1.
According to the Articles of Confederation, what was the main branch of government?
Correct Answer
A. Congress
Explanation
According to the Articles of Confederation, the main branch of government was Congress. This is because under the Articles of Confederation, Congress was given significant powers and responsibilities, such as the ability to declare war, make treaties, and manage foreign affairs. Congress was also responsible for creating and enforcing laws, as well as overseeing the functioning of the government. Therefore, Congress played a central role in the governance of the United States during the time of the Articles of Confederation.
2.
Which of the following would not be a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
Correct Answer
D. The government was set up to be a strong national government and the states had little power
Explanation
The weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that Congress had little power. This is because under the Articles, the central government was intentionally designed to be weak, with most of the power residing in the individual states. This lack of central authority made it difficult for Congress to effectively govern and address issues such as regulating trade and taxes. Therefore, the statement that the government was set up to be a strong national government and the states had little power is incorrect, as it contradicts the actual weakness of the Articles.
3.
Complete the analogy : Thomas Jefferson : Declaration of Independence ______________________: US Constitution
Correct Answer
C. James Madison
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson is known for being the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which laid out the principles and grievances that led to the American Revolution. Similarly, James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his significant contributions to the drafting and ratification of the US Constitution. Both Jefferson and Madison played crucial roles in shaping the foundations of the United States, making Madison the appropriate analogy to complete the given statement.
4.
How many branches of government were set up in the US Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
The US Constitution set up three branches of government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws. These three branches were created to ensure a system of checks and balances, where no single branch has too much power, and to protect the rights and freedoms of the American people.
5.
What issue was settled with the Great Compromise?
Correct Answer
A. How to maintain the balance of power of the small and large states and everyone still have a voice in Congress
Explanation
The Great Compromise settled the issue of how to maintain the balance of power between small and large states while ensuring that everyone still had a voice in Congress. This compromise led to the creation of a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives representing the population of each state and the Senate providing equal representation for each state. This solution satisfied both small and large states and helped to establish a fair and effective system of government.
6.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
Correct Answer
B. Delegates met to discuss the problems of the new govt.- Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was for delegates to discuss the problems of the new government under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, had several weaknesses that needed to be addressed. These included a lack of central authority, difficulties in raising revenue, and challenges in conducting foreign affairs. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention aimed to address these issues and create a more effective and balanced system of government, resulting in the drafting and eventual ratification of the United States Constitution.
7.
Why did the delegates meet in secret?
Correct Answer
D. National security concerns- did not want the people to know discussion before finished work on a new government structure
Explanation
The delegates met in secret because they had national security concerns and did not want the people to know about their discussions before they finished their work on a new government structure. This suggests that they wanted to ensure that their plans and decisions were not influenced or disrupted by external forces or public opinion. By keeping the meeting secret, they could have open and honest discussions without the fear of interference or backlash from the public.
8.
What purpose does the Electoral College serve?
Correct Answer
A. Elects the President of the US
Explanation
The Electoral College serves the purpose of electing the President of the US. It is a system where electors, chosen by each state, vote for the President based on the popular vote in their respective states. This system was established by the Founding Fathers as a compromise between electing the President through a popular vote and through Congress. The Electoral College ensures that smaller states have a voice in the election process and prevents a concentration of power in heavily populated areas.
9.
Why did the North not want to have slaves counted for population purposes?
Correct Answer
D. Both B and C
Explanation
The North did not want to have slaves counted for population purposes because they realized that counting slaves would give the Southern states a greater voice in Congress. By not counting slaves, the North could prevent the Southern states from having an unfair advantage in terms of representation. Additionally, the North recognized that slaves did not have rights or freedoms in the US Constitution, so it would be contradictory to count them for population purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is both B and C.
10.
What document does the US Constitution build upon?
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The US Constitution builds upon the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states and outlined the principles of freedom and equality. The Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the framework of the US government, defining its structure, powers, and limitations. The Constitution draws upon the principles and ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, such as individual rights, popular sovereignty, and the pursuit of happiness. It builds upon the foundation laid by the Declaration in shaping the democratic system of the United States.