Guided Reading Activity 31

The Road to the Constitution

Reading Tip
Have someone read this section out loud to you. Practice taking notes as
though it were the teacher lecturing to the entire class.
DIRECTIONS: Write an answer to each question below in the space provided.
1. Identifying Which state chose not to attend the convention in Philadelphia? Why?

Rhode Island because the leader thought that it was a conspiracy to overthrow the current
government.

2. Identifying Which groups of people did not attend the convention?

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

3. Generalizing How would you describe the delegates to the Constitutional

Convention?

They were all young men who still had careers in front of them.

4. Identifying Whom was elected to head the convention?

George washington

5. Explaining Why were no formal records kept at the Constitutional Convention?

There was a secrecy policy that made it easier to speak freely without worrying about the
publics reaction.

6. Summarizing What was the Constitutional Convention?

Each state was asked to bring 6 members, it was in Philadelphia in Independance Hall. 55
people attended which included Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, James Madison.
It began on May 25, 1787 and their agenda was to revise the Articles of Confederation.
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Copyright by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Guided Reading Activity 32

Creating and Ratifying the Constitution
Reading Tip
As you read this section, create a chain-of-events graphic organizer chart
to help you understand how the events that led to the ratification of the
U.S. Constitution occurred.
DIRECTIONS: Write an answer to each question below in the space provided.
1. Explaining What do the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government
do?

They make the laws and make sure they are agreed upon throughout the three branches.

2. Contrasting How did the Virginia Plan differ from the New Jersey Plan?

The Virginia plan had three branches but the New jersey plan only had 1.

3. Summarizing What was the Great Compromise?

Compromise made by Constitutional Convention in which states would have equal

representation in one house of the legislature and representation based on population in
the other house.
4. Cause and Effect What two arguments resulted in the Electoral College
compromise?

One argument was the smaller states were not being fairly represented.
The second argument was the question of "Does the Convention have the authority to
completely scrap the Articles of Confederation?".
5. Explaining What does the Electoral College do?
The Electoral College is the body that formally represents the citizens for electing the President
and Vice President.

6. Comparing What were the different viewpoints of the Federalists and the AntiFederalists?

Federalists were supporters of the constitution and a stronger central government

Anit-Federalists were people who were against the Constitution and a stronger national
government.
7. Identifying What promise helped to get the Constitution ratified?
The Great Compromise
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The Structure of the Constitution

Reading Tip
Try this note-taking method. Write who, when, why, and what on a sheet
of paper or on separate note cards and list various phrases under each
head as you read the chapter.
DIRECTIONS: Write an answer to each question below in the space provided.
1. Describing What is the main purpose of the United States Constitution?

The main purpose of the constitution is to establish the basic rights of all American
citizens
2. Summarizing What is the Preamble, and why was it written?

It is the first section of the constitution and lists why the constitution was made.

3. Evaluating What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called, and why are
they of interest to most citizens?

Bill of rights and they are important because they list the rights that the citizens

4. Explaining Why does the government collect an income tax?

To fund government projects.

5. Inferring Why are amendments to the Constitution necessary?

They explain our rights.

6. Identifying What type of powers does the necessary and proper clause give to
Congress?

It grants them the powers that are implied in the constitution, but not specifically stated
within it

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Guided Reading Activity 34

Principles Underlying the Constitution
Reading Tip
As you read this section, make a photocopy of the Constitution of the
United States found in your textbook. Write each principle identified in the
text where is applies in the Constitution.
DIRECTIONS: Write an answer to each question below in the space provided.
1. Defining What is a republic?

a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected
representative
2. Defining What is popular sovereignty?

the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent
of its people, through their elected representatives
3. Explaining What does it mean to say the government is limited by rule of law?

Government officials still have to live by the same laws as citizens.

4. Identifying Who influenced the Framers to adopt the philosophy of separation of

powers?

French philosopher Baron de Montesquieu

5. Analyzing Why is there a need for checks and balances?

So one branch doesnt become too strong

6. Explaining What are expressed powers, reserved powers, and concurrent powers?

Expressed powers are specificly grand to the national government. Reserved powers are
powers that the constitution does not give to the national government and are kept by the
states government. Concurrent powers are powers that both national and state
governments can use.
7. Describing Which article contains the supremacy clause of the United States
Constitution?

Article 6
8. Concluding If a state law conflicts with a federal law, which law should you follow?
Federal
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