Constitutional Convention

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/constitutional-convention

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Constitutional Convention built?Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances
2. What is the convention location?Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3. What is the convention dates?May 25, 1787 – September 17, 1787
4. When and where did the Constitutional Convention take place?It was held in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. Delegates from 12 states gathered there to write the U.S. Constitution.
5. Why did the delegates meet at the Constitutional Convention?The old Articles of Confederation were weak; the government couldn't tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. Shays' Rebellion showed the need for a stronger federal system.

Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a national government and regional (state) governments.
Separation of Powers: The division of governmental authority into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power.
Checks and Balances: A mechanism within the government where each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches.
Electoral College: The body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.