AP Government ChAPters 1-3
- 1.
Which of the following statements is FALSE?
- A.
A constitution is a nation's basic law.
- B.
A constitution sets neutral rules of the game of politics.
- C.
A constitution structures competition among players, or participants, in government.
- D.
A constitution is an unwritten accumulation of traditions and precedents.
- E.
A constitution allocates power within government.
Correct Answer
B. A constitution sets neutral rules of the game of politics. -
- 2.
Which of the following statements about American youth is FALSE?
- A.
In a 2007 nationwide survey, only 37 percent of college freshman said that "keeping up with politics" was an important priority for them.
- B.
Political interest among college students rose to record heights following September 11th, surpassing levels of interest among college students of the 1960s.
- C.
American youth are more likely to be informed about politics than are older Americans.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
Both B and C
Correct Answer
E. Both B and CExplanation
The statement that is FALSE is "American youth are more likely to be informed about politics than are older Americans." This statement contradicts the information provided in the 2007 nationwide survey, which states that only 37 percent of college freshmen considered "keeping up with politics" as an important priority. This suggests that American youth are not necessarily more likely to be informed about politics compared to older Americans.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is TRUE of the voter turnout in the United States?
- A.
People over 65 have turned out to vote at a higher rate than young Americans since the early 1970s.
- B.
Young Americans have increased voter participation in the early twenty-first century, but still vote at lower rates than they did in the early 1970s.
- C.
In 2004, young Americans surpassed a record of voter turnout, set earlier in the 1970s.
- D.
Both A and B are true.
- E.
None of the above are true.
Correct Answer
D. Both A and B are true.Explanation
Both A and B are true. People over 65 have turned out to vote at a higher rate than young Americans since the early 1970s. Additionally, while young Americans have increased voter participation in the early twenty-first century, they still vote at lower rates than they did in the early 1970s.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is not a part of the national government?
- A.
Congress
- B.
Judiciary
- C.
Federal administrative agencies
- D.
Interest groups
- E.
Presidency
Correct Answer
D. Interest groupsExplanation
Interest groups are not a part of the national government because they are private organizations that advocate for specific causes or interests. While they may influence government policies and decisions, they do not hold any official government positions or have direct authority in the national government. The national government consists of the Congress, Judiciary, Federal administrative agencies, and the Presidency, which are all official branches or entities of the government.Rate this question:
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- 5.
__________ is the process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time.
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Government
- C.
The bureaucracy
- D.
A constellation
- E.
The policymaking system
Correct Answer
E. The policymaking systemExplanation
The policymaking system refers to the process through which policies are created and develop over time. It involves various actors, such as government officials, interest groups, and the public, who contribute to the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies. This system encompasses the entire process from identifying a problem or issue, to setting goals and objectives, to crafting and implementing policies, and finally to assessing their effectiveness. It is a complex and dynamic process that involves interactions and negotiations among different stakeholders, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and outcomes of public policies.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following best describes a linkage institution?
- A.
A gathering of people to represent the public opinion.
- B.
A location to express a political opinion.
- C.
A channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda.
- D.
Formation of a special interest group.
- E.
An environment where one learns about the political process.
Correct Answer
C. A channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda.Explanation
A linkage institution refers to a channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda. This means that it is a means or mechanism through which individuals or groups can express their concerns, opinions, and issues, and have them transformed into political action or policy-making. It serves as a connection between the public and the government, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the people are heard and addressed in the political decision-making process.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A law passed by Congress and an agency adoption of a regulation are both examples of...
- A.
Public policies
- B.
Exercises in public opinion
- C.
Interest groups
- D.
Majoritarian politics
- E.
Red tape
Correct Answer
A. Public policiesExplanation
A law passed by Congress and an agency adoption of a regulation are both examples of public policies. Public policies refer to the actions and decisions made by government authorities to address and solve societal issues. In this case, both the law passed by Congress and the regulation adopted by an agency are forms of government intervention aimed at addressing public concerns and ensuring the well-being of the public. These policies are implemented to regulate and guide the behavior of individuals and organizations in society.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The basic principles of traditional democratic theory include all of the following EXCEPT...
- A.
Government control of information
- B.
Inclusion
- C.
Citizen control of the agenda
- D.
Equality in voting
- E.
