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 twelve of the thirteen British colonies in North America, held in 1774. Although the Declaration of Independence was actually adopted and issued by the Second Continental Congress in 1776, the First Continental Congress played a significant role in laying the groundwork for American independence and can be seen as a precursor to the later congress.
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 correct answer is "the consent of the governed." This reflects Lockean natural rights philosophy, which emphasizes that the legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the people it governs. According to this philosophy, individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by the government, and the government's power is derived from the consent of the people to be governed. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence asserted that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
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 states that the problem with the national government under the Articles of Confederation was NOT that the state legislatures had too little power. This implies that the state legislatures had sufficient power under the Articles of Confederation, which is a correct statement. The Articles of Confederation granted most of the power to the states, resulting in a weak central government. This lack of central authority was a major problem, as it hindered the government's ability to effectively govern the nation.
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 weaknesses and were not effective in governing the country. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention gathered to discuss and propose changes to the Articles of Confederation in order to create a stronger and more efficient system of government. Ultimately, they decided to draft an entirely new constitution, 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 correct answer is the New Jersey Plan. This plan, offered at the Constitutional Convention, proposed that each state 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 had 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 argued that the proposed constitution would concentrate power in the hands of a small group of wealthy individuals, leading to the oppression of the common people and the erosion of individual liberties. The Anti-Federalists feared that this concentration of power would undermine the principles of democracy and create an aristocracy that would dominate the government. They believed that the new constitution did not adequately protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens, and therefore opposed its adoption.
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 formally approve and accept the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Ratification of the Constitution was an important step in the process of creating a unified government for the newly formed United States of America. Delaware's early ratification demonstrated their support and commitment to the Constitution and its principles.
8.
The Constitution created a
Correct Answer
C. Republic
Explanation
A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter" and is not the private concern or property of the rulers. In a republic, power is held by the people and their elected representatives, who are responsible for making decisions and governing the country. This form of government promotes the idea of equality and allows for the participation of citizens in decision-making processes. It is a system that ensures the rule of law and protects individual rights and freedoms.
9.
Which of these is TRUE about the United States Constitution?
Correct Answer
E. None of these are true
Explanation
The given answer states that "None of these are true" about the United States Constitution. This means that the Constitution does not centralize power, is not superseded only by decrees of the president, and does not set neutral rules for the game of politics. Therefore, the answer suggests that none of the statements presented in the options are accurate regarding the United States Constitution.
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 served as the first written constitution of the United States. It was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and ratified by all thirteen states in 1781. The Articles established a weak central government with limited powers, as the framers were wary of creating a strong central authority. However, the Articles proved to be ineffective in governing the newly formed nation, 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 refers to a small group of men in Massachusetts who revolted in 1786. This rebellion was led by Daniel Shays, a former Revolutionary War captain, and it was a response to the economic hardships faced by farmers in the state. The rebellion was sparked by high taxes and debt, as well as the lack of support from the state government. The rebels sought to shut down the courts and prevent the foreclosure of their farms. Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government.
12.
In which city was the Constitutional Convention held?
Correct Answer
A. pHiladepHia
Explanation
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia. This city was chosen as the location for the convention because it was centrally located and easily accessible for delegates from all the states. Additionally, Philadelphia had a rich history and was known for its political and intellectual culture, making it an ideal setting for the important task of drafting the United States Constitution.
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. He argued that when there is a significant disparity in wealth among different groups in society, it creates a power imbalance and leads to conflicts between the rich and the poor. Madison believed that this economic inequality could undermine the stability and harmony of a political system, as those with wealth and power would seek to protect their interests at the expense of others. Therefore, he saw the unequal distribution of wealth as a major cause of political strife.
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. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature with two houses - the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, the method of selecting members differed for each house. While the House of Representatives was elected directly by the people, the Senate was initially elected by state legislatures. This was later changed with the passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913, allowing for the direct election of Senators as well. Therefore, at the time of the Constitutional Convention, only the House of Representatives was directly elected by the voters.
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 principle advocated by James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, that each branch of government should have the consent or approval of the other branches for many of its actions. This creates a system of checks and balances, where each branch can limit the powers of the other branches and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system is designed to prevent tyranny and ensure that no single branch of government can dominate the others. Therefore, the correct answer is checks and balances.
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 in support of the ratification of the constitution. These essays were published in various newspapers and argued for the adoption of the constitution by explaining its principles and addressing concerns raised by its opponents. The Federalist Papers played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the ratification process.
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 in favor of ratifying the Constitution. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights was seen as a way to protect individual rights and freedoms, and it remains an important part of the Constitution today.
18.
The Constitution was ratified by
Correct Answer
B. Special conventions in each of the states
Explanation
The Constitution was ratified by special conventions in each of the states. This means that instead of being approved by the state legislatures or the electoral college, the Constitution was put to a vote in specially convened conventions. These conventions were made up of delegates chosen by the people of each state. This method was chosen to ensure that the people had a direct say in the ratification process, rather than leaving it solely in the hands of the government or elected representatives.
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." This means that the right to an abortion, media coverage of the House and Senate, and political parties are not explicitly mentioned in the written Constitution. The Constitution outlines the structure of the government, the powers and limitations of each branch, and the rights and freedoms of individuals, but it does not specifically address these specific topics.
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, which grants the Court the power to review and assess the constitutionality of actions taken by the other branches of government. This means that the Court can determine whether laws or actions are in line with the Constitution and can strike them down if they are found to be unconstitutional. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Supreme Court asserted the power to check the actions of the other branches through judicial review.