Trivia Quiz: Creating The US Constitution
The Constitution is the governing law of the United States of America which came into force in 1789. It is a set of constitutional rules or rights that describes the rights and duties of its citizens. The framers of Constitution wisely divided and balanced the powers to safeguard the interests of citizens. This quiz has been designed to test your knowledge about the Constitution, amendments, rights, laws, and policies. Let's find out! All the best!
- 1.
A "Constitutional Convention" is...
- A.
Members of a political party meet to choose a candidate.
- B.
A group of elected representatives meet to vote for a President.
- C.
A group of elected representatives meet to admit new states to the nation.
- D.
A group of elected representatives meet to create a list of rules for the nation.
Correct Answer
D. A group of elected representatives meet to create a list of rules for the nation.Explanation
A "Constitutional Convention" refers to a gathering of elected representatives who come together to create a list of rules for the nation. This process involves the formulation and establishment of a constitution, which serves as the fundamental law of the land. During a Constitutional Convention, representatives discuss and debate various issues and principles that will shape the governance and structure of the country. The ultimate goal is to draft a comprehensive set of rules and principles that will guide the nation's political, social, and legal systems.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Constitutional Convention was held where and when?
- A.
New York, 1776.
- B.
Philadelphia, 1776.
- C.
Philadelphia, 1787.
- D.
Boston, 1787.
Correct Answer
C. Philadelphia, 1787.Explanation
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. This is historically accurate as Philadelphia was the location where delegates from the thirteen states gathered to discuss and draft the United States Constitution. The convention took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, during which the delegates debated and ultimately created the framework for the government of the newly formed United States of America.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How many delegates attended the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
13.
- B.
55.
- C.
75.
- D.
100.
Correct Answer
B. 55.Explanation
The correct answer is 55. The Constitutional Convention, which took place in 1787, was attended by 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 original states. These delegates were tasked with drafting and creating the United States Constitution. They debated and discussed various issues and compromises, ultimately shaping the foundation of the American government.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is true about the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
They are referred to as the"Founding Fathers" or "Framers".
- B.
They wanted to create a document that would protect the rights of the people in the present and in the future.
- C.
They wanted to make it flexible, so it could be amended as needed.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that all of the statements mentioned about the delegates at the Constitutional Convention are true. They are commonly referred to as the "Founding Fathers" or "Framers." They aimed to create a document that would safeguard the rights of the people both in the present and in the future. Additionally, they wanted to make the document flexible so that it could be amended as required.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is NOT one of the six goals in the Preamble of the Constitution?
- A.
To guarantee and end to slavery.
- B.
To form a more perfect union.
- C.
To insure domestic tranquility.
- D.
To promote the general welfare.
Correct Answer
A. To guarantee and end to slavery.Explanation
The correct answer is "To guarantee and end to slavery." This is not one of the six goals in the Preamble of the Constitution. The six goals mentioned in the Preamble are: to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, to insure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defense, to promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.Rate this question:
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- 6.
"Majority Rule" means...
- A.
One person is chosen to make the final decision.
- B.
In a disagreement, the decision of smallest group of people will be final.
- C.
In a disagreement, the decision of most of the people will be final.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. In a disagreement, the decision of most of the people will be final.Explanation
"Majority Rule" refers to a decision-making principle where the final decision in a disagreement is determined by the opinion or choice of the largest group of people involved. This means that the decision favored by the majority of individuals will be considered final and implemented. It emphasizes the importance of democratic decision-making and giving more weight to the preferences and perspectives of the larger group rather than a single individual or a smaller group.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Among the influences of the U.S. Constitution was...
- A.
The Magna Carta.
- B.
The English Bill of Rights.
- C.
The Mayflower Compact.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because all three documents - the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact - had a significant influence on the U.S. Constitution. The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, established the principle of limited government and protection of individual rights. The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, further developed these ideas and influenced the concept of separation of powers. The Mayflower Compact, created in 1620, was an early example of self-government and influenced the idea of democratic governance in the United States. Therefore, all three documents played a role in shaping the U.S. Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A "Bicameral Congress" means...
- A.
Two separate "houses" (parts).
- B.
Each member must join both houses.
- C.
Each state has two representatives.
- D.
To become a law, at least two representatives from each state must vote for it.
