1.
The Constitutional Convention made a compromise that said congress could not outlaw the slave trade for how long?
Correct Answer
A. 20 years
Explanation
The Constitutional Convention reached a compromise that stated Congress could not prohibit the slave trade for a period of 20 years. This compromise was made to appease both the Northern and Southern states, as the Southern states heavily relied on the slave trade for their economy. The compromise allowed the slave trade to continue for a limited time, giving the Southern states an opportunity to transition their economy away from slavery.
2.
What city was the constitutional convention held in?
Correct Answer
B. pHiladelpHia
Explanation
The constitutional convention was held in Philadelphia. This city was chosen as the location for the convention because it was a central and easily accessible location for the delegates from the thirteen colonies. Additionally, Philadelphia was a hub of political and intellectual activity at the time, making it an ideal setting for the convention where the delegates could discuss and debate the formation of a new constitution for the United States.
3.
Who presented the Virginia Plan?
Correct Answer
D. Edmund RandolpH
Explanation
Edmund Randolph presented the Virginia Plan. The Virginia Plan was a proposal for a new form of government that was presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was drafted by Randolph, along with James Madison, and outlined a plan for a strong central government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The Virginia Plan served as the basis for much of the discussion and debate during the convention and ultimately influenced the structure and powers of the United States government as outlined in the Constitution.
4.
Who presided over the convention?
Correct Answer
C. George Washington
Explanation
George Washington presided over the convention because he was chosen as the president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. As the presiding officer, Washington played a crucial role in maintaining order and guiding the discussions. His leadership and reputation as a respected figure helped to establish the legitimacy and authority of the convention, ultimately leading to the successful drafting of the United States Constitution.
5.
What gives each branch of government control over the other branches?
Correct Answer
A. Checks and balances
Explanation
Checks and balances is the correct answer because it refers to the system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches. This ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and helps to maintain a separation of powers. Through checks and balances, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches can monitor and restrict each other's actions, promoting accountability and preventing the abuse of power. This system is a fundamental principle of democracy and helps to protect individual rights and maintain the balance of power within a government.
6.
Who presented the New Jersey Plan?
Correct Answer
C. William Paterson
Explanation
William Paterson presented the New Jersey Plan. The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure of the United States government during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It was presented as an alternative to the Virginia Plan and advocated for equal representation for each state, regardless of size or population. This plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states and ensure their voice in the government.
7.
Where did Shay's Rebellion take place?
Correct Answer
A. Springfield, Ma.
Explanation
Shay's Rebellion took place in Springfield, Ma. This event occurred in 1786-1787 in Massachusetts. It was a rebellion led by Daniel Shays, a farmer and Revolutionary War veteran, against perceived economic and civil rights injustices. The rebellion was a response to high taxes, debt, and foreclosure on farms. Shay and his followers sought to prevent courts from seizing property and to demand debt relief. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the state militia, but it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and was a catalyst for the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
8.
What do we call a government in which representatives are elected to govern on behalf of the people?
Correct Answer
B. Republic
Explanation
A government in which representatives are elected to govern on behalf of the people is called a republic. In a republic, the power is held by the citizens who elect their representatives to make decisions and govern the country. This form of government allows for the people to have a voice and participate in the decision-making process through their elected officials. It is different from a dictatorship where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group of individuals. The Magna Carta and Roberts Rule mentioned in the options are not directly related to the type of government described in the question.
9.
Which state would not ratify the Articles of Confederation?
Correct Answer
C. Maryland
Explanation
Maryland would not ratify the Articles of Confederation because it had concerns about issues such as western land claims and the lack of a strong central government. Maryland was hesitant to join a confederation where other states had vast land holdings, as this could potentially give them more power and influence. Additionally, Maryland was concerned about the lack of a central authority to regulate commerce and trade. These concerns led Maryland to withhold its ratification of the Articles of Confederation until a compromise was reached.
10.
What was one of the weaknesses of the Articles?
Correct Answer
A. No court system
Explanation
One of the weaknesses of the Articles was the absence of a court system. This meant that there was no established judicial body to interpret and enforce laws. Without a court system, disputes and conflicts between states or individuals could not be resolved effectively, leading to a lack of consistency and stability in the legal system. This weakness hindered the ability of the government to maintain order and provide justice for its citizens.
11.
What bird did Ben Franklin suggest as the national bird?
Correct Answer
A. Turkey
Explanation
Ben Franklin suggested the turkey as the national bird because he believed that it was a more respectable and noble bird compared to the bald eagle. Franklin thought that the turkey was a native bird to America and had more desirable qualities, such as being courageous, intelligent, and resourceful. However, the bald eagle was ultimately chosen as the national bird due to its symbolism of strength, freedom, and majesty.
12.
What was used for money in North Carolina?
Correct Answer
C. Whiskey
Explanation
In North Carolina, whiskey was used as a form of currency. This means that instead of using traditional money, people would exchange and trade whiskey as a medium of exchange for goods and services. This practice was common in areas where currency was scarce or difficult to obtain, and whiskey became a valuable commodity that could be used to facilitate trade and transactions.
13.
Which law stated how western land would be divided?