Effective participation
Correct Answer
A. Government control of informationExplanation
The basic principles of traditional democratic theory include inclusion, citizen control of the agenda, equality in voting, and effective participation. However, government control of information goes against the principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to a democratic system. In a democratic society, the government should not have the power to control or manipulate information, as it undermines the citizens' ability to make informed decisions and hold the government accountable for its actions.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The theory that argues that group competition results in a rough approximation of the public interest in public policy is...
- A.
Bureaucratic theory.
- B.
Hyperpluralist theory.
- C.
Elite and class theory.
- D.
Pluralist theory.
- E.
Balance of power theory.
Correct Answer
D. Pluralist theory.Explanation
Pluralist theory argues that group competition leads to a rough approximation of the public interest in public policy. According to this theory, power is dispersed among various interest groups, and decisions are made through a bargaining process among these groups. This ensures that no single group dominates and that policies reflect the diverse interests of society.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The nature of groups and the government in the hyperpluralist theory is...
- A.
Weak groups and strong government.
- B.
Strong government and strong groups.
- C.
Weak groups, strong elites, and weak government.
- D.
Strong groups and weak government.
- E.
Too few groups result in the creation of many governments.
Correct Answer
D. Strong groups and weak government.Explanation
The hyperpluralist theory suggests that there are numerous powerful interest groups in society, each with their own agenda and influence. These groups have significant power and can often overpower the government, resulting in a weak government that is unable to effectively make decisions or implement policies. This is why the correct answer is "strong groups and weak government."Rate this question:
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- 11.
Those who argue that the United States is in the middle of a culture war argue that Americans are becoming increasingly...
- A.
Polarized.
- B.
Secular.
- C.
Hypocritical.
- D.
Egalitarian.
- E.
Isolationist.
Correct Answer
A. Polarized.Explanation
The correct answer is "polarized." Those who argue that the United States is in the middle of a culture war believe that Americans are becoming increasingly divided or polarized on various cultural and social issues. This means that people are taking more extreme positions and there is a growing sense of conflict and disagreement within society.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The foundation of Locke's philosophy was that human beings...
- A.
Have rights that are granted them by government.
- B.
Are granted rights by their king.
- C.
Derive their rights from God.
- D.
Determine their own rights.
- E.
Derive their rights from nature.
Correct Answer
E. Derive their rights from nature.Explanation
Locke's philosophy is based on the idea that human beings derive their rights from nature. According to Locke, individuals have certain natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, that are inherent to their existence. These rights are not granted by government, king, or any external authority, but are instead derived from the natural state of being human. This perspective emphasizes the inherent value and autonomy of individuals, suggesting that their rights are not dependent on external forces but are fundamental to their nature as human beings.Rate this question:
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- 13.
According to John Locke, natural rights are...
- A.
Not dependent on governments.
- B.
Dependent on governments.
- C.
Rights inherent in human beings.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
Both A and C
Correct Answer
E. Both A and CExplanation
According to John Locke, natural rights are rights inherent in human beings and are not dependent on governments. This means that these rights exist regardless of any government or authority, and every individual possesses them by virtue of being human. Locke believed that these natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, are fundamental and should be protected by governments rather than granted or created by them. Therefore, the correct answer is "Both A and C" as it encompasses Locke's view on natural rights.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following best describes the United States government under the Articles of the Confederation?
- A.
It was dictatorial.
- B.
The Congress was a puppet for George Washington.
- C.
It was weak and ineffective.
- D.
It was frequently involved in foreign affairs.
- E.
It was very large and bureaucratic.
Correct Answer
C. It was weak and ineffective.Explanation
The correct answer is "It was weak and ineffective." This is because the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers. The government lacked the authority to enforce laws, regulate trade, or levy taxes effectively, leading to economic instability and difficulties in governing the states. The lack of a strong executive branch and a unified national government hindered decision-making and coordination among the states, making the government ineffective in addressing the nation's problems.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is true of the system of representation established by the Connecticut Compromise?
- A.
It gives more power to large states, particularly in presidential elections.
- B.
It gives more power to people living in states with large populations.
- C.
It gives more power to people living in states with small populations.
- D.
It distributes power among people of large and small states exactly equal.
- E.
