Origins Of The Constitution
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This is a basic quiz of the origins of the US Constitution
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What English document first limited the power of the king or queen?
- A.
Magna Carta
- B.
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
- C.
Mayflower Compact
- D.
Declaration of Independance
Correct Answer
A. Magna CartaExplanation
The Magna Carta is the correct answer because it was the first English document to limit the power of the king or queen. It was signed by King John of England in 1215 and established certain rights for the nobility and limited the monarch's authority. The Magna Carta is considered a foundational document for modern constitutional law and has had a significant influence on the development of democratic principles.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the 1620 plan by the Pilgrims for self-governance in America?
- A.
Mayflower Compact
- B.
Articles of Confederation
- C.
Petition of Right
- D.
Magna Carta
Correct Answer
A. Mayflower CompactExplanation
The Mayflower Compact was a plan created by the Pilgrims in 1620 for self-governance in America. It was an agreement among the settlers on the Mayflower ship to establish a government and abide by its laws. The compact ensured that decisions would be made collectively and in the best interest of the community. It was an important step towards establishing democratic principles in America and laid the foundation for future self-governance in the country.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who was the 1st to write about social contract theory and natural law (where all people were born free, equal, and independent)?
- A.
John Locke
- B.
William Penn
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Thomas Hobbs
Correct Answer
A. John LockeExplanation
John Locke was the first to write about social contract theory and natural law, which stated that all people are born free, equal, and independent. He believed that individuals have natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and that governments are formed to protect these rights. Locke's ideas greatly influenced the development of democratic principles and the concept of individual rights, making him a key figure in political philosophy.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution?
- A.
9 of 13
- B.
7 of 13
- C.
10 of 13
- D.
13 of 13
Correct Answer
A. 9 of 13Explanation
The Constitution needed to be ratified by 9 out of the 13 states in order to become law. This requirement was outlined in Article VII of the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
- A.
Separation of Powers
- B.
Limited Government
- C.
Representative Government
- D.
Division of Labor
Correct Answer
A. Separation of PowersExplanation
The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches refers to the concept of separation of powers. This principle ensures that no single branch of government has complete control and authority. Instead, power is divided among these three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to maintain a system of checks and balances. This allows for a more democratic and balanced government where each branch has its own specific roles and responsibilities.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the 1st form of government in the freed colonies of the Americas?
- A.
Mayflower Compact
- B.
Articles of Confederation
- C.
Anarchy
- D.
Declaration of Independence
Correct Answer
B. Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The Articles of Confederation were the first form of government in the freed colonies of the Americas. This document, adopted in 1781, established a weak central government with limited powers. It created a loose confederation of independent states, each retaining its sovereignty and autonomy. However, the Articles proved to be ineffective in governing the newly formed nation, leading to the eventual drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which state's plan for government wanted a strong executive branch and a two chamber legislative?
- A.
Pennsylvania
- B.
Connecticut
- C.
New Jersey
- D.
Virginia
Correct Answer
D. VirginiaExplanation
Virginia's plan for government wanted a strong executive branch and a two chamber legislative. This plan, also known as the Virginia Plan, was proposed by James Madison during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It called for a strong central government with a separation of powers, including a strong executive branch led by a president and a two chamber legislative consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. This plan served as a basis for the eventual creation of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which state's plan for government wanted a one chamber legislature where each state had one vote?
- A.
Pennsylvania
- B.
Connecticut
- C.
New Jersey
- D.
Virginia
Correct Answer
C. New JerseyExplanation
The correct answer is New Jersey because the state's plan for government, known as the New Jersey Plan, proposed a one chamber legislature where each state would have one vote. This plan was put forward during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as an alternative to the Virginia Plan, which called for a two chamber legislature with representation based on population. The New Jersey Plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states by ensuring equal representation for all states, regardless of their size or population.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who is marked as the writer of the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
Samuel Adams
- B.
Ben Franklin
- C.
Thomas Jefferson
- D.
Daniel Webster
Correct Answer
C. Thomas JeffersonExplanation
Thomas Jefferson is marked as the writer of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was a prominent figure in American history and played a crucial role in drafting this important document. He was known for his eloquence and strong belief in individual rights and liberty, which is reflected in the language and principles of the Declaration. Jefferson's contributions to the document solidify his position as the writer of the Declaration of Independence.Rate this question:
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- 10.
One major question of the original Constitution was over slaves. In order to count slaves for taxes and representation, slaves were counted as _____ of a person.
- A.
3/4
- B.
1/2
- C.
2/3
- D.
3/5
Correct Answer
D. 3/5Explanation
During the drafting of the original Constitution, a significant issue arose regarding the status of slaves. To address the matter of taxation and representation, a compromise was reached where slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise, known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, aimed to balance the interests of both northern and southern states in terms of population and political power.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Where was the Constitutional Convention held?
- A.
New York City
- B.
Boston
- C.
Baltimore
- D.
Philadelphia
Correct Answer
D. PhiladelphiaExplanation
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia. This city was chosen as the location for the convention because it was a central and easily accessible location for the delegates from the various states. Additionally, Philadelphia had a strong tradition of political and intellectual activity, making it an ideal setting for the important task of drafting a new constitution for the United States.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Dec 11, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 09, 2009Quiz Created by
Yeehaw4pecos
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