AP Gov: Multiple Choice Questions! Quiz
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Are you looking for a good AP Government chapter 2 practice test? Why don't you take this "AP Government Quiz"? In this multiple-choice quiz, we'll be putting you up against a gauntlet of questions regarding the topic of government as part of our Advanced Placement Government series. You will not only get an opportunity to test your knowledge, but you will also learn even more with every question you attempt. Interested? Let's get started. All the best to you!
- 1.
The principal goal of the American Revolution was?
- A.
Equality
- B.
Financial betterment
- C.
Political efficacy
- D.
Fraternity
- E.
Liberty
Correct Answer
E. LibertyExplanation
The principal goal of the American Revolution was liberty. This refers to the desire of the American colonists to gain independence from British rule and establish a free and self-governing nation. The revolution aimed to secure individual freedoms, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as political and economic autonomy. The American Revolution was a significant event in history that led to the formation of the United States of America and the establishment of a democratic system based on the principles of liberty and self-determination.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The central issue in the framing of the Constitution was that of?
- A.
How strong to make the central government
- B.
How best to divide powers among the branches of government
- C.
How best to break with Great Britain
- D.
How to adopt liberty to still allow slaveholding
- E.
How to create a truly independent judiciary
Correct Answer
A. How strong to make the central governmentExplanation
The central issue in the framing of the Constitution was how strong to make the central government. This question refers to the debate and discussions among the framers of the Constitution regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Some delegates believed in a strong central government to ensure stability and prevent the weaknesses experienced under the Articles of Confederation, while others favored a more decentralized system to protect states' rights. This issue was crucial in shaping the structure and authority of the federal government as outlined in the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The importance of the Great Compromise adopted by the Constitutional Convention was that it:
- A.
Created a legislature similar in structure to that under the Articles of confederation
- B.
Established a single, one state-one vote formula under which all states would benefit.
- C.
Strengthened the power of larger states at the expense of smaller states
- D.
Granted equal power to the three branches of the new central government
- E.
Ensured support for a strong national government from small as well as large states
Correct Answer
E. Ensured support for a strong national government from small as well as large statesExplanation
The Great Compromise ensured support for a strong national government from both small and large states. This compromise created a legislature with two houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate provided equal representation for all states, regardless of size, while the House of Representatives allocated seats based on the population of each state. This compromise satisfied the concerns of both small and large states, as it allowed smaller states to have a say in the legislative process while still giving larger states more representation based on their population. This ensured that both small and large states would support the establishment of a strong national government.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Dividing power between the states and national government is referred to as:
- A.
Sovereignty
- B.
Dual legitimacy
- C.
Egalitarianism
- D.
Plutocracy
- E.
Federalism
Correct Answer
E. FederalismExplanation
Federalism refers to the division of power between the states and the national government. It is a system where both levels of government have their own distinct powers and responsibilities, while also sharing some powers. This division of power helps to maintain a balance between the central authority and the autonomy of individual states. Federalism allows for the coexistence of a strong national government and independent state governments, ensuring that power is not concentrated in one entity and promoting a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In which Federalist Paper does Madison warn against the danger of factions?
- A.
Federalist 51
- B.
Federalist 25
- C.
Federalist 11
- D.
Federalist 10
- E.
Federalist 1
Correct Answer
D. Federalist 10Explanation
James Madison warns against the danger of factions in Federalist Paper No. 10. In this paper, Madison discusses the problems caused by factions in a democratic society and proposes a system of government (a republic) that can mitigate the negative effects of factions while preserving individual liberty and minority rights. Madison's arguments in Federalist Paper No. 10 are often cited as a foundational explanation of the framers' thoughts on the issue of factions in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 6.
If the U.S. was still operating under the Articles of Confederation, which of the following issues would have to be handled by the states?
- A.
Arms reduction negotiations
- B.
Interstate commerce
- C.
Postal regulation
- D.
Protecting the environment against acid rain
- E.