Correct Answer
A. Two separate "houses" (parts).Explanation
A "Bicameral Congress" refers to a legislative body that is divided into two separate "houses" or parts. This means that there are two distinct chambers within the Congress, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the United States. Each house has its own set of members and functions, and they work together to pass laws and make decisions. This system of having two houses allows for a checks and balances mechanism and ensures that legislation is thoroughly debated and considered from different perspectives before it becomes law.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A "Constituent" is...
- A.
The name of a proposed law.
- B.
The original name for the Bill of Rights.
- C.
The name of one house of Congress.
- D.
The people who each delegate represents.
Correct Answer
D. The people who each delegate represents.Explanation
A "constituent" refers to the individuals that a delegate or representative represents. In a democratic system, delegates are elected to represent the interests and concerns of the people in a specific geographic area or constituency. These constituents are the individuals who have chosen the delegate to speak and act on their behalf in government. The term "constituent" is commonly used in political contexts to describe the people who have delegated their authority to elected officials.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who kept notes at the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
Thomas Jefferson.
- B.
John Adams.
- C.
Ben Franklin.
- D.
James Madison.
Correct Answer
D. James Madison.Explanation
James Madison is the correct answer because he was not only present at the Constitutional Convention but also took detailed notes throughout the proceedings. These notes, known as the "Madison Notes" or the "Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787," provide a valuable historical record of the discussions and debates that took place during the drafting of the United States Constitution. Madison's meticulous note-taking played a crucial role in preserving the history and understanding of the Constitutional Convention.Rate this question:
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- 11.
"Federalism" is...
- A.
The federal government has all of the power.
- B.
Power is shared between the federal government and state governments.
- C.
State governments have all of the power.
- D.
The President has all of the power.
Correct Answer
B. Power is shared between the federal government and state governments.Explanation
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided and shared between a central or federal government and individual state governments. In this system, both levels of government have their own distinct powers and responsibilities, and they work together to govern the country. This allows for a balance of power and promotes cooperation between different levels of government.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Read the following statement and indicate if it is true or false: According to the Constitution, some powers are reserved for the states (RESERVED POWERS), some for the federal government (DELEGATED POWERS), and some powers are shared (CONCURRENT POWERS).
- A.
TRUE.
- B.
FALSE.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE.Explanation
According to the Constitution, powers are indeed divided between the states and the federal government. Some powers are specifically reserved for the states, some are delegated to the federal government, and there are also powers that are shared between both levels of government. This division of powers is a fundamental principle of the United States government and is outlined in the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 13.
An example of a "Reserved Power" would be...
- A.
Driver's licenses and license plates.
- B.
Raising taxes.
- C.
Maintaining (running) a court system.
- D.
Declaring war on another country.
Correct Answer
A. Driver's licenses and license plates.Explanation
Reserved powers refer to powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, but are instead reserved for the states. These powers are outlined in the Tenth Amendment. Driver's licenses and license plates are examples of reserved powers because they are typically regulated and issued by individual states, rather than the federal government.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An example of a "Delegated Power" would be...
- A.
Driver's licenses and license plates.
- B.
Raising taxes.
- C.
Maintaining (running) a court system.
- D.
Declaring war on another country.
Correct Answer
D. Declaring war on another country.Explanation
Delegated powers refer to the powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution, which are then delegated to specific branches or agencies. Driver's licenses and license plates, raising taxes, and maintaining a court system are examples of concurrent powers, which are shared by both the federal and state governments. However, declaring war on another country is an example of a delegated power because the Constitution explicitly grants the power to declare war to the federal government, specifically to Congress.Rate this question:
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- 15.
An example of a "Concurrent Power" would be...
- A.
Driver's licenses and license plates.
- B.
Raising taxes.
- C.
Maintaining (running) a court system.
- D.
Choices B & C.
Correct Answer
D. Choices B & C.Explanation
The correct answer is Choices B & C. Both raising taxes and maintaining a court system are examples of concurrent powers. Concurrent powers are powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments. In the case of raising taxes, both the federal and state governments have the power to levy and collect taxes. Similarly, maintaining a court system is a power that is shared by both levels of government, as both federal and state courts exist to administer justice.Rate this question:
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- 16.
"Limited Government" is...
- A.
Keeping states from becoming too powerful.
- B.
Keeping the federal government from becoming too powerful.
- C.
Another name for the House of Burgesses.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
B. Keeping the federal government from becoming too powerful.Explanation
"Limited Government" refers to the principle of restraining the authority and power of the federal government. It aims to prevent the federal government from becoming too powerful and encroaching upon the rights and freedoms of individuals and states. This concept ensures a system of checks and balances, where the government's powers are limited and divided among different branches to safeguard against tyranny and protect individual liberties. The answer choice accurately reflects this understanding of "Limited Government" as it emphasizes the need to curb the federal government's potential dominance.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following Founding Fathers was at the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
George Washington.
