Test Your Knowledge Of The U.S. Constitution!

1. The Constitution sets specific requirements on age and citizenship for members of Congress and the President. Match the requirements to the appropriate public office.

Representative

Senator

President

Submit

2. Which Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention refused to sign the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights?

Edmund Randolph

John Blair

George Mason

George Wythe

George Mason, who previously drafted the Virginia Constitution's Bill of Rights, declined to sign the U.S. Constitution because of his strong belief that a national Constitution must afford each person some basic individual rights. Three other delegates from Virginia (James McClurg, Edmund Randolph, and George Wythe) did not sign the Constitution . . . because they were not present at the Convention on the day it was signed!

Explanation

George Mason, who previously drafted the Virginia Constitution's Bill of Rights, declined to sign the U.S. Constitution because of his strong belief that a national Constitution must afford each person some basic individual rights. Three other delegates from Virginia (James McClurg, Edmund Randolph, and George Wythe) did not sign the Constitution . . . because they were not present at the Convention on the day it was signed!

3. Who was the oldest person to sign the Constitution?

Benjamin Franklin

George Washington

Alexander Hamilton

William Paterson

The first Postmaster General was 81 when he signed the Constitution!

Explanation

The first Postmaster General was 81 when he signed the Constitution!

4. The Constitution was signed in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall). Which of these other historic events took place in the same location?

The signing of the Articles of Confederation (the United States' first constitution) in 1871.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775.

All of the above.

Four of the most important events in the history of the United States took place in the same building!

Explanation

Four of the most important events in the history of the United States took place in the same building!

5. Which State did NOT send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?

Delaware

New Jersey

Maryland

Rhode Island

Rhode Island was reluctant to embrace a new system of government for fear that it may harm their local economy.

Explanation

Rhode Island was reluctant to embrace a new system of government for fear that it may harm their local economy.

6. Which two U.S. Presidents signed the Constitution?

George Washington and John Adams

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

James Madison and James Monroe

George Washington and James Madison

Although they were instrumental in the birth of our country John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both abroad serving as ministers (ambassadors) to England and France, respectively, on the date the Constitution was signed! James Monroe was not selected as a Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

Explanation

Although they were instrumental in the birth of our country John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both abroad serving as ministers (ambassadors) to England and France, respectively, on the date the Constitution was signed! James Monroe was not selected as a Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

7. Bill of Rights challenge! Match the rights listed below with the appropriate Constitutional Amendment.

Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

Right to speedy and public criminal trial

Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly

Right to bear arms

Right against self-incrimination

Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures

Submit

8. How many times has the Constitution been changed since it was signed in 1787?

27

18

10

Hundreds!

There have been only 18 changes in the 225 years since the Framers signed the Constitution. The Bill of Rights (amendments one through 10) was the first change approved by the States in December 1791. Since then, 17 Constitutional amendments have been approved - totalling 18 changes.

Explanation

There have been only 18 changes in the 225 years since the Framers signed the Constitution. The Bill of Rights (amendments one through 10) was the first change approved by the States in December 1791. Since then, 17 Constitutional amendments have been approved - totalling 18 changes.

9. How many years may a U.S. President serve in office?

8

10

12

16

The 22nd Amendment allows a person to be elected into office as President for two terms but also to serve as President through succession for an additional two years.

Explanation

The 22nd Amendment allows a person to be elected into office as President for two terms but also to serve as President through succession for an additional two years.

10. The Constitution grants Congress the power to . . .

Establish Post Offices

Tax State governments

Appoint judges to the Supreme Court

All of the above

Only the first answer is correct!
The Constitution specifically prohibits Congress from taxing State governments, but allows taxes on individuals.
The Constiution gives the President power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court, but states that the Senate must "confirm" the appointments.

Explanation

Only the first answer is correct!
The Constitution specifically prohibits Congress from taxing State governments, but allows taxes on individuals.
The Constiution gives the President power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court, but states that the Senate must "confirm" the appointments.

11. What federal holiday honors the Constitution?

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Columbus Day

Thanksgiving Day

On December 3, 1789, George Washington issued the "Thanksgiving Day Proclamation" after Congress asked him to recommend "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness." The Proclamation gives thanks for, among other things, "the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted."

Explanation

On December 3, 1789, George Washington issued the "Thanksgiving Day Proclamation" after Congress asked him to recommend "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness." The Proclamation gives thanks for, among other things, "the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted."