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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is a permanent location for the new government more important than it is for the old government?
(a) There are more congressmen, including those from the interior of the country, and there needs to be a consistency for travel purposes.
(b) Because the new President wants a permanent home.
(c) To alleviate sectional differences, since Southern congressmen feel uncomfortable in the North.
(d) To provide a distinction from the old government, where Congress moves from city to city.

2. Why does Madison oppose the popular election of the President?
(a) He believes that the people are not smart enough to understand the consequences of a popular election.
(b) He believes the government is in the form of a monarchy.
(c) He is concerned that political parties unduly effect the outcome of a popular election.
(d) He believes people prefer to elect a citizen from their own state and smaller states have a disadvantage.

3. What are foreign visitors to America surprised they don't see more frequently?
(a) Slaves.
(b) Poverty among white men.
(c) Forests and trees.
(d) Deer and wild life.

4. Why does George Mason object to the motion empowering Congress to cut canals where needed?
(a) He thinks Philadelphia uses it as an excuse for establishing a bank.
(b) He believes the future of transportation lay elsewhere and this is wasteful spending.
(c) He believes it create monopolies.
(d) He thinks it gives an advantage to the Western Territories.

5. Why are French noblemen amazed to find Revolutionary War officers working as innkeepers?
(a) They don't realize America have inns.
(b) In Europe, inns are run by women.
(c) In Europe, the military is a profession.
(d) In Europe, officers only own farms.

6. Which is the first state to ratify the Constitution?
(a) Delaware.
(b) New Jersey.
(c) Pennsylvania.
(d) Georgia.

7. What is the Bill of Rights?
(a) A universal declaration of the rights of humans.
(b) The first seven articles of the Constitution.
(c) The first proposal by the Continental Congress.
(d) The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

8. Why is merchant Jonas Phillips opposed to a test oath for government officers?
(a) He believes that loyalty to the country is not determined by oath.
(b) He believes a test oath discriminated against Jews.
(c) He believes church membership is sufficient.
(d) He is a Deist.

9. The delegates pass a motion that the official Convention papers are kept by whom?
(a) Benjamin Franklin.
(b) Alexander Hamilton.
(c) James Madison.
(d) George Washington.

10. Which delegate is president of the Illinois-Wabash Land Company?
(a) Manasseh Cutler.
(b) Rufus King.
(c) George Washington.
(d) James Wilson.

11. Which delegate moves to postpone the vote on ratification?
(a) James Madison.
(b) Elbridge Gerry.
(c) Governor Morris.
(d) Rufus King.

12. Which delegate voices a moral defense of slavery?
(a) Benjamin Franklin.
(b) Edmund Randolph.
(c) Elbridge Gerry.
(d) Charles Pinckney.

13. By August 30th, what date has been set for the final adjournment?
(a) September 1st.
(b) No date has been set.
(c) September 31st.
(d) August 31st.

14. Why is the Province of Maine worried about the new Constitution?
(a) They think it interferes with provincial government regulations.
(b) They think it gives too many rights to Southern states.
(c) They think it is too restrictive on commerce.
(d) They think it prevents their separation from Massachusetts to become an independent state.

15. What is the purpose of the Committee of Detail?
(a) To publish the final proceedings of the Convention in a format everyone understands.
(b) To offer suggestions about issues that are not yet considered.
(c) To put Convention resolves, amendments, and suggestions into a workable document.
(d) To keep a clear record of all the votes on the issues.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the Federalist Papers?

2. In 1787, which state is not participating in the Union?

3. Who is named amanuensis for the Committee of Style and Arrangement?

4. Which delegate is the only Northerner at the Convention who refuses to sign the Constitution?

5. Who finally appears at the Convention a week after the Great Compromise is passed?

(see the answer keys)

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