Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: General Education Development (GED)
Exam: GED Social Studies Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
This excerpt is from the U.S. State Department document, Outline of U.S. History.
Virginian George Mason was one of three delegates to the Constitutional Convention who had refused to sign the final document because it did not [guarantee] individual rights. Together with Patrick Henry, he campaigned vigorously against ratification of the Constitution by Virginia.... [F]ive states, including Massachusetts, ratified the Constitution on the condition that such amendments be added immediately. When the first Congress [met] in New York City in September 1789, the calls for amendments protecting individual rights were [almost] unanimous [B]y December 1791, enough states had ratified 10 amendments to make them part of the Constitution. Collectively, [these amendments] are known as the Bill of Rights.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
Virginian George Mason was one of three delegates to the Constitutional Convention who had refused to sign the final document because it did not [guarantee] individual rights. Together with Patrick Henry, he campaigned vigorously against ratification of the Constitution by Virginia.... [F]ive states, including Massachusetts, ratified the Constitution on the condition that such amendments be added immediately. When the first Congress [met] in New York City in September 1789, the calls for amendments protecting individual rights were [almost] unanimous [B]y December 1791, enough states had ratified 10 amendments to make them part of the Constitution. Collectively, [these amendments] are known as the Bill of Rights.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
Based on the excerpt, which conclusion can be drawn about the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
Answer Choices
- A: Ratification of the Bill of Rights was completed before the Constitution was drafted.
- B: Ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights.
- C: Most leaders were worried that the Bill of Rights would weaken the ruling class protected by the Constitution.
- D: Many leaders were concerned that the Bill of Rights would upset the balance of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Five states ratified Constitution conditional on immediate amendments (Bill of Rights)