1.
Out of the following choices, which are examples of Inalienable Rights?
Correct Answer
C. Right to Life, right to liberty, right to the pursuit of happiness
Explanation
The correct answer is "Right to Life, right to liberty, right to the pursuit of happiness." These examples are considered inalienable rights because they are fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or transferred from an individual. The right to life refers to the basic human right to live and not be deprived of life unlawfully. The right to liberty ensures that individuals have the freedom to make choices and act without undue interference. The right to the pursuit of happiness guarantees the ability to seek personal fulfillment and happiness without infringement.
2.
Where are the Inalienable Rights found?
Correct Answer
A. The US. Constitution, First Amendment
Explanation
The correct answer is the Declaration of Independence. The First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees certain rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. However, the concept of inalienable rights, which are rights that cannot be taken away or denied, is explicitly stated in the Declaration of Independence. This document declares that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence is where the concept of inalienable rights is found, not the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
3.
Which state 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 officially approve and accept the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Ratification of the Constitution was an important step in the formation of the United States government, and Delaware's early approval demonstrated their support and commitment to the new system of government.
4.
Which state's ratification put the US Constitution into effect?
Correct Answer
A. New Hampshire
Explanation
New Hampshire's ratification put the US Constitution into effect.
5.
What document did the US Constitution replace?
Correct Answer
C. The Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The correct answer is the Articles of Confederation. The US Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which was the first governing document of the United States. The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government and gave most of the power to the individual states. However, it was found to be ineffective in governing the country, leading to the drafting and adoption of the US Constitution in 1787. The Constitution established a stronger central government with a system of checks and balances and outlined the fundamental rights and freedoms of the American people.
6.
How many amendments are in the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. 27
Explanation
The correct answer is 27. The Constitution of the United States has been amended 27 times since its ratification in 1788. These amendments have been made to address various issues and concerns, such as granting voting rights to all citizens, abolishing slavery, and ensuring equal protection under the law. Each amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states. The most recent amendment, the 27th Amendment, was ratified in 1992 and deals with congressional pay.
7.
How many amendments have been repealed?
Correct Answer
A. One
Explanation
The correct answer is "One." This suggests that out of the given options, only one amendment has been repealed. However, without additional context or information, it is difficult to determine which specific amendment has been repealed.
8.
How many state ratifications did the US Constitution require in order to be put into effect?
Correct Answer
C. Nine
Explanation
The US Constitution required nine state ratifications in order to be put into effect. This means that at least nine out of the thirteen original states needed to approve and ratify the Constitution for it to become the supreme law of the land. This requirement was met in 1788 when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, allowing it to go into effect.
9.
What documents (essays) were written in favor of the Constitution?
Correct Answer
A. The Federalist Papers
Explanation
The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in support of the ratification of the United States Constitution. These essays were published in newspapers between 1787 and 1788 and argued for the adoption of the Constitution by explaining its benefits and addressing concerns. They played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the ratification process.
10.
Which country's Constitution is considered the oldest?
Correct Answer
B. The United States
Explanation
The United States Constitution is considered the oldest because it was ratified on September 17, 1787, making it the oldest written constitution still in use today. It established the framework for the American government and has served as a model for many other countries' constitutions.
11.
Who was the first person to sign the Constitution
Correct Answer
C. George Washington
Explanation
George Washington was the first person to sign the Constitution because he was the President of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787. As the presiding officer, it was customary for him to sign first. Washington's signature represented his support and endorsement of the Constitution, which played a crucial role in its ratification and establishment as the supreme law of the United States.
12.
How many amendments are listed in the 'Bill of Rights'?
Correct Answer
C. Ten
Explanation
The 'Bill of Rights' consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were added to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. Therefore, the correct answer is Ten.
13.
How many states unanimously ratified the US Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. Three
Explanation
Three states unanimously ratified the US Constitution. This means that all members of the state conventions voted in favor of ratifying the Constitution. This level of unanimous support from three states was crucial in establishing the legitimacy and acceptance of the Constitution among the states.
14.
Where was the Constitution Signed? Brownie points if you know during what.
Correct Answer
A. Pennsylvania
Explanation
The Constitution was signed in Pennsylvania. This is known as the "Constitutional Convention" and it took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. During this convention, delegates from the thirteen original states gathered to discuss and create the United States Constitution.
15.
Who opposed the Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. The Anti-Federalists
Explanation
The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists were a group of individuals who were against the ratification of the Constitution because they believed it would give too much power to the central government and infringe upon the rights of the states and individuals. They argued for a weaker central government and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties. Their opposition led to the eventual addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
16.
What are the three branches of government? (Check three)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Legislative
C. Executive
D. Judicial
Explanation
The three branches of government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. 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. These three branches work together to ensure a system of checks and balances in the government. The answer choices "Financial," "Congress," "Senate," and "Presidential" are not branches of government, hence they are not correct.
17.
What are the rights granted by the 1st Amendment?
Correct Answer
D. The right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression
Explanation
The 1st Amendment grants individuals the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. This means that people have the freedom to practice any religion of their choice and to express their beliefs and opinions freely without government interference or censorship. This right is essential for maintaining a democratic society and allowing individuals to have their own beliefs and voices heard.
18.
Who has the power to declare war?
Correct Answer
B. Congress
Explanation
The power to declare war is vested in Congress. According to the United States Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war, as stated in Article I, Section 8. This division of power ensures a system of checks and balances, where the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, can only initiate military action with the approval and authorization of Congress. This ensures that the decision to go to war is a collective and deliberate process, representing the will of the people through their elected representatives.
19.
What was the source of the phrase: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people."?
Correct Answer
C. The Gettysburg Address
Explanation
The phrase "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" originated from The Gettysburg Address. This iconic speech was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, specifically at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In his address, Lincoln emphasized the importance of preserving a government that is founded on the principles of democracy, stating that it should be "of the people, by the people, for the people." This phrase has since become synonymous with the idea of a government that serves and represents its citizens.
20.
Which amendment gave the right to suffrage regardless of color, race or previous years of servitude.
Correct Answer
D. 15th
Explanation
The 15th Amendment gave the right to suffrage regardless of color, race or previous years of servitude. This amendment was ratified in 1870 and aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men. It prohibited states from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. However, it did not guarantee the right to vote for all women, as women's suffrage was addressed in a separate amendment (19th Amendment) several decades later.
21.
Which amendment restricts the federal government to the rights listed only the US Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. 10th
Explanation
The 10th Amendment restricts the federal government to the rights listed only in the US Constitution. This means that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. The amendment serves as a safeguard to prevent the federal government from overstepping its authority and encroaching on the rights and powers of the states.
22.
Which amendment gave women the right to vote?
Correct Answer
A. 19th
Explanation
The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. This amendment, ratified in 1920, prohibits any United States citizen from being denied the right to vote based on their sex. It was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement and a major step towards gender equality in the United States.
23.
Which amendment allows for the collection of income taxes?
Correct Answer
B. 16th
Explanation
The 16th amendment allows for the collection of income taxes. This amendment was ratified in 1913 and grants Congress the power to levy and collect taxes on income, regardless of the source. It is an important amendment as it provides the legal basis for the federal income tax system in the United States.