Question 1

True or false: The Constitution was signed on July 4, 1776, the same day as the Declaration of Independence.

Accepted Answer

False. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. July 4, 1776, is the date of the Declaration of Independence, a common mix-up.

Question 2

True or false: George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention as its president.

Accepted Answer

True. Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention, lending prestige and order to the proceedings, though he rarely debated.

Question 3

True or false: All 13 original states sent delegates to sign the Constitution in 1787.

Accepted Answer

False. Rhode Island boycotted the convention entirely, so only 12 states were represented. It ratified later, in 1790.

Question 4

True or false: Only 39 of the 55 delegates present actually signed the final document.

Accepted Answer

True. Some delegates left early or refused to sign due to objections, like the lack of a Bill of Rights. 39 signatures remain.

Question 5

True or false: The oldest signer, Benjamin Franklin, was 81 and needed help to sign due to his health.

Accepted Answer

True. Franklin, aged 81, was frail and wept as he signed. His was the oldest signature, a poignant moment in the hall.

Question 6

True or false: The Constitution was signed with a quill pen made from an eagle feather, a symbol of freedom.

Accepted Answer

False. No record supports this. Delegates used various quills, likely from geese or crows. The eagle feather myth is romantic but unsubstantiated.

Question 7

True or false: The Constitution was written entirely in secret, with windows nailed shut to prevent eavesdropping.

Accepted Answer

True. Delegates swore to secrecy and kept windows closed during Philadelphia’s summer heat to prevent leaks, a surprising measure.

Question 8

True or false: James Madison, known as the 'Father of the Constitution,' signed it on the first day of the convention.

Accepted Answer

False. Madison was a key architect, but signing occurred on September 17, 1787, the last day. He didn’t sign first; the convention took months.

American Constitution signing Trivia Questions