All of these
Correct Answer
B. Interstate commerceExplanation
If the U.S. was still operating under the Articles of Confederation, the issue of interstate commerce would have to be handled by the states. This is because the Articles of Confederation gave the states more power and autonomy, and there was no centralized authority to regulate interstate commerce. Therefore, each state would have to handle and regulate commerce within their own borders, leading to potential inconsistencies and conflicts between states.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The effect of Shay's Rebellion on attendance by delegates at the planned Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to:
- A.
Encourage attendance by delegates fearing the collapse of state governments.
- B.
Encourage attendance by delegates fearing intervention by the British
- C.
Discourage attendance by delegates fearing a public outcry against strengthening the Articles of Confederation.
- D.
Discourage attendance by delegates fearing intervention by the British
- E.
Discourage attendance by delegates who fought in the Revolutionary War
Correct Answer
A. Encourage attendance by delegates fearing the collapse of state governments.Explanation
Shay's Rebellion was a significant event in American history that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the inability of the state governments to maintain law and order. The rebellion, led by Daniel Shays, was a violent protest by farmers in Massachusetts against high taxes and debt. It caused widespread fear among the delegates, who recognized that a strong central government was necessary to prevent similar uprisings in the future. Therefore, the rebellion encouraged attendance by delegates who feared the collapse of state governments and believed that a new Constitution was needed to address these issues and establish a more effective system of governance.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Each state would have had an equal number of votes in the legislature under the:
- A.
Connecticut Plan
- B.
New Jersey Plan
- C.
Maryland Plan
- D.
Virginia Plan
- E.
Georgia Plan
Correct Answer
B. New Jersey PlanExplanation
The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature where each state would have an equal number of votes, regardless of their population. This plan was favored by smaller states who feared that they would be overshadowed by larger states under the Virginia Plan, which proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. Therefore, the New Jersey Plan ensured that each state would have an equal say in the legislative process, promoting equality among the states.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Among the many compromises worked out at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 after the adoption of the Great Compromise was that of the:
- A.
Adoption of a five-year term of office for the president
- B.
Selection of the Supreme Court by the Senate
- C.
Popular election of members of the House of Representatives
- D.
Use of an electoral college for choosing a president
- E.
An elective monarchy
Correct Answer
D. Use of an electoral college for choosing a presidentExplanation
The correct answer is the use of an electoral college for choosing a president. This compromise was reached because some delegates at the Constitutional Convention believed that the president should be elected by the people, while others believed that the decision should be left to the state legislatures. The electoral college was seen as a compromise between these two viewpoints, allowing for a system where the people indirectly elect the president through electors chosen by each state. This compromise helped to balance the interests of both small and large states and ensure a fair and representative election process.Rate this question:
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- 10.
For purposes of determining state representatives in the House of Representatives, ___________ percent of slaves were counted.
- A.
0
- B.
40
- C.
60
- D.
75
- E.
100
Correct Answer
C. 60Explanation
For purposes of determining state representatives in the House of Representatives, 60 percent of slaves were counted. This is known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, which was a compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It stated that for the purposes of determining representation and taxation, each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise was a result of the disagreement between the northern and southern states regarding the issue of slavery and representation.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Most amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified by the vote of:
- A.
Ratifying conventions in three-fourths of the states
- B.
One-half of the state legislatures
- C.
Two-thirds of the members of both houses of Congress
- D.
Two-thirds of the representatives to a national convention
- E.
Three-fourths of the state legislatures
Correct Answer
E. Three-fourths of the state legislaturesExplanation
Most amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified by the vote of three-fourths of the state legislatures. This means that in order for an amendment to be added to the Constitution, it must be approved by the legislatures of at least 38 out of the 50 states. This process ensures that there is widespread support for the amendment among the states before it becomes part of the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Presidents would be able to veto part of a bill while approving the rest if the U.S. Constitution permitted a:
- A.
Veto
- B.
Provisional veto
- C.
Pocket veto
- D.
Reverse-veto
- E.
Line-item veto
Correct Answer
E. Line-item vetoExplanation
The line-item veto would allow presidents to veto specific provisions or sections of a bill while approving the rest. This means that they could selectively reject certain parts that they disagree with, rather than having to reject the entire bill. This power would give presidents more control and flexibility in shaping legislation according to their preferences and priorities. However, it is important to note that the U.S. Constitution does not currently permit a line-item veto.Rate this question:
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- 13.