Correct Answer
A. Land Ordinance of 1785
Explanation
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a law that stated how western land would be divided. It established a system for surveying and selling land in the western territories of the United States. The law divided the land into townships, each measuring six miles by six miles, and further divided the townships into smaller sections. This allowed for the orderly settlement and development of the western lands, and it played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. The Northwest Ordinance, although related to western land, focused more on the governance and admission of new states in the Northwest Territory.
14.
What is the term used to describe a period of low business activity and high unemployment?
Correct Answer
B. Economic depression
Explanation
An economic depression refers to a severe and prolonged period of low business activity and high unemployment. It is characterized by a significant decline in economic output, a decrease in consumer spending, and a rise in bankruptcies and foreclosures. During an economic depression, the overall economy experiences a deep contraction, and it takes a substantial amount of time for it to recover. This term is used to describe a more severe and long-lasting downturn compared to an economic recession, which is a milder contraction in economic activity.
15.
Who supported Shay's rebellion?
Correct Answer
B. Farmers
Explanation
Shay's Rebellion was a revolt that took place in Massachusetts in the late 1780s, led by farmers who were struggling with debt and high taxes. These farmers, who were facing foreclosure of their lands, believed that the government was not doing enough to address their grievances. They organized and protested against the state government, demanding relief from their economic hardships. Therefore, it can be inferred that the correct answer to the question is farmers, as they were the primary group that supported Shay's Rebellion.
16.
During the Confederation period, the West lay just beyond the?
Correct Answer
B. Appalachian Mountains
Explanation
During the Confederation period, the West lay just beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This is because the Appalachian Mountains acted as a natural barrier, separating the eastern states from the western territories. The western frontier was considered to be beyond the Appalachian Mountains, as it was largely unexplored and unsettled at that time. The Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, and Missouri River were all significant geographical features, but they were not the defining boundary of the West during the Confederation period.
17.
During the Confederation period, Congress could not?
Correct Answer
C. Protect western settlers with troops
Explanation
During the Confederation period, Congress faced limitations in protecting western settlers with troops. This was primarily due to the weak central government structure established under the Articles of Confederation. The Congress lacked the authority and resources to maintain a standing army or effectively defend the settlers from Native American attacks and other threats. As a result, western settlers were left vulnerable and had to rely on their own means for protection.
18.
Some revenue from the sale of land by Congress was set aside to pay for?
Correct Answer
B. Schools
Explanation
Some revenue from the sale of land by Congress was set aside to pay for schools. This means that when Congress sold land, a portion of the money earned was allocated specifically for funding educational institutions. This suggests that the government recognized the importance of investing in education and prioritized using land sale revenue to support the establishment and maintenance of schools.
19.
A government in which representatives are elected to govern on behalf of the people is called?
Correct Answer
A. A republic
Explanation
A government in which representatives are elected to govern on behalf of the people is called a republic. In a republic, the power lies with the citizens who elect their representatives to make decisions and govern the country. This system allows for a more democratic approach to governance, where the people have a say in the decision-making process through their elected representatives. Unlike a monarchy, where power is inherited, a republic emphasizes the importance of popular sovereignty and the rights of the citizens.
20.
One state located in the former Northwest Territory is?
Correct Answer
C. Illinois
Explanation
Illinois is the correct answer because it is one of the states that was located in the former Northwest Territory. The Northwest Territory was a large area of land that was ceded to the United States by the British after the American Revolution. It included several states, including Illinois. Therefore, Illinois is the state that is located in the former Northwest Territory.
21.
What was the compromise that counted slaves for the purpose of both taxes and representation?
Correct Answer
A. Three-fifths compromise
Explanation
The correct answer is the three-fifths compromise. This compromise, reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, determined that for the purposes of taxation and representation, slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise was a result of the disagreement between Northern and Southern states regarding the inclusion of slaves in the population count. The compromise allowed the Southern states to have more representation in the House of Representatives, while the Northern states would benefit from increased tax revenue.
22.
How many branches of government do we have?
Correct Answer
D. 3
Explanation
The correct answer is 3 because in the United States, the government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities to ensure a system of checks and balances. 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. This division of power helps to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and protects the rights and freedoms of the people.
23.
The President falls under what branch of government?
Correct Answer
C. Executive
Explanation
The President falls under the executive branch of government. The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the government. The President is the head of the executive branch and is responsible for making important decisions, leading the country, and representing the nation both domestically and internationally.
24.
What is it called when congress takes the President to court?
Correct Answer
D. Impeachment
Explanation
Impeachment refers to the process when Congress takes the President to court. It is a formal accusation of wrongdoing against a high-ranking public official, such as the President, by the legislative body. The purpose of impeachment is to determine whether the accused individual should be removed from office. It is a constitutional mechanism to hold the President accountable for any alleged misconduct or violation of the law.
25.
How many states had to ratify the Constitution?
Correct Answer
D. 9
Explanation
The correct answer is 9 because according to Article VII of the United States Constitution, the Constitution would become effective once it was ratified by nine out of the thirteen states. This ratification process was crucial in order for the Constitution to be legally binding and establish the new government system in the United States.