Both B and D
Correct Answer
C. It gives more power to people living in states with small populations.Explanation
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was a proposal made during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It aimed to address the issue of representation in the legislative branch of the government. The compromise suggested a bicameral legislature, with one house (the House of Representatives) being based on population and the other house (the Senate) having equal representation for each state. This means that smaller states would have equal power in the Senate, giving more power to people living in states with small populations. Therefore, the answer "It gives more power to people living in states with small populations" is correct.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Constitutional amendments are usually ratified by...
- A.
A majority of the Supreme Court.
- B.
Legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
- C.
A national convention.
- D.
State conventions called by two-thirds vote in Congress.
- E.
A two-thirds vote in each house of Congress.
Correct Answer
B. Legislatures of three-fourths of the states.Explanation
Constitutional amendments are usually ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. This means that in order for an amendment to be added to the Constitution, it must be approved by the state legislatures of at least 38 out of the 50 states. This process ensures that the amendment has widespread support and is not easily changed.Rate this question:
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- 17.
An amendment may be proposed by...
- A.
A two-thirds vote in each house of Congress.
- B.
A national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures.
- C.
The request of the president of the United States.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
A or B
Correct Answer
E. A or BExplanation
An amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds vote in each house of Congress or a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Both options are valid methods for proposing an amendment to the Constitution. The president of the United States does not have the power to propose an amendment, so option C is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is either A or B.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Twenty-First Amendment...
- A.
Banned flag burning.
- B.
Banned gay marriage.
- C.
Granted suffrage to women.
- D.
Repealed prohibition.
- E.
Granted the right to vote to all citizens 18 years of age or older.
Correct Answer
D. Repealed prohibition.Explanation
The Twenty-First Amendment refers to the amendment that repealed prohibition. Prohibition was a period in U.S. history when the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. The Twenty-First Amendment, ratified in 1933, reversed the earlier Eighteenth Amendment, effectively ending the prohibition era and allowing the legal consumption of alcohol again.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Thirteenth Amendment...
- A.
Prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol.
- B.
Abolished slavery.
- C.
Banned flag burning.
- D.
Granted the right to vote to all citizens 18 years of age or older.
- E.
Granted suffrage to women.
Correct Answer
B. Abolished slavery.Explanation
The Thirteenth Amendment refers to an amendment to the United States Constitution that abolished slavery. This amendment was ratified in 1865, following the end of the American Civil War. It stated that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This amendment was a significant step towards ending the institution of slavery and granting freedom to all individuals in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Judicial review was established in...
- A.
Marbury v. Madison
- B.
Dred Scott v. Sandford
- C.
U.S. v. Lopez
- D.
McCulloch v. Maryland
- E.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
Correct Answer
A. Marbury v. MadisonExplanation
Marbury v. Madison is the correct answer because it is the landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States. In this case, the Court ruled that it had the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, thus establishing the power of the judiciary to review and interpret the constitutionality of laws. This decision had a significant impact on the balance of power between the branches of government and remains a fundamental principle of American constitutional law.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The separation of powers and the checks and balances established by the Constitution...
- A.
Allow almost all groups some place in the political system where their demands for public policy can be heard.
- B.
Have acted to discourage the growth of groups in American society.
- C.
Create so many obstacles that groups have no place for their policy demands to be heard.
- D.
Are basically undemocratic since only elites can formulate policies within the system.
- E.
Have made the United States one of the most democratic countries in the world.
Correct Answer
A. Allow almost all groups some place in the political system where their demands for public policy can be heard.Explanation
The separation of powers and checks and balances established by the Constitution allow almost all groups some place in the political system where their demands for public policy can be heard. This suggests that the system is designed to give voice to various groups and ensure that their policy demands are considered and addressed. It implies that the system is inclusive and democratic, as it allows for the participation and representation of diverse interests and perspectives.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following statements regarding the Constitution is FALSE?
- A.
The original Constitution was characterized by numerous restrictions on direct voter participation.
- B.
The original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility.
- C.
Five of the 17 constitutional amendments passed since the Bill of Rights have focused on the expansion of the electorate.
- D.
Political change, such as the emergence of political parties, has contributed to the changing nature of the Constitution.
- E.
One of the central themes of American history has been the gradual democratization of the Constitution.
