The Constitution of The United States of America - 1787

Introduction

Comprehension

Geography

After the American Revolution, it was time for the leaders of the new country to begin serious thought about how the nation was to be governed. There already existed a weak alliance of cooperation called the Articles of Confederation.

In 1787 the individual states sent delegates to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their goal was to make improvements to the Articles. However, they soon realized that an entirely new constitution would have to be created. What was needed was a stronger central government that could promote unified decisions on issues of governance like: taxes, currency, patents, mail, and of course, a military. The nation would need a strong economy, and a powerful military to stand up to the great powers of Europe.

Just think of how things would be if each of our 50 states was an independent country. Each state might have its own currency, postal service, railroad system, and military. Each time you went across state lines, you might have to change your money to the local currency, and familiarize yourself with the laws of the state that you had entered. If each state had its own military, a new military alliance would be needed each time there was a threat from another country.

The states were also very reluctant to give up their individual independence to a strong central government. That is why our constitution has been referred to as a series of compromises. How were these wise leaders to make everyone agree on the new government?

There were many issues that had to be addressed by the delegates; however, the biggest hurdle was the issue of representation. The initial idea was to have a legislative body that would have an equal number of representatives from each state. Today this is our senate: each state sends two senators to this legislative body. However, the delegates from states with large populations could not understand why their states would only have as much influence as the smaller states. So, a wise decision was made to also include a House of Representatives with the number of each state's representatives being determined by population.

It took months, and a lot of hard work, and compromise, but the delegates at Independence Hall created the constitution by which our leaders have governed The United States of America for more than two centuries.

The Constitution of The United States of America - 1787

Comprehension

Points
Before the Constitution was ratified the new countrty was governed by the _____________.
Rules of Order
Bill of Rights
Mayflower Compact
Articles of Confederation
In 1787 the individual states sent representatives to _____________ in Philadelphia.
the Library of Congress
the Capital
Smithsonian Institute
Independence Hall
During the meeting at Independence Hall the representatives realized that the country would need a stronger ______________.
navy
army
central government
school system
The states represented in Philadelphia were reluctant to give up their _________________ to a central government.
state flag
individual independence
economic priorities
slaves
The biggest hurdle for those drawing up the Constitution was the issue of ______________.
representation
the military
slavery
boundaries
Total:
Reset questions

Geography

Points
Arizona is in the ________ area of the United States.
northeast
northwest
southeast
southwest
Georgia is in the ___________ area of the United States.
northeast
northwest
southeast
southwest
Idaho is in the ___________ area of the United States.
northeast
northwest
southeast
southwest
Ohio is in the __________ area of the United States.
northeast
northwest
southeast
southwest
The closest state to Cuba is ___________.
Montana
Maine
Florida
Oregon
Total:
Reset questions
The Constitution of The United States of America - 1787
Introduction
Comprehension
Geography