- B.
Thomas Jefferson.
- C.
John Adams.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. George Washington.Explanation
NO THIS IS NOT A MISTAKE! Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were in Europe during the Constitutional Convention. George Washington ran the meetings.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The "Great Compromise"...
- A.
Ended slavery.
- B.
Made George Washington the president, and John Adams the Vice-President.
- C.
Made a BICAMERAL (two-house) congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- D.
Reinstated the Articles of Confederation as the rules of the U.S.A.
Correct Answer
C. Made a BICAMERAL (two-house) congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.Explanation
The "Great Compromise" refers to the agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It resolved the conflict between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan by creating a BICAMERAL (two-house) congress. This compromise established the House of Representatives, which would be based on population, and the Senate, which would have equal representation for each state. This compromise was crucial in ensuring that both large and small states had a voice in the legislative branch of government, and it played a significant role in shaping the structure of the United States Congress.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The leader of the Anti-Federalists was...
- A.
Alexander Hamilton.
- B.
Ben Franklin.
- C.
George Washington.
- D.
Thomas Jefferson.
Correct Answer
D. Thomas Jefferson.Explanation
Thomas Jefferson was the leader of the Anti-Federalists. He strongly opposed the idea of a strong central government and was a key figure in the movement against the ratification of the United States Constitution. Jefferson argued for states' rights and believed in a more limited government. He played a crucial role in the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party, which was the main political opposition to the Federalist Party led by Alexander Hamilton. While Ben Franklin and George Washington were influential figures in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States, they were not leaders of the Anti-Federalists.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The leader of the Federalists was...
- A.
Alexander Hamilton.
- B.
Ben Franklin.
- C.
George Washington.
- D.
Thomas Jefferson.
Correct Answer
A. Alexander Hamilton.Explanation
Alexander Hamilton was the leader of the Federalists because he played a key role in establishing the Federalist Party and was one of its most influential members. He was a strong advocate for a centralized government and was instrumental in the drafting of the United States Constitution. Hamilton also served as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington, where he implemented policies that laid the foundation for the country's economic system. His leadership and contributions to the Federalist cause made him the clear choice as the leader of the party.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote a series of pamphlets arguing for the new Constitution. What were these pamphlets called?
- A.
"Common Sense".
- B.
"Reasons For Revolution".
- C.
"America's Past and Promise".
- D.
"The Federalist Papers".
Correct Answer
D. "The Federalist Papers".Explanation
The correct answer is "The Federalist Papers". Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote a series of pamphlets called "The Federalist Papers" in order to advocate for the ratification of the new Constitution. These papers were published between 1787 and 1788 and were instrumental in shaping the understanding and interpretation of the Constitution. They presented arguments in favor of a strong central government and addressed concerns about the potential dangers of factions and the need for a balanced system of government.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Constitution became law in...
- A.
July, 1787.
- B.
March, 1789.
- C.
July, 1776.
- D.
July, 1976.
Correct Answer
B. March, 1789.Explanation
The Constitution became law in March, 1789. This is the correct answer because the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but it did not become effective immediately. It required ratification by at least nine of the thirteen states before it could go into effect. This process took some time, and it was not until March 4, 1789, that the Constitution officially became the law of the land when the first Congress under the new Constitution convened.Rate this question:
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- 23.
To ratify the Constitution, how many states needed to vote "yes".
- A.
13 out of 13.
- B.
12 out of 13.
- C.
9 out of 13.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. 9 out of 13.Explanation
To ratify the Constitution, 9 out of 13 states needed to vote "yes". This means that a minimum of 9 states had to approve and accept the Constitution for it to be officially adopted.Rate this question:
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- 24.
It took so long to ratify the Constitution because...
- A.
Thomas Jefferson was not there.
- B.
John Adams was not there.
- C.
Anti-Federalists had more votes.
- D.
There was no Bill of Rights in the original Constitution.
Correct Answer
D. There was no Bill of Rights in the original Constitution.Explanation
The reason it took so long to ratify the Constitution was because there was no Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. Many states were concerned about the lack of explicit protections for individual rights, and they refused to ratify the Constitution without the addition of a Bill of Rights. This led to a series of debates and compromises, resulting in the eventual inclusion of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 05, 2008Quiz Created by
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