#1
Who is often referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution'?
James Madison
ExplanationJames Madison played a key role in drafting and promoting the Constitution.
#2
Which Founding Father is known for his role as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
ExplanationThomas Jefferson is credited as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
#3
Who is often considered the 'Father of the Bill of Rights'?
James Madison
ExplanationJames Madison is credited with proposing the Bill of Rights and guiding its ratification.
#4
Who proposed the New Jersey Plan at the Constitutional Convention?
William Paterson
ExplanationWilliam Paterson proposed the New Jersey Plan as an alternative to the Virginia Plan, advocating for equal representation for states.
#5
Who was the primary author of the Articles of Confederation?
John Dickinson
ExplanationJohn Dickinson authored the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States.
#6
What event prompted the convening of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
Shays' Rebellion
ExplanationShays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the call for a stronger central government.
#7
Who wrote the majority of the Federalist Papers, advocating for the ratification of the Constitution?
Alexander Hamilton
ExplanationAlexander Hamilton was one of the primary authors of the Federalist Papers, which argued for the ratification of the Constitution.
#8
In the original Constitution, how were senators selected?
State legislatures appointing them
ExplanationInitially, senators were chosen by state legislatures, not by direct election.
#9
What compromise was reached between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan at the Constitutional Convention?
Connecticut Compromise
ExplanationThe Connecticut Compromise balanced representation by proposing a bicameral legislature, satisfying both large and small states.
#10
What is the main purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution?
To prevent abuse of power by any one branch of government
ExplanationChecks and balances ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, preventing tyranny.
#11
Which Anti-Federalist leader later became a key figure in the adoption of the Bill of Rights?
George Mason
ExplanationGeorge Mason, initially an Anti-Federalist, later advocated for the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
#12
Which state was the last to ratify the United States Constitution?
Rhode Island
ExplanationRhode Island was hesitant and delayed ratification, being the last state to do so.
#13
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution?
To guarantee individual freedoms and rights
ExplanationThe Bill of Rights ensures essential liberties and protections for individuals from government overreach.
#14
Who presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
George Washington
ExplanationGeorge Washington served as the president of the Constitutional Convention.
#15
Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island
ExplanationRhode Island chose not to participate in the Constitutional Convention.
#16
Who was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention?
Benjamin Franklin
ExplanationBenjamin Franklin, known for his wisdom and diplomacy, was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.
#17
What is the significance of the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution?
It declares the Constitution as the supreme law of the land
ExplanationThe Supremacy Clause establishes the Constitution's authority over all other laws within the United States.