Social Studies: The Constitutional Convention and Founding Documents Worksheet

Question 1

Why was the Constitutional Convention called in 1787?

Accepted Answer

The Constitutional Convention was called because the Articles of Confederation created a weak national government that could not solve many of the country's problems. Delegates met to improve the government, and they ended up writing a new Constitution.

Question 2

What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

Accepted Answer

One major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that the national government could not collect taxes directly from the states. This made it difficult for the government to pay debts and provide for national needs.

Question 3

Who was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention, and why was that important?

Accepted Answer

George Washington was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention. His leadership was important because he was widely respected and helped give the convention credibility and unity.

Question 4

Describe the Virginia Plan and explain which states generally supported it.

Accepted Answer

The Virginia Plan proposed a stronger national government with representation based on population. Larger states generally supported it because they would have more representatives in Congress.

Question 5

Describe the New Jersey Plan and explain which states generally supported it.

Accepted Answer

The New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation for each state in Congress. Smaller states generally supported it because it protected them from being overpowered by larger states.

Question 6

What was the Great Compromise?

Accepted Answer

The Great Compromise created a two-house legislature. The House of Representatives would be based on population, and the Senate would give each state equal representation with two senators.

Question 7

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise say?

Accepted Answer

The Three-Fifths Compromise said that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation and taxation. This compromise showed how deeply slavery affected the founding of the United States.

Question 8

Explain the idea of separation of powers in the Constitution.

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers means that the government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents too much power from being concentrated in one part of the government.

Question 9

What are checks and balances?

Accepted Answer

Checks and balances are powers that each branch of government has to limit the actions of the other branches. This system helps keep any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Question 10

Why did some Americans demand a Bill of Rights before supporting the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Some Americans demanded a Bill of Rights because they feared the new national government might threaten individual freedoms. They wanted written protections for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and fair treatment under the law.

Question 11

What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Preamble introduces the Constitution and explains the goals of the government it creates. It describes purposes such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing liberty.

Question 12

How is the Declaration of Independence different from the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration of Independence explained why the American colonies wanted to separate from Britain and stated basic ideas about rights and government. The Constitution created the structure of the United States government and explained how that government would operate.

Social Studies: The Constitutional Convention and Founding Documents

Social Studies: The Constitutional Convention and Founding Documents

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