The Constitutional
Convention
Government Chapter 2 Section 4, p.51-55
1. (pg.51-55) Read/Sketch/Draft the following key terms:
Read
Write the word here.
Framers
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Great Compromise
Three-Fifths Compromise
Sketch
Draw a picture that illustrates the
meaning of the word.
Draft
Write a sentence to explain its
significance.
Read pages 51 and 52
2. Why did the Constitutional Convention draft a new plan for
government?
3. What was the procedure for voting during the Constitutional
Convention?
4. Why did the delegates want to keep the proceedings secret?
5. Do you think the delegates’ decision to keep the meeting secret was
a good one?
6. Do you think Rhode Island’s reasons for not attending the
Convention were legitimate? Why or why not?
Share your answer with your shoulder partner. (2 min.)
Read page 53
7. How did the rival plans (New Jersey/Virginia) for the new
government differ?
8. What was the major way in which both the Virginia Plan and the
New Jersey Plan were similar?
9. In what way did the New Jersey Plan favor states similar to New
Jersey?
Share your answer with your shoulder partner. (2 min.)
Read pages 54 and 55
10. What other conflicts required the Framers to compromise?
11. What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
12. Of the compromises made during the convention, which one would
you find the most difficult to approve?
13. What point was Benjamin Franklin trying to make in the primary
source on this page?
14. In your opinion, were the few delegates who did not sign the
Constitution right in doing so?
15. Summarize: What compromises made the Constitution possible?
Share your answer with your shoulder partner. (2 min.)