How much do you know about the Constitution?

Here are some questions relating to the United States Constitution so you can test your knowledge!

1. Of the 39 signers of the Constitution, how many had previously signed the Declaration of Independence?
2. The Constitution was signed in 1787, but was not binding until it was ratified. When did that happen?
3. Which state was the first to ratify the new constitution?
4. Which state was the last to ratify the Constitution?
5. How many articles does the Constitution contain?
6. Which article is the longest, and why?
7. The Constitution Convention met in Philadelphia for the purpose of creating a document that would establish a new government for the States. True or False?

On September 17^th 1787, in a warm room in Philadelphia, 39 men signed the document that formed our nation: the United States Constitution. With each passing year, America continues her record of having the longest on-going constitutional republic in history. Discover more resources, including lesson plans and activities, on our Constitution Hub!

How’d you do?

1. Six: Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Morris, George Clymer, George Read, and James Wilson¹
2. It was ratified on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify the Constitution, as specified in Article 7 of the Constitution. The new government under the Constitution came into effect on March 4, 1789.²
3. Delaware, on December 7, 1787³
4. Rhode island, on May 29, 1790⁴
5. Seven⁵
6. Article I is the longest. It organizes and governs the legislative branch, which was the branch closest to the people and the most important of the three branches. It was therefore given the most, and the most powerful responsibilities.⁶
7. False. The purpose was to address and solve the weaknesses that had become apparent under the Articles of Confederation, the document under which the country had been governed during the American Revolution.⁷

Endnotes

¹ “Signers of the Declaration Biographical Sketches,” National Park Service, accessed December 15, 2023.
² “About the Constitution: FAQs,” National Constitution Center, accessed December 15, 2023.
³ “Observing Constitution Day: Background,” National Archives, accessed December 15, 2023.
⁴ “Observing Constitution Day: Background,” National Archives, accessed December 15, 2023.
⁵ “The Constitution of the United States: A Transcript,” National Archives, accessed December 15, 2023.
⁶ “The Constitution of the United States: A Transcript,” National Archives, accessed December 15, 2023.
⁷ “Constitution of the United States: Primary Documents in American History,” Library of Congress, accessed December 15, 2023.