Exploring the Key Events of the Constitutional Convention

The video discusses the Constitutional Convention of 1787, highlighting the need for a new constitution due to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and events like Shays' Rebellion. It covers the start of the convention, the election of George Washington as president of the convention, and the secrecy of the debates. Notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and James Madison attended, while others like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were absent. The video concludes with the ratification process and the addition of the Bill of Rights, making the U.S. Constitution the oldest still in use today.

Why was there a need for the United States to draft a new constitution in 1787?

• The Articles of Confederation were too strong.

• The federal government had too much power.

• The Articles of Confederation were weak and gave most power to the states.

• The states wanted to form a monarchy.

What event in early 1786 highlighted the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• Shays' Rebellion

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The Boston Tea Party

Who was elected as the president of the Constitutional Convention?

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

How many delegates were invited to the Constitutional Convention, and how many actually signed the Constitution?

• 74 invited, 55 signed

• 74 invited, 39 signed

• 55 invited, 39 signed

• 55 invited, 74 signed

Which notable founding father was serving as a foreign minister to Britain during the Constitutional Convention?

• Patrick Henry

• Samuel Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

Which state refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention due to concerns about a strong federal government?

• Rhode Island

• New York

• Massachusetts

• Virginia

By what date had the delegates finished drafting the Constitution?

• March 4, 1789

• July 4, 1787

• September 17, 1787

• June 21, 1788

What did many states insist on before they would approve the new Constitution?

• Immediate independence from Britain

• A monarchy

• A stronger federal government

• A guarantee of rights for citizens

Which state became the ninth to approve the Constitution, making it officially ratified?

• New Hampshire

• New York

• Virginia

• Massachusetts

When did the Constitution officially go into effect as the governing document of the United States?

• March 4, 1789

• June 21, 1788

• September 17, 1787

• July 4, 1787