Alabama Civics Practice Test 2026 - Free Civics Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Constitution was written in 1787. However, in this case, the choice indicated as correct, 1776, refers to the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted. While the Declaration was a pivotal moment in American history, establishing the colonies' desire for independence from British rule, it is distinct from the U.S. Constitution, which serves as the foundational legal framework for the government.

The Constitution was subsequently ratified in 1788 and took effect in 1789. This timeline highlights the difference between the two critical documents: one focused on independence and the other on governance. Understanding this context helps clarify why the Constitution could not have been written in the same year as the Declaration of Independence.