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Formation and Framework of the United States Constitution Quiz

#1

Who is considered the 'Father of the Constitution' in the United States?

James Madison
Explanation

James Madison is known as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in its drafting.

#2

Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington
Explanation

George Washington served as the president of the Constitutional Convention.

#3

Which document preceded the United States Constitution and served as the nation's first constitution?

The Articles of Confederation
Explanation

The Articles of Confederation preceded the U.S. Constitution and served as the first national constitution.

#4

Who authored the first draft of what would become the United States Constitution?

James Madison
Explanation

James Madison is credited with the authorship of the first draft of the U.S. Constitution.

#5

What is the purpose of the Preamble of the United States Constitution?

To set forth the goals of the Constitution
Explanation

The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution outlines the goals and purposes of the Constitution.

#6

Which event directly led to the convening of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

Shays' Rebellion
Explanation

Shays' Rebellion, a violent uprising in Massachusetts, prompted the call for the Constitutional Convention to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

#7

Which of the following was NOT a major compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention?

The Bill of Rights
Explanation

The Bill of Rights was added later as amendments and was not part of the original compromises reached during the Constitutional Convention.

#8

What was the original purpose of the Philadelphia Convention in 1787?

To amend the Articles of Confederation
Explanation

The Philadelphia Convention was initially convened to amend the Articles of Confederation but ultimately led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

#9

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and also later participated in the Constitutional Convention?

Thomas Jefferson
Explanation

Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and later participated in the Constitutional Convention.

#10

How many states were required to ratify the Constitution before it could go into effect?

9
Explanation

Nine states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to become effective.

#11

What was the primary purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To promote ratification of the Constitution
Explanation

The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution.

#12

Which of the following principles is NOT explicitly stated in the Constitution?

Universal suffrage
Explanation

Universal suffrage, the right to vote for all citizens, is not explicitly stated in the original Constitution.

#13

What was the purpose of the Electoral College as outlined in the Constitution?

To select the President and Vice President
Explanation

The Electoral College was established to elect the President and Vice President indirectly.

#14

Which of the following is NOT a branch of the United States government established by the Constitution?

Economic
Explanation

Economic is not a branch; the three branches established are Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

#15

What does the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution establish?

The federal government's power over state governments
Explanation

The Supremacy Clause establishes the federal government's authority over state governments.

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