View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which delegate from South Carolina claims to have a plan similar to that presented by Edmund Randolph?
(a) James Madison.
(b) John Adams.
(c) Charles Pinkney.
(d) Elbridge Gerry.

2. According to the Convention rules, how many states make a quorum?
(a) Seven.
(b) Thirteen.
(c) Three.
(d) Twelve.

3. Why does Patterson of New Jersey ask for time in mid June?
(a) To develop and gather support for an alternative to the Virginia Plan.
(b) To prepare a draft of the Constitution for the Committee of the Whole.
(c) To discuss Convention matters with other delegates from his state.
(d) To return home and take care of his family.

4. What does late-eighteenth-century Americans eat for breakfast?
(a) Vegetable porridges.
(b) "Relishes", including salt fish, ham, and bacon.
(c) Squirrel ragout.
(d) Breads and cereals.

5. What type of government does Virginia's George Wythe support?
(a) A monarchy.
(b) A strong national government.
(c) Continuation of the confederation.
(d) A weak national government.

6. What is the Society of the Cincinnati?
(a) A group of men who want to change the Articles of Confederation.
(b) A group of delegates who serve in the Continental Congress.
(c) A group of officers who serve in the Revolutionary War.
(d) A group of military men who want to maintain the federal government.

7. Who is called the "unsung hero" of the Convention?
(a) Charles Pinckney.
(b) James Wilson.
(c) Elbridge Gerry.
(d) Edmund Randolph.

8. What does Madison consider to be the usefulness of the Senate?
(a) The Senate is able to counteract the decisions made by a popularly elected branch of legislature.
(b) The Senate is able to make decisions with more coolness, systematic procedure, and wisdom than the popularly elected branch of legislature.
(c) The Senate is able to discuss foreign matters with more authority because more Senators travel to Europe.
(d) The Senate is able to work more closely with the President because they have a similar perspective on American government.

9. Which delegate is credited with being the strongest influence on the creation of the 1787 Convention?
(a) John Adams.
(b) Rufus King.
(c) Patrick Henry.
(d) Alexander Hamilton.

10. Which issue tie up the Convention proceedings for days?
(a) How states are to be represented in Congress.
(b) How states elect members of the Senate.
(c) How states are to be governed.
(d) How states are allowed to veto Congressional decisions.

11. Which delegate chairs the committee that writes the Articles of Confederation?
(a) James Madison.
(b) Alexander Hamilton.
(c) John Dickinson.
(d) James Wilson.

12. What is the function of the Committee of the Whole House?
(a) To maintain an accurate record of all the issues being discussed.
(b) To allow delegates a chance to discuss issues without being bound to their opinion.
(c) To give delegates the chance to gather in smaller groups to discuss issues.
(d) To vote on the Virginia Resolves.

13. What is Jefferson's position regarding Shay's Rebellion?
(a) Jefferson argues that the principles of Shay's Rebellion are used to write the Constitution.
(b) Jefferson condemns the rebels for acting against the government.
(c) Jefferson supports the spirit of resistance to government demonstrated by the rebels.
(d) Jefferson remains neutral about the events labeled as Shay's Rebellion.

14. On May 30th, what amendment to the Virginia Resolves is proposed by Randolph?
(a) Change from federal government to a democracy.
(b) Change from a federal to a national government.
(c) Change from the Convention to the Committee of the Whole.
(d) Change from a supreme power to a federal government.

15. What does Madison consider "a clear principle of free government"?
(a) Voting rights for everyone, regardless of status.
(b) The announcement and publication of all government decisions.
(c) The ability of anyone to run for legislative office.
(d) The ability of the people to elect at least one branch of the legislature.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which delegate took the most comprehensive notes on the Convention meeting?

2. Which "firebrands" of the American Revolution are absent from the Convention?

3. Why does New Hampshire delay in sending delegates to the Convention?

4. Why is it difficult for Congress to obtain a quorum?

5. In Chapter 11, which delegate reminds the Convention that because the states are commercial, they continue to be engaged in European politics?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 757 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample