September 17, 1787

What's so special about September 17, 1787? This day is a special one in American history: it's the day when the Constitution was signed. Fast forward over two hundred years later, Constitution Day is celebrated across the US, and schools that receive federal aid must conduct a form of celebration.

So, in keeping with the theme of this blog, here's some expendablenlightenment that may help you if you take a Constitution Day quiz:

What state did not send anyone to the Constitutional Convention?
-Rhode Island

Where did the Constitutional Convention convene?
-The State House in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Out of the 55 members, how many were lawyers?
-34

Who is considered the "Father of the Constitution"?
-James Madison

Why was Thomas Jefferson not present?
-He was the American Minister to France and was overseas

How did Thomas Jefferson help write the Constitution?
-He insisted on a Bill of Rights be included (the first 10 amendments)

What compromise allowed for two houses of Congress, one based on population and one based on equal representation?
-Connecticut Compromise

Who wrote the actual text of the Constitution for signing?
-Jacob Shallus, who was paid $30 and whose name never appears on the document

Why did only 39 members sign the Constitution?
-Most the remaining members that didn't sign had already left for home, and a couple refused to sign

We look at politics as being dirty and only for rich people. Nothing has really changed in the last couple hundred years. If you noticed above, not all members signed the Constitution which was because they didn't agree with it. Politics of the past is even more checkered and questionable than it is today. You will see in future posts other examples of this. And as far as the way the Constitution came about, if any one little thing was different, then our country could be very different today.

Bet you didn't know that!