Constitution Fundamental Principles Quiz
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According to the Great Compromise,
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There would be a one-house legislature.
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each state would have the same number of members in the House.
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New Jersey and Virginia would have the same number of members in Congress.
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There would be two houses in Congress
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This quiz explores key aspects of the U. S. Constitution, including the Great Compromise, objections by Antifederalists, and the Federalist Papers. It assesses understanding of legislative preferences, state constitution formation, and state admission criteria, relevant for students of American history and political science.
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- 2.
What was the chief objection of the Antifederalists to the Constitution?
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It gave Congress too much power.
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It imposed high taxes on the states.
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It did not include a bill of rights.
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It did not represent all citizens
Correct Answer
A. It did not include a bill of rights.Explanation
The chief objection of the Antifederalists to the Constitution was that it did not include a bill of rights. They believed that without a bill of rights, the government would have too much power and could potentially infringe upon the individual liberties and rights of the citizens. The Antifederalists argued that a bill of rights was necessary to protect the people from potential abuses by the government and to ensure that their fundamental rights were guaranteed and upheld.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What kind of legislature did the small states prefer?
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One that gave each state the same number of members
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One that awarded membership based on class
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One that was divided into two houses
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One that gave states members based on their population
Correct Answer
A. One that gave each state the same number of membersExplanation
The small states preferred a legislature that gave each state the same number of members. This means that regardless of the population or size of the state, they would have an equal representation in the legislature. This would ensure that the small states have a fair say in the decision-making process and prevent the larger states from dominating the legislature based on their population or size.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In forming their new governments, most of the 13 states
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Elected a president.
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Wrote constitutions.
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Allowed women to vote.
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Created their own armies.
Correct Answer
A. Wrote constitutions.Explanation
After forming their new governments, most of the 13 states wrote constitutions. This was a crucial step in establishing a framework for governance and outlining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens. Writing constitutions allowed the states to define their own laws and principles, ensuring a system of checks and balances within the government. It also provided a basis for the protection of individual rights and liberties. Overall, writing constitutions was an essential part of the state-building process for the 13 states.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A territory could ask Congress to be admitted as a new state
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After paying large sums of money to help defray the cost of the revolution.
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If they set asidelarge plots of land for displaced Native Americans.
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When it had apopulation of 60,000 free settlers.
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Once all enslavedAfrican Americans within its borders were set free.
Correct Answer
A. When it had apopulation of 60,000 free settlers.Explanation
When a territory had a population of 60,000 free settlers, it could ask Congress to be admitted as a new state. This requirement was outlined in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established the process for admitting new states to the Union. The population threshold was seen as a way to ensure that a territory had a sufficient number of people to form a viable state government. It also served as a measure of the territory's potential for economic development and stability.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?
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To document the work performed by Benjamin Franklin
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To communicate actions taken by Congress to the 13 states
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To outline the positions of the candidates for President
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To defend theConstitution
Correct Answer
A. To defend theConstitutionExplanation
The purpose of the Federalist Papers was to defend the Constitution. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, under the pseudonym "Publius", to promote and explain the ratification of the United States Constitution. These papers were written to counter the arguments of the Anti-Federalists, who opposed the Constitution. The Federalist Papers provided a comprehensive defense of the Constitution, addressing concerns and explaining the benefits of a strong central government.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Articles of Confederation
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Did not create astrong national government.
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Created strongfederal courts.
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Inclued an executivebranch.
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Included manystate laws.
Correct Answer
A. Did not create astrong national government.Explanation
The Articles of Confederation did not create a strong national government. This is because the Articles established a weak central government with limited powers. Under the Articles, the states retained most of the power and authority, while the national government had little ability to enforce laws or regulate commerce. The lack of a strong national government led to numerous problems, such as difficulties in raising taxes, maintaining a military, and resolving disputes between states. As a result, the Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the Constitution, which created a stronger federal government.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who is often called the "Father of the Constitution?"
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James Madison
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Benjamin Franklin
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Alexander Hamilton
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George Washington
Correct Answer
A. James MadisonExplanation
James Madison is often called the "Father of the Constitution" because he played a significant role in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. Madison was one of the main authors of the Constitution and was instrumental in shaping its content. He also played a key role in advocating for its ratification and was a major contributor to the Federalist Papers, which helped to sway public opinion in favor of the Constitution. Madison's extensive knowledge of political theory and his leadership during the Constitutional Convention earned him the title of the "Father of the Constitution."Rate this question:
- 9.
To amend the Constitution is to
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Approve it.
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Balance it
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Present it to thestates.
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Change it.
Correct Answer
A. Change it.Explanation
To amend the Constitution means to make changes or alterations to it. This process involves modifying or adding provisions to the existing document. It does not imply approving or balancing it, nor does it refer to presenting it to the states. Therefore, the correct answer is "change it."Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was the first written document of self-government in North America?
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The UnitedStates Constitution
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The Articles of Confederation
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The Mayflower Compact
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The VirginiaPlan
Correct Answer
A. The Mayflower CompactExplanation
The Mayflower Compact was the first written document of self-government in North America. It was created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower ship in 1620 before they landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The compact established a social contract among the settlers, outlining their commitment to work together and create laws for the general good of the colony. It laid the foundation for democratic principles and the concept of self-government in the future United States.Rate this question:
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- 11.