With regard to the support given to the U.S. Constitution by creditors and debtors, the text notes that:
- A.
Both creditors and debtors strongly supported ratification
- B.
Both creditors and debtors strongly opposed ratification
- C.
Creditors tended to favor ratification, debtors to oppose it.
- D.
Creditors tended to oppose ratification, debtors to support it.
- E.
Debtors were uncertain about ratification. Creditors opposed it.
Correct Answer
C. Creditors tended to favor ratification, debtors to oppose it.Explanation
The text notes that creditors tended to favor ratification of the U.S. Constitution, while debtors tended to oppose it. This suggests that those who were owed money (creditors) supported the ratification because they believed it would provide a stable and strong government that would protect their financial interests. On the other hand, those who owed money (debtors) opposed the ratification because they feared a strong government would not be sympathetic to their financial struggles and might enforce harsh repayment policies.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Compared to Federalists, Antifederalists tended to favor a:
- A.
Strong national government as protection against political privilege
- B.
Weak decentralized government as protection against social inequality -- differences in wealth.
- C.
Weak decentralized government as protection of liberty.
- D.
Strong national government as protection for political privilege
- E.
Strong national government for purposes of taxation
Correct Answer
C. Weak decentralized government as protection of liberty.Explanation
Antifederalists believed in a weak decentralized government as a means of protecting individual liberties. They were concerned that a strong national government would infringe upon the rights of the states and the people. They believed that a government with limited powers would be less likely to abuse its authority and would allow for greater individual freedoms. This perspective was rooted in their desire to prevent the concentration of power and to ensure that the government remained accountable to the people.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The U.S. Constitution failed to outlaw slavery because:
- A.
Few at the time recognized slavery as a moral evil.
- B.
The opponents of slavery lacked the courage of their convictions.
- C.
Southern support was essential to the adoption of the document.
- D.
The Framers had no such mandate from those who had selected them.
- E.
Jefferson owned slaves.
Correct Answer
C. Southern support was essential to the adoption of the document.Explanation
The U.S. Constitution failed to outlaw slavery because Southern support was essential to the adoption of the document. This means that in order for the Constitution to be ratified and implemented, it required the approval and support of the Southern states, many of which relied heavily on the institution of slavery. Without the support of these states, it would have been nearly impossible to establish a unified nation and create a functioning government. Therefore, the framers of the Constitution had to make compromises, including allowing slavery to continue, in order to gain the necessary support from the Southern states.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The text suggests the Antifederalists:
- A.
Had legitimate concerns.
- B.
Had uncanny instincts for what the future might bring.
- C.
Had no agreed-upon alternative to the Constitution.
- D.
All of the above.
- E.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The text suggests that the Antifederalists had legitimate concerns because they were skeptical about the concentration of power in a strong central government. They also had uncanny instincts for what the future might bring as they predicted the potential dangers of an unchecked federal government. Additionally, the text mentions that the Antifederalists had no agreed-upon alternative to the Constitution, indicating that they didn't have a unified alternative plan. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as all three statements are supported by the information provided in the text.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Bill of rights to the U.S. Constitution was intended to limit the power of?
- A.
State governments over citizens.
- B.
Citizens to amend the U.S. Constitution.
- C.
The federal government.
- D.
Legislatures to amend the U.S. Constitution
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
C. The federal government.Explanation
The Bill of Rights was intended to limit the power of the federal government. It was added to the U.S. Constitution to protect the individual rights and freedoms of citizens from potential abuse by the federal government. The Bill of Rights specifically outlines the limitations on the government's power, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. It ensures that the federal government does not infringe upon these fundamental rights and provides a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The concept of the separation of powers involves:
- A.
The division of the functions of government.
- B.
The delegation of authority to the colonies.
- C.
Strong state governments with taxation powers.
- D.
A central government and submissive states
- E.
Submissive central government and superior states.
