United States Founding Documents Quiz : 4th Grade
The Founding Documents of the United States are the list of papers put together to solidify the United States of America as its free nation. The list includes the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. What do you know about these founding documents, who wrote them and what they mean? Take the following quiz to find out!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which founding document was created first?
- A.
Bill of Rights
- B.
Declaration of Independence
- C.
United States Constitution
Correct Answer
B. Declaration of IndependenceExplanation
The Declaration of Independence was created first. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under British rule. The Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution in 1791, and the Constitution itself was ratified in 1788. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence predates both the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which event made colonist worried that their national government was not as strong as it needed to be?
- A.
Battle of Bunker Hill
- B.
French & Indian War
- C.
Shay's Rebellion
- D.
The Federalist Papers
Correct Answer
C. Shay's RebellionExplanation
Shay's Rebellion made the colonists worried that their national government was not as strong as it needed to be. This rebellion, led by farmer Daniel Shays, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the inability of the national government to effectively respond to and suppress the rebellion. The lack of a strong central authority and the inability to raise a national army to quell the rebellion raised concerns among the colonists about the effectiveness and strength of their national government.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who is considered "The Father of the Constitution"?
- A.
Thomas Jefferson
- B.
James Madison
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
B. James MadisonExplanation
James Madison is considered "The Father of the Constitution" because he played a significant role in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. He was instrumental in shaping the document and its principles, such as the separation of powers and the protection of individual rights. Madison's contributions, including his authorship of the Bill of Rights, earned him this title and recognition as one of the key architects of the American constitutional system.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which document guarantees United States Citizens freedom of speech?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
C. Bill of RightsExplanation
The Bill of Rights guarantees United States citizens freedom of speech. It is a document that consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments provide various fundamental rights and protections to individuals, including the right to freedom of speech. This means that citizens have the right to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without government interference or censorship.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which document replaced the Articles of Confederation?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
B. United States ConstitutionExplanation
The United States Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, but they proved to be weak and ineffective in governing the country. As a result, the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 to draft a new constitution that would create a stronger central government. The United States Constitution was then ratified in 1788, replacing the Articles of Confederation and establishing the framework for the government that still exists today.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which document was sent to King George in Britain?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of IndependenceExplanation
The Declaration of Independence was the document sent to King George in Britain. It was a formal statement declaring the thirteen American colonies as independent from British rule. The document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it outlined the reasons for the colonies' desire for independence and their grievances against the British monarchy. The Declaration of Independence marked a significant moment in American history, as it laid the foundation for the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which document was proposed to the United States Congress in New York City?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
C. Bill of RightsExplanation
The Bill of Rights was proposed to the United States Congress in New York City. It is a document that consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were added to protect individual rights and limit the power of the federal government. The Bill of Rights was proposed in 1789 and ratified in 1791, ensuring essential freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which document was written at the Second Constitutional Congress?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of IndependenceExplanation
The Declaration of Independence was written at the Second Constitutional Congress. This document, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, declared the American colonies' independence from British rule. It outlined the reasons for seeking independence and asserted the natural rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence marked a significant step towards the formation of the United States as an independent nation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following convinced many colonists that it was time to declare independence from Britain?
- A.
Boston Tea Party
- B.
The Constitutional Convention
- C.
The Intolerable Acts
- D.
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
Correct Answer
C. The Intolerable ActsExplanation
The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive measures imposed by the British government on the American colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts included the closing of the Boston Harbor, the quartering of British troops in private homes, and the suspension of colonial self-government. The Intolerable Acts were seen as a violation of the colonists' rights and freedoms, and they convinced many colonists that peaceful negotiation and reconciliation with Britain was no longer possible, leading to a growing sentiment in favor of declaring independence.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Thomas Jefferson wrote which document?
- A.
Declaration of Indpendence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of IndpendenceExplanation
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. This document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under the rule of Great Britain. Jefferson was the primary author of the document, which outlined the reasons for seeking independence and declared the fundamental principles of liberty and equality. The Declaration of Independence is considered one of the most important documents in American history and a cornerstone of democratic ideals.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which document created the three branches of government?
- A.
Declaration fo Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
B. United States ConstitutionExplanation
The United States Constitution created the three branches of government. It established the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances. This document outlines the powers and responsibilities of each branch, as well as the relationship between the federal government and the states. The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the United States and has been the foundation of the American government since its ratification in 1788.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which document begins with "We the People..." and creates a government where the power lies with the people?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
B. United States ConstitutionExplanation
The United States Constitution begins with the phrase "We the People..." and establishes a government in which the power resides with the people. It outlines the structure of the government, defines the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and protects the rights and freedoms of the citizens. The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and serves as the foundation of the country's democratic system.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which document expresses our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
- A.
Declaration of Indpendence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of IndpendenceExplanation
The Declaration of Independence expresses our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a historical document that was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence outlines the fundamental principles upon which the United States was founded and declares that all individuals have certain inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any government or authority. It serves as a cornerstone of American democracy and has had a profound impact on the development of human rights and the concept of individual freedom worldwide.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which document is written in Articles that outline the powers of the government and creates a check and balance system?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
United States Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
B. United States ConstitutionExplanation
The United States Constitution is the correct answer because it is the document that outlines the powers of the government and establishes a system of checks and balances. The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and serves as the foundation for the country's government and legal system. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) and ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful by providing a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which founding document was written last?
- A.
Bill of Rights
- B.
Declaration of Independence
- C.
United States Constitution
Correct Answer
A. Bill of RightsExplanation
The Bill of Rights was written last among the three options provided. This document was added to the United States Constitution in 1791, two years after the Constitution was ratified. The Declaration of Independence, on the other hand, was written and adopted in 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies as independent states. The United States Constitution itself was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789 after being ratified by the required number of states.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 01, 2016Quiz Created by
Deborah Hendry
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