At least how many states had to ratify the Constitution before it could go into effect?
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13
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9
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5
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11
Correct Answer
A. 9Explanation
Before the Constitution could go into effect, at least 9 states had to ratify it. This requirement was outlined in Article VII of the Constitution, which stated that the Constitution would become effective once it was ratified by conventions in at least 9 of the 13 states. This ensured that a significant majority of the states agreed to the new framework of government before it was implemented.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Daniel Shay organized a rebellion to protest the
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ConstitutionalConvention.
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Harshworking conditions for enslaved African Americans.
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Social structure inthe colonies.
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Unfair treatment offarmers.
Correct Answer
A. Unfair treatment offarmers.Explanation
Daniel Shay organized a rebellion to protest the unfair treatment of farmers. This is evident from the fact that Shay's Rebellion was a revolt led by farmers in Massachusetts who were facing economic hardships and high taxes. They were frustrated with the state government's policies that favored wealthy creditors and ignored the struggles of small farmers. Shay's Rebellion was a direct response to the unfair treatment of farmers and their grievances against the government's policies.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The original goal of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was to
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Create a federal legislature
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Establish theSupreme Court.
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Outlaw slavery in the states.
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Revise the Articles of Confederation.
Correct Answer
A. Revise the Articles of Confederation.Explanation
The correct answer is "revise the Articles of Confederation." The Constitutional Convention in 1787 was called to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States. The delegates gathered to discuss and propose changes to the Articles in order to create a stronger central government that could effectively address the issues faced by the newly formed nation. The goal was to revise the Articles and create a new constitution that would better serve the needs of the country.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following was a right that was granted to Congress by the Articles of Confederation?
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Congress couldregulate trade between states.
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Congress could declare war.
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Congress could passlaws without colonial consent.
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Congress couldimpose taxes.
Correct Answer
A. Congress could declare war.Explanation
The correct answer is Congress could declare war. This is because under the Articles of Confederation, Congress had the power to make decisions regarding war and peace. They were responsible for declaring war, entering into treaties, and making alliances with other countries. This was a significant power granted to Congress to ensure the defense and security of the newly formed United States.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
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Allowed slavery inthe Northwest Territory.
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Purchased territories from Britain.
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Provided away to admit new states to the Union.
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Created a newcapital city.
Correct Answer
A. Provided away to admit new states to the Union.Explanation
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided a way to admit new states to the Union. This legislation established a process for organizing and governing the territory northwest of the Ohio River, which would eventually become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The ordinance outlined a three-stage process for territorial development, including the appointment of a governor, the election of a legislature, and the admission of the territory as a state once it met certain population requirements. This allowed for the orderly expansion of the United States and the admission of new states into the Union.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The nation's first capital was located in
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WashingtonD.C.
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New York City.
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Boston.
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Philadelphia.
Correct Answer
A. New York City.Explanation
The nation's first capital was located in New York City. This is because after the American Revolution, New York City became the temporary capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790. During this time, the government operated out of Federal Hall, where the first Congress met and George Washington was inaugurated as the first President. However, in 1790, the capital was moved to Philadelphia before eventually being established in Washington D.C. in 1800.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights
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Lists theresponsibility of citizens to serve in the military.
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Protects freedom of speech.
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Forbids thegovernment from quartering soldiers in citizens homes.
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Outlaws thepossession of weapons.
Correct Answer
A. Protects freedom of speech.Explanation
The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech. This means that individuals have the right to express their opinions and ideas without fear of government censorship or punishment. This protection extends to various forms of expression, including spoken words, written works, artistic creations, and even symbolic actions. The First Amendment is a fundamental aspect of democracy, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and fostering a diverse and inclusive society.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Why did three of the delegates of the convention refuse to sign the Constitution?
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They believed thateach state should hold a convention for rejection of ratification.
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They feared it gavetoo much power to the national government.
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They believed thatAfrican Americans were not fairly represented at the convention.
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They didn'tagree with the philosophy of a three-branch government.
Correct Answer
A. They feared it gavetoo much power to the national government.Explanation
The three delegates refused to sign the Constitution because they believed it gave too much power to the national government.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How did the Three-Fifths Compromise benefit southern states?
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It allowed thestates to retain a larger portion of their tax revenue.
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The southern states were protected by larger presences of military.
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Farmers were given larger land grants to produce goods for trade.
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It allowed the states to have more representatives in the House of Representatives.
Correct Answer
A. It allowed the states to have more representatives in the House of Representatives.Explanation
The Three-Fifths Compromise benefited southern states by allowing them to have more representatives in the House of Representatives. This compromise counted three-fifths of the enslaved population towards the state's total population for the purpose of determining representation in the House. Since the southern states had a larger enslaved population, this meant that they would have more representatives in the House, giving them greater political influence and power.Rate this question:
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- 20.
. Which state's constitution included the first bill of rights?
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RhodeIsland
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Pennsylvania
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Massachusetts
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Virginia
Correct Answer
A. VirginiaExplanation
Virginia's constitution included the first bill of rights.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Oct 23, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Feb 03, 2013Quiz Created by
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