The Constitution of the United States of America

What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It gave too much power to the national government

• It required unanimous approval for amendments

• It established a strong executive branch

• It allowed Congress to collect taxes directly

Answer explanation

The main weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that it required unanimous approval for amendments, making it extremely difficult to adapt or improve the government structure.

What event highlighted the need for a stronger national government?

• The Boston Tea Party

• Shays' Rebellion

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The War of 1812

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion in 1786-1787 exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, demonstrating the need for a stronger national government to maintain order and address economic instability.

Why did some states hesitate to attend the Constitutional Convention?

• They wanted to maintain state power

• They believed the Articles of Confederation were perfect

• They were at war with Britain

• They lacked financial resources

Answer explanation

Some states hesitated to attend the Constitutional Convention because they wanted to maintain state power, fearing that a stronger central government would undermine their authority and autonomy.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.1

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Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

Answer explanation

James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, making him a key figure in American history.

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Which state's delegates did not attend the Constitutional Convention?

• Virginia

• Massachusetts

• Rhode Island

• New York

Answer explanation

Rhode Island did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention, unlike Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, which all participated in the discussions to draft the U.S. Constitution.

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention at the start?

• To create a new government from scratch

• To revise the Articles of Confederation

• To declare war on Britain

• To elect a national leader

Answer explanation

The main goal of the Constitutional Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, which were found to be ineffective in governing the new nation. This led to the creation of a stronger federal government.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

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What was the major disagreement between large and small states?

• Whether the national government should have a president

• How states would be represented in Congress

• Whether slavery should be abolished

• Whether to have a national army

Answer explanation

The major disagreement between large and small states was about representation in Congress. Large states wanted representation based on population, while small states preferred equal representation, leading to the Great Compromise.

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How did the Great Compromise resolve representation in Congress?

• It created a two-house legislature with equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House

• It gave every state one vote in Congress

• It allowed states to elect their own representatives without federal oversight

• It abolished state governments

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate providing equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives based on population, balancing the interests of both large and small states.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

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What was the purpose of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• To reduce the power of smaller states

• To determine how enslaved people would be counted in population totals

• To create a system of checks and balances

• To prevent Congress from passing laws on taxation

Answer explanation

The Three-Fifths Compromise was established to determine how enslaved people would be counted in population totals for representation and taxation, allowing states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population.

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Who served as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention?

• John Adams

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

Answer explanation

George Washington served as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, guiding the discussions and ensuring order during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

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