Correct Answer
B. The original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility.Explanation
The original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility. This statement is false because the original Constitution did not provide specific guidelines on voter eligibility. It left the determination of voter qualifications to the states, resulting in varying requirements across the country. It was not until later amendments, such as the 15th Amendment, that specific guidelines on voter eligibility were established.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A nation's basic law is...
- A.
Its code of conduct.
- B.
Never an unwritten document.
- C.
Always a written document.
- D.
Another way of referring to a society's common law.
- E.
Its constitution.
Correct Answer
E. Its constitution.Explanation
A nation's basic law refers to its constitution, which is a written document that outlines the fundamental principles, rights, and structure of the government. It serves as the supreme law of the land and provides a framework for governance and the protection of individual rights. Unlike common law or unwritten documents, a constitution provides a clear and codified set of rules and guidelines that govern the nation.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Who argued that, without a strong government, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short"?
- A.
Thomas Benjamin
- B.
Thomas Paine
- C.
Thomas Hobbes
- D.
Thomas Jefferson
- E.
Thomas Friedman
Correct Answer
C. Thomas HobbesExplanation
Thomas Hobbes argued that without a strong government, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Hobbes believed that in a state of nature, without a central authority to enforce laws and maintain order, humans would be in constant conflict and competition for resources. He believed that a strong government was necessary to prevent this chaos and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.Rate this question:
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- 25.
In determining congressional representation and taxation, the Constitution...
- A.
Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person.
- B.
Counted slaves as one-half of a person.
- C.
Was silent on the issue of how slaves would be counted, instead of leaving the issue to each state to decide.
- D.
Did not count as slaves.
- E.
Counted slaves as free persons.
Correct Answer
A. Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person.Explanation
The Constitution counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining congressional representation and taxation. This was known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, which was a compromise between the Northern and Southern states during the Constitutional Convention. The compromise allowed Southern states to count a portion of their slave population towards their total population, which increased their representation in Congress and also their share of taxes. This compromise reflected the deep divisions and tensions over the issue of slavery during that time.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A major purpose of the economic provisions in the Constitution was to...
- A.
Guarantee the states a significant economic role.
- B.
Create a strong national government so as to bring stability out of economic chaos.
- C.
Establish a comprehensive set of social welfare programs to assist people in times of need.
- D.
Preserve and strengthen the farm economy to the disadvantage of manufacturing.
- E.
Promote a more equal distribution of wealth in the country.
Correct Answer
B. Create a strong national government so as to bring stability out of economic chaos.Explanation
The economic provisions in the Constitution were intended to create a strong national government in order to bring stability out of economic chaos. These provisions were put in place to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and establish a centralized authority that could regulate trade, impose taxes, and stabilize the economy. By creating a strong national government, the framers of the Constitution aimed to prevent economic instability and promote economic growth and prosperity for the nation as a whole.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which of the following was NOT a power given to Congress by the Constitution in terms of the economy?
- A.
The ability to borrow money.
- B.
The ability to levy taxes.
- C.
The ability to regulate interstate and intrastate foreign commerce.
- D.
The ability to pay debts.
- E.
The ability to force states to abolish slavery.
Correct Answer
E. The ability to force states to abolish slavery.Explanation
The Constitution granted Congress the power to borrow money, levy taxes, regulate interstate and intrastate foreign commerce, and pay debts. However, it did not give Congress the power to force states to abolish slavery. This power was not granted to Congress until the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The framers of the Constitution gave chief economic policymaking power to the...
- A.
States.
- B.
President.
- C.
Courts.
- D.
Federal Reserve Board.
- E.
U.S. Congress
Correct Answer
A. States.Explanation
The framers of the Constitution gave chief economic policymaking power to the states. This decision was made to ensure that each state had the ability to govern its own economic affairs and make decisions that best suited its individual needs. By granting this power to the states, the framers aimed to promote a system of federalism where power is shared between the central government and the states. This allowed for a balance of power and prevented the central government from becoming too dominant in economic matters.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which of these is not an issue of equality dealt with during the writing of the Constitution?
- A.
Slavery.
- B.
The role of the president.
- C.
Whether or not to ensure political equality.
- D.
Women's suffrage.
- E.
How states were to be represented.
Correct Answer
B. The role of the president.Explanation
During the writing of the Constitution, issues of equality that were addressed included slavery, political equality, women's suffrage, and how states were to be represented. However, the role of the president was not a specific issue of equality that was dealt with during this time.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The Madisonian system...
