Chapter 7  A  More Perfect Union:  Section 2 Questions to consider

1.  What caused Shays Rebellion?  Why did it frighten many Americans?

Shays Rebellion was an uprising on the frontier to protest the fact that state governments were seizing  private property to pay war debt.  Many Americans were frightened because they worried that the government would not be able to control the situation.

2.  When and where did the 55 delegates meet for the Constitutional Convention?

The 55 delegates met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from May to September 1787.

3.  Who is called the Father of the Constitution?  Explain why.

James Madison was called the Father of the Constitution because he was the author of the basic plan of government that was adopted.

4. How did the Great Compromise settle the dispute between the large and small states over representation?

Set up a bicameral legislature: representation in the House of Representatives based on state's population; in the Senate all states have equal representation

5.  What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Under the Three-Fifths Compromise, each enslaved person would be counted as 3/5 of a free person for purposes of taxation and representation in Congress.

6.  Why did some of the delegates refuse to sign the Constitution?

Some of the delegates refused to sign the Constitution because they worried that without the protection of a bill of rights, the national govt might abuse its power.