1.
Which body issued the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
B. The First Continental Congress
Explanation
The First Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence. This congress was a meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies in 1774, before the American Revolutionary War. They came together to address grievances against British policies and to organize a unified response. While the Declaration of Independence was not issued during this congress, it laid the groundwork for the subsequent Second Continental Congress, which did issue the Declaration in 1776.
2.
Reflecting Lockean natural rights philosophy, the Declaration of Independence delcared that governments derive their just powers from
Correct Answer
B. The consent of the governed
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence reflects Lockean natural rights philosophy by stating that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. This means that the power of the government comes from the people who are governed, and they have the right to give or withhold their consent to be governed. This idea is rooted in the belief that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by the government, and that the government's authority is based on the consent and trust of the people it governs.
3.
Which of the following was NOT a problem with the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
Correct Answer
C. The state legislatures had too little power
Explanation
The given correct answer is that the state legislatures had too little power. This means that one of the problems with the national government under the Articles of Confederation was not that the state legislatures lacked power. The Articles of Confederation gave most of the power to the states, resulting in a weak national government that struggled to enforce laws and make decisions.
4.
What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
Correct Answer
B. To revise the Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The original purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, but they had many flaws and weaknesses. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention met to discuss and propose changes to the Articles of Confederation in order to create a stronger and more effective central government. However, they ultimately decided to draft an entirely new constitution instead, which led to the creation of the United States Constitution.
5.
The ______________________, offered as a proposal at the Constitutional Convention, called for each state to be equally represented in Congress.
Correct Answer
A. New Jersey Plan
Explanation
The New Jersey Plan, offered as a proposal at the Constitutional Convention, called for each state to be equally represented in Congress. This plan was in contrast to the Virginia Plan, which called for representation based on population. The New Jersey Plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states by ensuring that they would have an equal voice in the legislative branch of government.
6.
The Anti-Federalists believed that the new constitution
Correct Answer
B. Was an enemy of freedom and designed to give control of the government to a rich elite
Explanation
The Anti-Federalists believed that the new constitution was an enemy of freedom and designed to give control of the government to a rich elite. They viewed the new constitution as a threat to individual liberties and feared that it would concentrate power in the hands of a privileged few. They argued that the new government would not adequately protect the rights of the common people and would instead benefit the wealthy and powerful. They saw the new constitution as a betrayal of the principles of the American Revolution and advocated for a more decentralized form of government that would safeguard individual freedoms.
7.
Which was the first state to ratify the Constitution?
Correct Answer
A. Delaware
Explanation
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. This means that Delaware was the first state to officially approve and accept the Constitution as the governing document of the United States.
8.
The Constitution created a
Correct Answer
C. Republic
Explanation
A republic is a form of government where the power lies in the hands of the citizens, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is different from a class-based society, where social class determines one's power and privileges, as well as a government of the rich, where the wealthy hold significant influence. A republic also differs from a majoritarian society, where decisions are made based on the majority's opinion. Therefore, the creation of a republic through the Constitution suggests a system where the citizens have a say in governance through elected representatives.
9.
Which of these is TRUE about the United States Constitution?
Correct Answer
E. None of these are true
Explanation
The correct answer is "None of these are true." This means that none of the statements provided about the United States Constitution are accurate. The Constitution does not centralize power, as it establishes a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government. It is not superseded only by decrees of the president, as it can be amended through a specific process. Lastly, while the Constitution provides a framework for the functioning of the government, it does not set specific neutral rules for the game of politics.
10.
The United States Constitution first written constitution was the
Correct Answer
C. Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The correct answer is Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States. They were adopted in 1777 and established a weak central government with most powers reserved to the individual states. However, the Articles proved to be ineffective in governing the country, leading to the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.
11.
