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The Constitutional Convention Test Review
Pre-Convention
1. Declaration Of Independence- The document written by Thomas Jefferson and
announced on July 4th, 1776 declaring our nation free from Great Britain
2. Articles of Confederation – first government that gave the national government
no real power. States entered a firm league of friendship
3. Daniel Shays- led a rebellion of Massachusetts farmers
4. Federal Convention- as the Constitutional Convention was happening it was
referred to as the Federal Convention
Constitutional Convention – May 25 –September 17, 1787
1. There were 55 delegates that attended the Convention
2. 39 of the 55 signed the document
3. The Convention was held in Philadelphia
4. 12 0f 13 states attended the Convention – Rhode Island did not attend
5. Legislature – part of the government that makes the laws – Congress – Senate
and House of Representatives
6. Virginia Plan- large states in favor of; called for representation in the legislature
to be based on population
7. New Jersey Plan- small states in favor of; one vote for each state regardless of
population
8. Great Compromise- agreement that kept the Convention from breaking uptook ideas from the Virginia and New Jersey Plans
9. Federalist- person in favor of the Constitution
10. George Washington – chosen to preside over the Convention
11. James Madison – “Father of the Constitution”
12. 3/5 Compromise- agreement regarding slavery and the Constitution
13. Ben Franklin – oldest delegate at the Convention
14. William Patterson- presented the New Jersey Plan
15. Edmund Randolph- presented the Virginia Plan
16. Roger Sherman – came up with the Connecticut Compromise
Post Convention
1. Federalism- a government that shares power between the national and state
governments
2. Federalist – supported the Constitution
3. Virginia and New York would not ratify without a Bill of Rights
4. Anti-federalist- afraid a single executive would become a king
5. Bill of Rights- protect people from government
6. George Mason – would not sign without a Bill of Rights
Essay Questions
1. You are a newspaper reporter back in 1787. Write an informational article informing the
public about the Constitutional Convention. You can use our current events format. (Include the
5 W’s)
2. Compare the two plans for the Legislative Branch presented at the Constitutional Convention.
Explain the viewpoint of the large and small states regarding the Legislative Branch. Discuss the
Compromise that saved the Convention.