My daughter has asked me to create a blog where she and her family and friends might entertain themselves from time to time learning about the U.S. Constitution. She thought that I might have some expertise in the area since I spent thirty-seven years teaching high school students about the U.S. and State of Idaho Constitutions. It is my experience that the instruction of history and government seems to be overwhelmed by the raging hormones in a teenager's body, and that such instruction is more appreciated as we become adults. Well, lets give it a go. I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Answer these questions about the U.S. Constitution. You will find the answers in the comment section. Good Luck! and have fun.
1. When was the Constitution signed?
a. July 4, 1776 b. July 4, 1787 c. August 30, 1787 d. September 17, 1787 e. September 30, 1876
2. How many delegates signed (or authorized their signature) the Constitution?
a. 27 b. 39 c. 45 d. 55 e. 74
3. Is there mention of God other than in the date in the Constitution?
a. Yes b. No
4. Which was the first state to ratify the Constitution?
a. Deleware b. Rhosde Island c. New York d. Massachusetts e. Virginia
5. Who was the oldest delegate?
a. Thomas Jefferson b. Benjamin Franklin c. William Johnson d. Roger Sherman e. Jared Ingersoll
suggested site for help:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html
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1. September 17, 1787
ReplyDelete2. 39
3. No
4. Deleware
5. Benjamin Franklin
Man, I really need to study up!
ReplyDeleteCould you discuss the revision process of the constitution? I'm interested in that right now.
So I know that it went through several revisions, and we don't have an actual "author" since every bit of it was voted on. But how long did it take? I know some of the hotly contested parts, but not all. Also, what was a breeze to pass and how did they settle on the 3 branches?
The length of time was from May 25 to September 17. Not too bad considering all of what had to be done. Delegates came and went depending upon their home front. Some simply went and stayed home. When the delegates met they had a commission from the their States answering a call from the Congress under the existing govenment under the Articles of Confederation to convene a meeting for the purpose of amending (key word here) the Articles. The States had fallen into a severe depression and had no way of regulating interstate trade. Each State levied a tariff on goods entering their State causing commerce to dry up. Big problem and that was the motivation behind calling for the convention. There were big problem with the Articles, e.g., Congress could not tax, there was no executive, thus no way to implement or enforce a law of Congress. Implementation and enforcement of a law was left up to the State. You can imagine the chaos. If you Google "weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation" you can find other weaknesses, but the ones I have listed were the three great problems. When the delegates arrived they decided to completely scrap the Articles and to write a new document that would more strongly bind the States together into a "....more stronger Union." Many people (not the delegates) were opposed to a national government with strength because of their recent experience with a strong govenment---Great Britain. After all, they had just fought a gruesome and bloody war to gain independence and did not want to create another powerful government capable of trampling upon their hard won freedoms. Some of the firebrands during the Revolution, e.g., Sam Adams and Patrick Henry, refused to attend or support this convention saying they "smelled a rat." Some have argued that the delegates decision to write a new constitution (this decision has become known in our history as "The Great Agreement")was an act of treason because they had no authority to take this action. No wonder the delegates decided to keep secret the day-to-day proceedings. So for over one hundred days the windows and doors were locked and members sworn to secrecy. Can you imagine locked doors and windows in June, July, August and September in Philadelphia? These 55 men suffered. More later. Does this answer some of your questions. What did I omit. I can answer your questions if I know what they are. Any other readers feel free to join in with questions and comments. If women had been allowed to participate in the politics at that time, would our Constitution been in some way different than what we have? HMMMM. Oh, yes, I will get to the three branches later. That one is really pretty easy to answer.
ReplyDeleteThere was no author as such, but James Madison offered the most input. He was instrumental in authoring the Virginia Plan along with John Randolph. This plan representing the interests of the large states along with the New Jersey Plan, representing the interests of the small states, are the backbone of the Constitution. The deadlock that existed between adopting one plan or the other was broken when the delegates from Connecticut offered a compromise that in essence became the Contitution. The compromise unsurprisingly has become to be called the Connecticut Compromise. For Madison's input and the fact that he was the only member to keep detailed notes of the proceedings (there was a Secretary, but his notes were sketchy and of little help in understanding what went on) has led to his being known as the "Father of the Constitution." His notes were later sold and became known as "The Notes." You can buy a copy at any college bookstore. Another very important person was George Washington. His reputation and stature allowed him to hold the convention together until the delegates could finish their work. He was the President of the Convention. There was likely no other person who could have led the delegates to the conclusion.
ReplyDeleteI be gone for a week so probably won't post for awhile.