The Constitutional Convention opened in May 1787. In which city did the delegates meet?

Twelve of the thirteen states sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Which state sent none?

The finished Constitution said it would take effect once enough states approved it. How many of the thirteen states had to ratify it?

At 81 years old, one delegate was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention. Who was he?

The delegates agreed to keep their debates secret while the convention worked, and guards were posted at the doors.

Why did the delegates in Philadelphia adopt a rule of secrecy for their debates?

James Madison helped draft the plan that the Virginia delegates offered in 1787. How did that plan say seats in the national legislature should be counted?

A delegate from New Jersey answered Virginia's proposal with a rival plan. What did the New Jersey Plan propose for representation?

Why did delegates from small states prefer the New Jersey Plan in 1787?

Delegates from large states such as Virginia and Pennsylvania objected to giving every state an equal vote. What reason did they give?

When the convention took a vote in the summer of 1787, how were the votes counted?

Delegates spent weeks arguing over how the executive should be set up. What did the convention finally decide?

Because the 1787 debates were held in secret, most of what historians know about them comes from one source. What is that source?

On what date did the delegates in Philadelphia sign the finished Constitution?

Three delegates still present at the end refused to sign the Constitution, and George Mason was one of them. What was a main objection he gave?

Alexander Hamilton was the only delegate from his state to sign the Constitution in September 1787. Which state did he represent?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was passed the same summer the convention met. Which body passed it?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set rules for the land north of the Ohio River. What did it promise about that territory's future?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set rules for the land north of the Ohio River. What did it say about slavery there?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 included a statement about schooling in the new territory. What did that statement say?

What were the Articles of Confederation?

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was mostly what?

Which power did Congress lack under the Articles of Confederation?

Why was it hard for the national government to pay its debts under the Articles?

True or False: The Articles of Confederation created a strong president to enforce national laws.

What problem did states have with trade under the Articles of Confederation?

What did Shays' Rebellion show many leaders?

In what year did the Constitutional Convention meet in Philadelphia?

What was the original purpose of the Philadelphia Convention?

Who was chosen to preside over the Constitutional Convention?

Why is James Madison often called the “Father of the Constitution”?

True or False: Every state sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

What was a major disagreement between large and small states at the convention?

What did the Great Compromise create?

In the Senate, how is each state represented?

In the House of Representatives, representation is based mainly on what?

Why did the Constitution create three branches of government?

Which branch of the new government was created to make national laws?

True or False: The Constitution gave the national government more power than it had under the Articles of Confederation.

Why did some Americans want a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?