Exploring the Founding Fathers and the US Constitution

Why would no government be necessary if men were angels?

• Because men would govern themselves perfectly

• Because there would be no need for laws

• Because angels would govern men

• Because external controls would be sufficient

What was the Virginia Plan's main proposal?

• To give a few extra powers to Congress

• To start from scratch and create a whole new government

• To establish a monarchy

• To maintain the existing government structure

What was a key issue debated by the delegates?

• The role of the judiciary

• The limits of executive authority

• The structure of local governments

• The need for a national bank

What was Alexander Hamilton's radical proposal regarding the executive?

• To have a president elected every two years

• To have the executive appointed by the judiciary

• To have the executive serve for life

• To have a council of executives

What was one of the criticisms against Alexander Hamilton?

• He wanted to establish an American monarchy

• He opposed a strong central government

• He supported states' rights over federal power

• He was against the Republican experiment

Who became the voice of reason as the delegates seemed deadlocked?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

Why did Benjamin Franklin consent to the Constitution?

• He was pressured by other delegates

• He believed it was perfect

• He expected no better and was not sure it was not the best

• He wanted to avoid further debates

What did Benjamin Franklin observe on the back of the president's chair?

• A rising sun

• A star

• An eagle

• A setting sun

What was required for the Constitution to be ratified?

• Approval by the President

• Approval by the Supreme Court

• Approval by nine out of thirteen states

• Approval by all thirteen states

What did the final draft of the Constitution aim to establish?

• A more perfect union

• A confederation of states

• A parliamentary system

• A monarchy