In 1786 a small band of men in Massachusetts undertook what is remembered as
Correct Answer
E. Shay's Rebellion
Explanation
Shay's Rebellion was a significant event that took place in Massachusetts in 1786. It was a revolt led by a group of farmers who were frustrated with high taxes and debt. The rebellion was named after its leader, Daniel Shays. The farmers protested against the state government's policies and actions that were causing them financial hardships. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government. It played a crucial role in shaping the discussions and debates that led to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
12.
In which city was the Constitutional Convention held?
Correct Answer
A. pHiladepHia
Explanation
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia.
13.
According to James Madison, the greatest source of political conflict was
Correct Answer
B. The uneven distribution of wealth
Explanation
James Madison believed that the greatest source of political conflict was the uneven distribution of wealth. This means that he saw economic inequality as a major factor that led to conflicts and tensions within society. Madison believed that when there is a significant disparity in wealth, it creates a divide between different social classes, leading to political disagreements and struggles for power. This perspective highlights the importance of addressing economic inequality in order to reduce political conflicts and promote social harmony.
14.
The government designed at the Constitutional Convention allowed the voters to directly elect
Correct Answer
E. Only the House of Representatives
Explanation
The government designed at the Constitutional Convention allowed the voters to directly elect only the House of Representatives. This means that the people had the power to directly choose their representatives in the lower house of Congress. The Senate, on the other hand, was not directly elected by the voters but was instead chosen by state legislatures. The president was also not directly elected by the people, but rather by the Electoral College. Therefore, the correct answer is only the House of Representatives.
15.
The Madisonian requirement that each branch of government acquire the consent of others for many of its actions created a system of
Correct Answer
B. Checks and balances
Explanation
The Madisonian requirement refers to the idea that each branch of government must seek the consent or approval of the other branches for many of its actions. This system was put in place to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure a balance of power. The term "checks and balances" accurately describes this system, as each branch has the ability to limit or "check" the power of the other branches, thus creating a system of accountability and preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant.
16.
The Federalist Papers were
Correct Answer
A. Essays in support of ratification of the constitution
Explanation
The Federalist Papers were a collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. These essays were published in newspapers during the late 1780s and were written to persuade the American public to ratify the newly proposed United States Constitution. The authors argued for the benefits of a strong central government, addressing concerns and objections raised by Anti-Federalists. The Federalist Papers are considered a significant contribution to American political thought and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ultimately leading to the ratification of the Constitution.
17.
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution
Correct Answer
C. After the ratification process was complete, and partly to fulfill a promise to those who supported ratification
Explanation
After the ratification process was complete, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution partly to fulfill a promise to those who supported ratification. This means that the Bill of Rights was not initially included in the Constitution, but was added afterwards as a way to address concerns and gain support from those who were hesitant to ratify the Constitution without guarantees of individual rights and freedoms.
18.
The Constitution was ratified by
Correct Answer
B. Special conventions in each of the states
Explanation
The correct answer is "special conventions in each of the states." The Constitution was ratified through special conventions held in each state. This process allowed for direct participation and input from the people, as delegates were elected by the citizens to attend these conventions and make decisions on their behalf. This method ensured that the ratification of the Constitution was a democratic process, allowing for widespread public involvement and representation.
19.
Which of the following is established by the written Constitution?
Correct Answer
E. None of these are mentioned in the written Constitution
Explanation
The correct answer is "None of these are mentioned in the written Constitution." The written Constitution does not explicitly mention the right to an abortion, media coverage of the House and Senate, or political parties. These are either established through judicial interpretation or by other laws and practices outside of the written Constitution. The Constitution primarily outlines the structure of the government, the powers of its branches, and the rights and freedoms of individuals.
20.
The Supreme Court in Marbury v Madison asserted the power of the Court to
Correct Answer
A. Check the actions of the other branches through judicial review
Explanation
In the case of Marbury v Madison, the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review. This means that the Court has the power to review the actions of the other branches of government, including the executive and legislative branches, to determine if they are constitutional. The Court can declare laws or actions unconstitutional and therefore nullify them. This decision solidified the Court's role as a check on the other branches of government and ensured the balance of power between the three branches.