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These letters were written by delegates at the start of the Constitutional Convention. Read the letters. Then answer the question below. Letter from Virginia delegate George Mason to his son America has certainly, upon this occasion, drawn forth her first characters; there are [at] this Convention many gentlemen of the most respectable abilities, and so far as I can discover, of the purest Intentions. The eyes of the United States are turned upon this assembly, and their expectations raised to a very anxious degree. May God grant, we may be able to gratify them, by establishing a wise and just government. first: best intentions: goals anxious: high gratify: satisfy Letter from Virginia delegate James Madison to Thomas Jefferson's secretary Our affairs are considered on all hands as at a most serious crisis. No hope is entertained from the existing [government structure]. And the eyes and hopes of all are turned towards this new assembly. The result therefore whatever it may be must have a material influence on our destiny. entertained: received material: significant Many delegates shared Madison and Mason's opinions. Based on their letters, which statements about the delegates are true? Select all that apply. They felt that the outcome of the convention was not Important to the public. They felt that their goal was to fix the problems caused by the current government. They felt that the public had high expectations for the convention. They saw each other as capable and intelligent.​

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Final answer:

Delegates at the Convention understood the public's high expectations, their objective was to resolve issues with the current government system, and they respected their fellow delegates' capabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the letters written by Virginia delegate George Mason and James Madison, we can ascertain a few truths about the delegates at the Constitutional Convention.

  1. First, the delegates recognized the gravity of their task and understood that the public had very high expectations for the convention's outcome, meaning they felt the public expected a significant result from their work.
  2. Secondly, they were aware of the need to address the issues with the current government; this implies they felt their goal was to fix the problems caused by the existing system under the Articles of Confederation.
  3. Lastly, they respected and acknowledged the capabilities within the assembly, as they referred to many gentlemen of "the most respectable abilities," indicating they saw each other as capable and intelligent.
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