Correct Answer
A. The division of the functions of government.Explanation
The concept of the separation of powers involves the division of the functions of government. This means that the powers and responsibilities of the government are divided among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own distinct functions and powers, which serve as a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This division of powers helps to ensure that no single entity has complete control over the government and helps to protect individual rights and liberties.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Relative to the notion of democratic government, the Supreme Court's power of judicial review:
- A.
Places limits on democracy.
- B.
Is limited to state issues.
- C.
Generally favors the executive.
- D.
Is sometimes democratic, sometimes not.
- E.
Is used frequently.
Correct Answer
A. Places limits on democracy.Explanation
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review places limits on democracy. This is because the court has the authority to review and invalidate laws or actions that are deemed unconstitutional. By doing so, the court acts as a check on the democratic process, ensuring that laws and actions are in line with the principles and rights outlined in the Constitution. This power allows the court to protect individual rights and maintain the balance of power between the branches of government, even if it means overturning decisions made by elected officials.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Seats in Congress were allocated on the basis of both equality (Senate) and population (House) under the:
- A.
Great Compromise.
- B.
New Jersey Plan.
- C.
Maryland Plan.
- D.
Virginia Plan.
- E.
The Franklin Amendment.
Correct Answer
A. Great Compromise.Explanation
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a solution proposed during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to address the issue of representation in Congress. It established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate having equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives being based on population. This compromise ensured that both small and large states had a say in the legislative process and was a crucial step in the formation of the United States government as we know it today.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The Massachusetts constitution:
- A.
Treated all religious denominations alike.
- B.
Created a separation of powers.
- C.
Established property qualification
- D.
Provide for an independent judiciary.
- E.
Options B,C, and D
Correct Answer
E. Options B,C, and DExplanation
The Massachusetts constitution created a separation of powers, established property qualification, and provided for an independent judiciary. This means that the constitution ensured that the powers of the government were divided among different branches, it set requirements for owning property in order to hold certain positions, and it established a judiciary that is separate from the other branches of government.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Shay's Rebellion, an early test of the powers of the Articles of Confederation, took place in:
- A.
Virginia.
- B.
Rhode Island.
- C.
Massachusetts.
- D.
Maryland.
- E.
Pennsylvania.
Correct Answer
C. Massachusetts.Explanation
Shay's Rebellion was a significant event that occurred in Massachusetts. It was a rebellion led by Daniel Shays, a former Revolutionary War captain, and a group of farmers who were protesting against high taxes and debt. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as the federal government was unable to effectively respond to the uprising. This event ultimately led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 23.
James Madison examined historical data on republics, confederations, and aristocracies to learn about the formation of a government. His conclusions are found in:
- A.
The Federalist Papers.
- B.
His essay "On Liberty."
- C.
His personal diary
- D.
Revolutionary Governments (1-4)
- E.
Two Treatises on Government.
Correct Answer
A. The Federalist Papers.Explanation
James Madison examined historical data on republics, confederations, and aristocracies to learn about the formation of a government. The Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, contains his conclusions on the subject. In these papers, Madison explores the benefits of a strong central government and argues for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is the Federalist Papers.Rate this question:
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- 24.
All of the following were true of the government under the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT:
- A.
Larger states had more votes in the national legislature.
- B.
There was no national judicial branch.
- C.
The national government could not levy taxes.
- D.
The national government could not regulate commerce
- E.
Amendment required the support of all 13 states,
Correct Answer
A. Larger states had more votes in the national legislature.Explanation
The correct answer is "Larger states had more votes in the national legislature." This statement is false because under the government of the Articles of Confederation, each state had equal representation in the national legislature, regardless of its size or population. This was a deliberate decision to prevent larger states from dominating the smaller ones.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The U.S. Constitution was signed in the year:
- A.
1775.
- B.
1776.
- C.
1779.
- D.
1787.
- E.
1789.
Correct Answer
D. 1787.Explanation
The U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787. This is the correct answer because the Constitution was drafted and signed during the Constitutional Convention, which took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia. It was then ratified by the states and became effective on March 4, 1789.Rate this question:
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Sep 25, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 12, 2013Quiz Created by
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