Constitutional Convention: Shaping America
This worksheet explores the key events, figures, and compromises of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, suitable for 8th-grade social studies.
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Constitutional Convention: Shaping America
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
1. What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To elect the first President of the United States
To revise the Articles of Confederation
To declare independence from Great Britain
To negotiate peace treaties with Native American tribes
2. Which plan proposed a strong central government with a bicameral legislature, where representation was based on population?
The New Jersey Plan
The Virginia Plan
The Great Compromise
The Articles of Confederation
3. The Constitutional Convention took place in the city of in the year .
4. The Compromise resolved the dispute between large and small states over representation in the legislature.
5. All 13 states sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
True
False
6. The Three-Fifths Compromise dealt with the issue of how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.
True
False
7. Briefly explain why the Articles of Confederation were considered weak and needed to be replaced.
8. Describe the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan regarding legislative representation.
Match each individual with their role or contribution at the Constitutional Convention.
9. George Washington
a. Known as the 'Father of the Constitution'
10. James Madison
b. President of the Constitutional Convention
11. Roger Sherman
c. Proposed the Great Compromise