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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In 1787, which American city reminds travelers of London?

2. Who writes that Rhode Island's absence from the Convention is insignificant in the face of the stated unity of the delegates?

3. At the beginning of the Convention, Governor Morris reads a letter from whom?

4. When the Convention opens, in which city is Congress meeting?

5. During the events presented in Chapter 10, what issue concerns Mason?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Washington call sovereignty a "monster"?

2. What do the delegates see as the difference between a federal and a national government?

3. Why is the Sherman Compromise important?

4. What is the difference between the European view of the forest and the American view of the forest?

5. What are the "original principles" according to the delegates?

6. In Chapter Eight, why does Bowen include an anecdote from Pierce's Reliques?

7. What is the Committee of the Whole?

8. What does the Virginia Resolves propose?

9. What is Alexander Hamilton's role in the events leading up to the 1787 Convention?

10. Why is it significant that the Constitution ultimately requires no property qualifications for those who govern the country?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The delegates to the Convention brig with them vivid memories of the recent events that accompany their separation from England. Their memories and feelings help shape the Constitution. Choose three historical events mentioned in Bowen's text and describe how each event is viewed by the delegates, as well as how the memory of the event influences delegates in their construction of the Constitution.

Essay Topic 2

What does it mean to be an American in 1787? The delegates to the Convention address this question in various ways. Using the final Constitution as your guide, with supplementing evidence drawn from other chapters in Bowen's book, write a well-crafted essay that describes the delegates' understanding and perception of who is an American and what it means to be an American.

Essay Topic 3

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin are all well-known figures in American history. Choose two of these men and write a well-crafted essay that describes their role or roles at the Convention and their impact on the final Constitution. Include a discussion of how each man is viewed by his contemporaries, being careful to support your work with evidence from Bowen's book or contemporary source.

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