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, Congress was granted significant powers and responsibilities, including the authority to declare war, make treaties, and manage foreign affairs. Congress was also responsible for overseeing the finances of the nation and had the power to pass laws. Therefore, Congress played a central role in the government structure outlined in the Articles of Confederation.
2.
Complete the analogy : Thomas Jefferson : Declaration of Independence ______________________: US Constitution
Correct Answer
C. James Madison
Explanation
James Madison is the correct answer because just as Thomas Jefferson is associated with the authorship of the Declaration of Independence, James Madison is associated with the drafting of the US Constitution. Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" due to his significant contributions to its creation and his role in advocating for its ratification.
3.
How many branches of government were set up in the US Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
The US Constitution established three branches of government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities, ensuring a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances. The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, the legislative branch makes laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. This division of power helps to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and allows for a more balanced and democratic government.
4.
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 in Congress while ensuring that everyone still had a voice. This compromise resulted in the creation of a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives representing the population-based interests of the states and the Senate representing the equal interests of each state. This compromise helped to address the concerns of both small and large states, ensuring that they were adequately represented in the legislative process.
5.
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. This document, which had served as the first constitution of the United States, was proving to be ineffective in governing the country. The delegates recognized the need for a stronger central government and gathered to propose and draft a new constitution that would address these issues and create a more stable and functional government for the nation.
6.
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 working on a new government structure. By keeping the meeting secret, they could freely discuss and debate ideas without external influences or pressures. This allowed them to focus on creating a strong and effective government without interference or public scrutiny.
7.
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. This system was established by the Founding Fathers to ensure a balance between the popular vote and the influence of smaller states. The Electoral College consists of electors from each state who cast their votes based on the popular vote in their respective states. The candidate who receives the majority of electoral votes becomes the President. This system allows for a more indirect and representative election of the President, rather than a direct popular vote.
8.
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 Northern states would have a better chance of having greater representation in Congress. Additionally, the North recognized that slaves did not have rights or freedoms in the US Constitution, so it did not make sense to count them for population purposes.
9.
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 in 1776, declared the American colonies' independence from British rule and established the principles of natural rights and self-government. The US Constitution, ratified in 1788, outlined the structure of the new government and established the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The Constitution was heavily influenced by the principles and ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, making it the document upon which the Constitution was built.
10.
There are 2 Senators per state according to the US Constitution.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
According to the US Constitution, there are 2 Senators per state. This means that each state is represented by 2 Senators in the US Senate.
11.
Each state has the same number of House of Representative members in Congress.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because each state does not have the same number of House of Representative members in Congress. The number of representatives is determined by the state's population, with each state being allocated a certain number of seats based on their population size. This is known as the apportionment process, which ensures that states with larger populations have more representatives in order to accurately represent their constituents.
12.
The members of the Supreme Court are allowed to serve an unlimited term once they are approved and appointed.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because members of the Supreme Court, once approved and appointed, have the opportunity to serve for an unlimited term. Unlike other branches of government, such as the presidency, there are no term limits for Supreme Court justices. This allows them to serve for as long as they are able and willing to fulfill their duties. This lifetime tenure is intended to ensure their independence from political pressures and to provide stability and continuity to the court's decision-making process.
13.
The US Constitution set up a system of checks and balances so that no branch of government would be more powerful than the other branch.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The US Constitution established a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This system ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, promoting a balance of power and preventing any one branch from dominating the others. This helps to protect against the abuse of power and promotes accountability within the government. Therefore, the statement is true.
14.
Which of the 7 principles of the US Constitution does the description fit?
No one is above the law, all must obey the laws of the US Constitution
Correct Answer
D. Limited Government
Explanation
The description fits the principle of Limited Government. This principle states that no one, including government officials, is above the law and that everyone must obey the laws of the US Constitution. Limited Government ensures that those in power are subject to the same laws as the citizens and prevents the abuse of power.
15.
What is the most important right that a US citizen has in the US?
Correct Answer
A. The right to vote and elect representatives to be a voice for themselves
Explanation
The most important right that a US citizen has in the US is the right to vote and elect representatives to be a voice for themselves. This is crucial because it allows citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and have a say in the decision-making of their government. By exercising their right to vote, citizens can choose leaders who they believe will best represent their interests and work towards addressing their concerns. This right ensures that the government is accountable to the people and promotes a system of governance that is responsive to the needs and desires of the citizens.
16.
Democracy is rule by the people.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. It is based on the principle that the people have the right to participate in decision-making and have a say in how they are governed. Therefore, the statement "Democracy is rule by the people" is true, as it accurately describes the fundamental concept of democracy.
17.
Which statement would best describe Alexander Hamilton?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Alexander Hamilton is best described as all of the above. He was indeed one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, which aimed to gather support for the ratification of the US Constitution. He also served as the first Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, where he played a crucial role in establishing the country's financial system. Hamilton's efforts included the creation of the first national bank, which laid the foundation for the banking system in the United States.
18.
The Federalists would have supported...
Correct Answer
C. The US Constitution
Explanation
The Federalists would have supported the US Constitution because they were strong advocates for a strong central government and believed in the need for a strong executive branch. They were instrumental in promoting and ratifying the Constitution, as they believed it provided the necessary framework for a stable and effective government. The Federalists argued that the Constitution would protect individual liberties and promote national unity, making it the preferred choice for them.
19.
Which of the following would be the best example of the preamble of the US Constitution using the 7 principles of the US Constitution? ---- "We the people of the United States of America.."
Correct Answer
C. Popular Soverignty
Explanation
The phrase "We the people of the United States of America" in the preamble of the US Constitution exemplifies the principle of Popular Sovereignty. This principle states that the power of the government comes from the people, who have the ultimate authority to govern. By starting the Constitution with this phrase, it emphasizes that the government's authority is derived from the consent of the governed, reflecting the idea of popular sovereignty.
20.
The Bill of Rights protected the...
Correct Answer
B. Freedoms of individual citizens
Explanation
The Bill of Rights protected the freedoms of individual citizens. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, and it guarantees certain rights and freedoms to the citizens. These include the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, as well as the right to bear arms, a fair trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to ensure that individual liberties were safeguarded and to limit the power of the government.