of the new constitution aim to achieve?

• A confederation of independent states

• A monarchy

• Complete abolition of state powers

• Stronger national powers and preservation of state roles

To whom did the framers send the new constitution for approval?

• The states

• The Supreme Court

• The military

• The President

By what year had enough states ratified the new constitution to establish a new government?

• 1781

• 1776

• 1791

• 1788