- A.
Encourages change.
- B.
Has a conservative bias favoring the status quo.
- C.
Discourages moderation and compromise.
- D.
Is a form of direct democracy.
- E.
Both C and D
Correct Answer
B. Has a conservative bias favoring the status quo.Explanation
The Madisonian system, inspired by James Madison's ideas, exhibits a conservative bias by favoring the preservation of the status quo in governance. It achieves this through mechanisms like separation of powers and checks and balances to ensure stability and protect minority rights. These features aim to slow down the process of decision-making and policy change, which can sometimes be seen as favoring the status quo or being a conservative bias because it does not encourage rapid change, discourage moderation, or represent direct democracy.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Ratification of the Constitution...
- A.
Needed the approval of nine states.
- B.
Occurred when it was approved by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
- C.
Needed the approval of a majority of the people.
- D.
Needed the approval of all the states.
- E.
Was by two-thirds vote of the Continental Congress.
Correct Answer
A. Needed the approval of nine states.Explanation
The correct answer is "needed the approval of nine states." Ratification of the Constitution required the approval of at least nine out of the thirteen states. This is known as the "nine states rule" or the "rule of nine." The Constitution could not become effective until it was ratified by this minimum number of states. This requirement was established to ensure that the Constitution had sufficient support and legitimacy among the states before it could be implemented.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Opposition to ratification of the Constitution was based on the belief that it would...
- A.
Give too much power to the states.
- B.
Produce more democratic elements than desirable for a strong central government.
- C.
Promote pluralism, which would threaten liberty.
- D.
Provide for elite control, endanger liberty, and weaken the states.
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. Provide for elite control, endanger liberty, and weaken the states.Explanation
The opposition to ratification of the Constitution believed that it would provide for elite control, endanger liberty, and weaken the states. They feared that a strong central government would be dominated by a small group of elites, leading to a loss of individual freedoms. They also believed that the Constitution would undermine the power of the states, reducing their ability to govern themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Constitution would provide for elite control, endanger liberty, and weaken the states.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Who authored the Federalist Papers?
- A.
Alexander Hamilton
- B.
James Madison
- C.
John Jay
- D.
Publius
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because all four individuals mentioned - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, and Publius - contributed to the authorship of the Federalist Papers. These papers were a series of essays written and published in the late 1780s to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. Each of these individuals played a significant role in shaping the content and ideas presented in the Federalist Papers.Rate this question:
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- 34.
After the American Revolution, under the Articles of the Confederation, power in the states began to shift from _________ to _________.
- A.
The middle class; a handful of wealthy individuals
- B.
The east coast; the western frontier
- C.
Cities; countryside
- D.
Wealthy individuals; the middle class
- E.
Countryside; cities
Correct Answer
D. Wealthy individuals; the middle classExplanation
After the American Revolution, power in the states began to shift from wealthy individuals to the middle class. This shift occurred as a result of the newfound focus on equality and democratic principles that emerged during the revolution. The middle class, which consisted of merchants, artisans, and small landowners, gained more influence and power as they sought to have a voice in the new government. At the same time, the power of the wealthy individuals, who were often aristocrats or large landowners, began to diminish as the middle class sought to level the playing field and ensure that power was more evenly distributed.Rate this question:
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- 35.
According to James Madison, the "most common and durable source of factions" was...
- A.
Urban and rural divisions.
- B.
Aristocracy.
- C.
Racial inequalities.
- D.
The British army.
- E.
The unequal division of property.
Correct Answer
E. The unequal division of property.Explanation
James Madison believed that the "most common and durable source of factions" was the unequal division of property. He argued that when there is a significant wealth disparity among individuals, it creates a breeding ground for factions to form. This is because those who have less wealth may feel oppressed or marginalized by those who have more, leading to conflict and the formation of factions. Madison saw this as a significant threat to the stability and unity of a society.Rate this question:
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- 36.
What was the significance of the Annapolis meeting?
- A.
It dissolved the Continental Congress.
- B.
It selected George Washington as the first post-Revolutionary president.
- C.
It issued the Declaration of Independence.
- D.
It was the first national convention of women demanding the right to vote.
- E.
It issued the first call for the Constitutional Convention, which would form in Philadelphia in 1787.
