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 the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, where Congress had the power to make important decisions and enact laws. The President and the courts did not have as much authority as Congress, and the states were also limited in their decision-making powers. Therefore, Congress was the primary governing body under 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 Articles of Confederation were actually designed to give more power to the states rather than establishing a strong national government. This decentralized structure was a weakness because it limited the ability of the central government to regulate trade and taxes, resulting in economic instability and conflicts like Shay's Rebellion.
3.
Complete the analogy : Thomas Jefferson : Declaration of Independence ______________________: US Constitution
Correct Answer
C. James Madison
Explanation
James Madison is the correct answer because he is the primary author of the US Constitution, just as Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Both Jefferson and Madison were influential figures in the early years of the United States and played significant roles in shaping the country's founding documents.
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 legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws. Each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities, creating a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
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 in Congress while ensuring that everyone still had a voice. This compromise created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives, where representation was based on population, satisfying the larger states, and the Senate, where each state had an equal number of representatives, satisfying the smaller states. This compromise helped to address the concerns of both small and large states and laid the foundation for the structure of the United States Congress.
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 had proven to be ineffective in governing the country, leading to economic and political instability. The delegates recognized the need for a stronger central government and came together to draft the United States Constitution, which established a new framework for the government and addressed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation.
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 due to national security concerns. They did not want the people to know about their discussions before they finished working on a new government structure. This secrecy was necessary to ensure that their plans were not interrupted or influenced by external factors. By keeping their meetings confidential, they could freely debate and negotiate without public scrutiny or interference.
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 representatives, known as electors, from each state cast their votes to determine the outcome of the presidential election. The number of electors per state is based on the state's population, and the candidate who receives the majority of electoral votes becomes the President. This system was established by the Founding Fathers to balance the power between the states and the people in choosing the President.
9.
Why did the North not want to have slaves counted for population purposes?
Correct Answer
D. Both B and C
Explanation
The correct answer is Both B and C. The North did not want to have slaves counted for population purposes because they realized that slaves did not have rights or freedoms in the US Constitution. Therefore, counting them for population purposes would give the Southern states a greater voice in Congress, as they would have greater representation if slaves were counted.
10.
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 indeed established a system of checks and balances to ensure that no branch of government would have excessive power over the others. This system allows each branch - the legislative, executive, and judicial - to limit and monitor the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant. This balance of power is vital to maintaining the separation of powers and upholding the principles of democracy in the United States.
11.
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 principle of limited government states that no one is above the law and that all individuals, including those in positions of power, must obey the laws of the US Constitution. This principle ensures that the government's power is restricted and that it cannot infringe upon the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It also promotes the idea that the government should be accountable and subject to the same laws as the general population.
12.
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 right allows citizens to participate in the democratic process and have a say in the decision-making of their government. By exercising their right to vote, citizens can elect officials who will represent their interests and work towards addressing their concerns. This right is fundamental to a functioning democracy and ensures that citizens have a role in shaping the policies and direction of their country.
13.
Democracy is rule by the people.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Democracy is a form of government where the power resides in the hands of the people. It gives individuals the right to participate in decision-making processes and elect their representatives. In a democratic system, the people have the authority to shape the laws and policies that govern them. Therefore, the statement "Democracy is rule by the people" is true, as it accurately reflects the essence of democracy.