Revolution & founding (1763–1800) Quiz
From the Tea Party to the Constitution. 10 multiple-choice questions with explanations.
Questions
In what year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
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1776. Congress adopted it on July 4, 1776.
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
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Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson drafted it; Adams and Franklin were on the drafting committee.
What was the first governing document of the United States, before the Constitution?
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The Articles of Confederation. The Articles took effect in 1781 and created a weak central government.
Where did the Constitutional Convention meet in 1787?
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Philadelphia. Delegates met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Who is often called the "Father of the Constitution"?
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James Madison. Madison drafted the Virginia Plan and kept detailed notes of the convention.
The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and…
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John Jay. The 85 essays urged New York to ratify the Constitution.
Which 1777 American victory helped persuade France to join the war?
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Saratoga. The surrender of a British army at Saratoga led to the 1778 French alliance.
What was the 1773 protest against the Tea Act called?
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The Boston Tea Party. Colonists dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into Boston Harbor.
Which treaty formally ended the Revolutionary War in 1783?
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Treaty of Paris. Britain recognized American independence in the Treaty of Paris.
Which 1786–87 uprising in Massachusetts exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
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Shays' Rebellion. Shays' Rebellion helped convince leaders to call the Constitutional Convention.