Correct Answer
E. It issued the first call for the Constitutional Convention, which would form in Philadelphia in 1787.Explanation
The significance of the Annapolis meeting was that it issued the first call for the Constitutional Convention, which would form in Philadelphia in 1787. This meeting was important because it recognized the need for a stronger central government and paved the way for the drafting of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which of the following characteristics do NOT apply to the 55 delegates who convened the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
They were all men.
- B.
They were mostly wealthy planters.
- C.
Most were residents of western frontiers.
- D.
A significant number of urbanites.
- E.
Many were college graduates.
Correct Answer
C. Most were residents of western frontiers.Explanation
The correct answer is "Most were residents of western frontiers." This means that the majority of the 55 delegates who convened the Constitutional Convention were not from the western frontiers. This suggests that the delegates came from other regions or areas, indicating a lack of representation from the western frontier in the convention.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The _______, offered as a proposal at the Constitutional Convention, called for giving each state in congress representation in proportion to the state's share of the population.
- A.
Connecticut Plan
- B.
Virginia Plan
- C.
New York Plan
- D.
Rhode Island Plan
- E.
New Jersey Plan
Correct Answer
B. Virginia PlanExplanation
The Virginia Plan, offered as a proposal at the Constitutional Convention, called for giving each state in congress representation in proportion to the state's share of the population. This plan was put forward by the delegates from Virginia and was a departure from the previous system under the Articles of Confederation, which gave each state an equal vote regardless of population size. The Virginia Plan aimed to create a more representative government by giving larger states more influence in the decision-making process based on their population.Rate this question:
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- 39.
__________ was proposed by William Patterson, in which each state was to be equally represented in the new Congress.
- A.
The New Jersey Plan
- B.
The Federalist Papers
- C.
The Virginia Plan
- D.
The Connecticut Compromise
- E.
The Articles of the Confederation
Correct Answer
A. The New Jersey PlanExplanation
The New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Patterson and it suggested that each state should be equally represented in the new Congress. This plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states by giving them an equal voice in the legislative branch. It contrasted with the Virginia Plan, which proposed representation based on population size. The New Jersey Plan was eventually incorporated into the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives.Rate this question:
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- 40.
According to the U.S. Constitution, how many senators does each state have?
- A.
Depends on the state's population
- B.
One
- C.
Six
- D.
A total of three
- E.
Two
Correct Answer
E. TwoExplanation
According to the U.S. Constitution, each state has two senators. This is stated in Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution, which establishes the Senate as a legislative body with equal representation for all states. Regardless of the state's population, each state is entitled to two senators, ensuring that smaller states have an equal voice in the legislative process as larger states.Rate this question:
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- 41.
According to the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives has how many members from each state?
- A.
Two
- B.
A total of three
- C.
One
- D.
Depends on the state's population
- E.
Six
Correct Answer
D. Depends on the state's populationExplanation
The U.S. Constitution states that the number of members in the House of Representatives depends on the population of each state. This is known as the principle of proportional representation, where states with larger populations have more representatives. Each state is allocated a certain number of seats in the House based on the decennial census, which determines the population of each state. Therefore, the correct answer is "Depends on the state's population."Rate this question:
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- 42.
The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional Convention...
- A.
Threw out the idea of having a monarch in the United States, opting instead for an indirectly elected president.
- B.
Resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan.
- C.
Added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution in order to lessen concerns about too much power for the new government.
- D.
Settled the dispute about whether slavery should be permitted in the final Constitution.
- E.
Involved all of these elements.
Correct Answer
B. Resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan.Explanation
The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation for each state, while the Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, created a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House of Representatives, thus finding a middle ground between the two plans and resolving the impasse.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The sole purpose of government, According to John Locke, was to...
- A.
Prevent anarchy.
- B.
Educate the people.
- C.
Promote the common good.
- D.
Protect individuals from violence.
- E.
Protect natural rights.
Correct Answer
E. Protect natural rights.Explanation
According to John Locke, the purpose of government is to protect natural rights. Natural rights are inherent to individuals and include rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke believed that individuals enter into a social contract by consenting to be governed, and in return, the government's role is to safeguard these natural rights. By protecting natural rights, the government ensures that individuals can live freely and pursue their own interests without interference or harm from others.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Locke believed that government must be built...
