Constitutional Convention
Why did state leaders gather in Philadelphia in 1787?
To discuss the problems with the Articles of Confederation and find ways to strengthen the nation.
Who introduced the Virginia Plan at the Constitutional Convention?
Edmund Randolph
What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
It did not allow the federal government enough power to resolve disputes between states.
In the article, what does the term “federal government” refer to?
The national or central government that oversees and unifies the states.
What rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shays’s Rebellion
What was the purpose of the Virginia Plan proposed by Edmund Randolph?
To create a stronger federal government that could protect the American people.
Who presented the New Jersey Plan in response to the Virginia Plan?
William Paterson
Why did some states not support taxing their residents to pay off war debts?
Many citizens, especially farmers, did not have enough cash and relied on bartering.
What does “proportional representation” mean?
Representation in government based on a state’s population.
On which date did delegates agree to a stronger national government with three branches?
May 31, 1787
What was the result of the Connecticut Compromise?
It created a two-house legislature, with the House based on population and the Senate having equal representation for each state.
Which founding father suggested the final compromise to balance state representation?
Roger Sherman
How did the Articles of Confederation’s representation in Congress differ from the Virginia Plan?
The Articles gave each state one vote, while the Virginia Plan based votes on population.
What is meant by “equal representation”?
Each state has the same number of representatives, regardless of population.
What significant event happened on July 16, 1787?
The Great Compromise was approved.
How did the Three-Fifths Compromise address the issue of slavery?
It allowed a state to count three-fifths of its slave population for representation and tax purposes.
What role did George Washington play during the convention?
He presided over the convention and encouraged unity.
How did the Great Compromise balance the concerns of large and small states?
By creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Explain “separation of powers” as outlined in the article.
Dividing government into branches to prevent any one from gaining too much control.
When was the final version of the Constitution signed?
September 17, 1787
Which part of the government did the Committee of Detail finalize in the draft of the Constitution?
They created a draft for the three branches of government and outlined a plan for the presidency.
Which founding father urged the delegates to compromise and is known for his speech at the end of the convention?
Benjamin Franklin
Why was the electoral college introduced for selecting the president?
It allowed people to choose electors who would then select the president, balancing direct public input with structure.
What does “compromise” mean in the context of the Constitutional Convention?
An agreement where each side makes concessions to reach a solution.
What symbolic comment did Benjamin Franklin make about the sun on George Washington’s chair?
He said he believed it was a rising sun, symbolizing a new beginning for the nation.