Exploring the Constitutional Convention: Key Events and Compromises

The video discusses the Constitutional Convention, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the events leading to the convention, and the debates over the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It covers key compromises like the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise, and concludes with the ratification process and the formation of America's first political parties.

What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• The power to tax

• The power to declare war

• The power to regulate trade

• The power to print money

Who were the key figures leading the Annapolis Convention?

• George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison and Alexander Hamilton

• Benjamin Franklin and John Adams

• Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry

What did the Virginia Plan propose?

• A council of presidents instead of a single executive

• A strong national government with a bicameral legislature

• A unicameral legislature with equal representation

• A weak national government with a unicameral legislature

What was the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

• The power to tax

• The inclusion of a Bill of Rights

• The structure of the executive branch

• Proportional representation vs. equal representation

What did the Great Compromise establish?

• A unicameral legislature

• A bicameral legislature with one house based on population and one on equal representation

• A strong executive branch

• The abolition of slavery

What was the concern about creating a single executive?

• It would have too many powers

• It would be too weak

• It would resemble a monarchy

• It would be difficult to elect

How is the President elected according to the compromise reached?

• By the Electoral College

• By direct popular vote

• By Congress

• By state legislatures

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• A decision to count three out of every five slaves for representation and taxation

• A decision to end the slave trade in three years

• A decision to allow three-fifths of states to decide on slavery

• A decision to count three out of every five states for representation

Why did some delegates refuse to sign the Constitution?

• It required unanimous approval for amendments

• It did not address the issue of slavery

• It gave too much power to the states

• It did not include a Bill of Rights

How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect?

• 10 out of 13 states

• 7 out of 13 states

• All 13 states

• 9 out of 13 states