U.S. Constitutional Convention Quiz

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

It established a strong executive branch.
It required unanimous consent for amendments. (correct)
It allowed federal regulation of commerce.
It enforced tax collection from states.

Which plan proposed a unicameral legislature and equal representation for each state?

The New Jersey Plan (correct)
The Hamilton Plan
The Virginia Plan
The Connecticut Compromise

What was the primary concern of delegates from Rhode Island regarding a strong national government?

Fear of significant taxation to pay off debts. (correct)
Fear that delegates would favor larger states.
Fear of losing representation in Congress.
Fear of amendments restricting individual rights.

How did the 3/5's Compromise address the issue of representation in the South?

Each enslaved person counted as 3/5 of a free person. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Roger Sherman in the Constitutional Convention?

He proposed the Great Compromise. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which power was NOT granted to the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

Regulate interstate trade (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major motivation behind the Constitutional Convention?

To revise the Articles of Confederation for better interstate relations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the Virginia Plan from the New Jersey Plan?

It proposed a strong national government with three branches. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Articles of Confederation

The first US constitution, a plan of government with only one branch: Congress. States held most power; weaknesses included lack of cooperation on defense and finances.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting of delegates from 12 states in Philadelphia (summer 1787) to create a better government to address conflicts between states. Many worried about a strong national government.

Virginia Plan

Proposed by Edmond Randolph, favored a strong national government with three branches. Representation in the lower house was based on state population (benefiting larger states).

New Jersey Plan

Proposed by William Paterson, suggested a three-branch government but with equal voting power for each state in a one-house legislature (benefiting smaller states).