- A.
On laws given by the king.
- B.
On consent of the government.
- C.
In the laws of the previous government.
- D.
On the morals of the rule.
- E.
On the continuity of government, thus all efforts to overthrow a government are treason.
Correct Answer
B. On consent of the government.Explanation
Locke believed that government must be built on consent of the government. This means that the power and authority of the government should come from the consent of the governed, the people. According to Locke, individuals have natural rights and the purpose of government is to protect these rights. Therefore, the government should only exist with the consent of the people it governs, ensuring that their rights and interests are represented and protected. This concept of consent of the governed is a fundamental principle of democracy and individual freedom.Rate this question:
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- 45.
According to John Locke, the "state of nature" refers to...
- A.
A state of uninhabited territory ripe for government control.
- B.
A state ruled by the people, or a democracy.
- C.
A state in which human law is able to create natural rights.
- D.
A state in which there are no formal laws or government.
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. A state in which there are no formal laws or government.Explanation
According to John Locke, the "state of nature" refers to a state in which there are no formal laws or government. In this state, individuals are free and equal, and have the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. Locke believed that in the state of nature, individuals have the right to govern themselves and protect their rights, but without a formal government, there is a risk of conflicts and insecurity. Therefore, Locke argued for the establishment of a social contract and the formation of a government to protect the natural rights of individuals and maintain order in society.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
John Adams
- B.
Richard Henry Lee
- C.
Thomas Paine
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
- E.
Thomas Jefferson
Correct Answer
E. Thomas JeffersonExplanation
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was a Founding Father and the principal author of this historic document, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson's eloquent words articulated the principles of liberty, equality, and natural rights that would become the foundation of American democracy. His writing skill and philosophical understanding played a crucial role in shaping the document that declared the United States' independence from Great Britain and laid the groundwork for the formation of a new nation.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Which of the following is NOT true of the Articles of Confederation?
- A.
It provided for no judiciary.
- B.
It provided for a unicameral national legislature.
- C.
It represented a "league of friendship" among the states.
- D.
It vested all of the meaningful power in the states.
- E.
It gave the president too much power.
Correct Answer
E. It gave the president too much power.Explanation
The Articles of Confederation did not give the president too much power. In fact, the president under the Articles of Confederation had very limited powers and was mostly a figurehead. The Articles established a weak central government and most of the power resided with the individual states. The Articles provided for a unicameral national legislature, represented a "league of friendship" among the states, and did not include a judiciary.Rate this question:
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- 48.
Federalism is a way of organizing a nation so that...
- A.
Power is centralized in the national government.
- B.
Power is centralized in state and local government.
- C.
There are three branches of government and a system of checks and balances.
- D.
Both national and state levels of government have some authority over the same land and people.
- E.
There is one federal government and all regional governments are administrative subunits of it.
Correct Answer
D. Both national and state levels of government have some authority over the same land and people.Explanation
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central national government and state or local governments. This allows both levels of government to have some authority over the same land and people. It promotes a balance of power and allows for local autonomy while still maintaining a unified nation.Rate this question:
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- 49.
The power to directly regulate such things as drinking ages, marriage and divorce, and sexual behavior has been granted...
- A.
To the president.
- B.
To all governments by the Bill of Rights.
- C.
To both the state and national governments.
- D.
To the national government.
- E.
To state governments.
Correct Answer
E. To state governments.Explanation
The correct answer is "to state governments." The power to directly regulate such things as drinking ages, marriage and divorce, and sexual behavior has been granted to state governments. This means that each individual state has the authority to establish its own laws and regulations regarding these matters, rather than it being solely the responsibility of the national government or the president.Rate this question:
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- 50.
Almost every policy the national government has adopted has originated with...
- A.
The Supreme Court.
- B.
The Senate.
- C.
The president.
- D.
The states.
- E.
The House of Representatives.
Correct Answer
D. The states.Explanation
The correct answer is "the states" because the national government in the United States is a federal system where power is divided between the central government and the individual states. Many policies and laws are first implemented at the state level, and if they prove successful, they may be adopted by the national government. This allows for experimentation and diversity in policy-making, with the states often serving as laboratories for new ideas and approaches.Rate this question:
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Oct 23, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 06, 2011Quiz Created by
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