Exploring the Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 aimed to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. James Madison played a pivotal role, advocating for a new constitution. The Virginia Plan proposed a three-branch government, sparking debates with the New Jersey Plan. Compromises, such as the Connecticut Compromise and the Three-fifths Compromise, were crucial in addressing representation and slavery issues. The final Constitution was drafted and signed, but ratification by nine states was still required.

Who was the most overprepared politician at the Constitutional Convention?

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

What was the main goal of James Madison at the convention?

• To amend the Articles of Confederation

• To propose a new constitution

• To oppose federalism

• To support the New Jersey Plan

What did the Virginia Plan propose?

• A unicameral legislature

• Equal representation for all states

• A monarchy

• A new three-branch government

Which state proposed the New Jersey Plan?

• South Carolina

• New Jersey

• New York

• Virginia

What was Alexander Hamilton's controversial suggestion for the executive branch?

• A council of executives

• Three regional executives

• A monarch

• A single president with a seven-year term

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

• A plan to abolish slavery

• A plan to elect the president directly

• A proposal for a unicameral legislature

• A compromise on state representation in Congress

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise entail?

• Giving slaves the right to vote

• Abolishing slavery

• Counting five slaves as three people

• Counting five slaves as five people

Who were the main authors of the final Constitution document?

• Alexander Hamilton and John Jay

• James Madison and Gouverneur Morris

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

• George Washington and Benjamin Franklin

What was left out of the final Constitution that some delegates wanted?

• A monarchy

• A unicameral legislature

• A bill of rights

• A council of executives

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

• 7

• 13

• 9

• 11