Creation Of The American Government
This quiz aligns with AKS 35: 35a - analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both the Georgia constitution of 1777 and the Articles of Confederation, 35b - assess how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation led to a need to revise the Articles, 35c - describe the role of Georgia at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 including the role of Abraham Baldwin and William Few, 35d - describe the reasons why Georgia ratified the new constitution
- 1.
What was the main weakness of the Georgia Constitution of 1777?
- A.
It created an independent executive branch
- B.
It established two parts in the legislative branch
- C.
It gave too much power to the legislative branch
- D.
It placed too much importance on checks and balances
Correct Answer
C. It gave too much power to the legislative branchExplanation
The main weakness of the Georgia Constitution of 1777 was that it gave too much power to the legislative branch. This imbalance of power could have led to potential abuses and lack of accountability. With an overly powerful legislative branch, there may have been limited checks and balances on their authority, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the government and the protection of individual rights.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Under Georgia's Constitution of 1777, governors were selected by
- A.
The legislature
- B.
The citizens' vote
- C.
The chairman of each parish
- D.
The executive council of Georgia
Correct Answer
A. The legislatureExplanation
Under Georgia's Constitution of 1777, governors were selected by the legislature. This means that the state legislators were responsible for choosing the governor of Georgia during that time period. The citizens did not directly vote for the governor, and neither did the chairman of each parish or the executive council of Georgia. The selection process was instead in the hands of the legislature, which had the authority to decide on the governor.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
What is true about the following statements:
- Georgians feared the governor would become a dictator
- In the past, the governor showed too much loyalty to the King
- Georgians believed the legislature, which was closer to the people, should have more power
- A.
The Executive Branch had very limited powers
- B.
The Governor was well liked
- C.
The Legislative Branch had very limited powers
- D.
There was no judicial branch in Georgia
Correct Answer
A. The Executive Branch had very limited powersExplanation
Georgians feared the governor would become a dictator and believed that the legislature, which was closer to the people, should have more power. This suggests that the Executive Branch, which includes the governor, had very limited powers. The fact that the governor was well liked also supports the idea that their powers were limited, as a disliked governor with extensive powers would not be well received.Rate this question:
- 4.
The first written plan for the government of the United States was called the
- A.
American Constitution
- B.
Colonial Confederation
- C.
Articles of Confederation
- D.
Constitution of the United States
Correct Answer
C. Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The correct answer is Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation was the first written plan for the government of the United States. It was adopted in 1777 and served as the country's constitution until it was replaced by the Constitution of the United States in 1789. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, giving most powers to the individual states. However, it proved to be ineffective in governing the country and was eventually replaced by the more powerful and centralized Constitution.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Under the Articles of Confederation, there was no
- A.
Governor
- B.
Law-making body
- C.
Equality among the states
- D.
Legislature or court system
Correct Answer
C. Equality among the statesExplanation
Under the Articles of Confederation, there was no equality among the states. This means that each state did not have the same level of power or representation in the government. Some states may have had more influence or control over decision-making than others. This lack of equality among the states was one of the major flaws of the Articles of Confederation and led to the eventual creation of the Constitution to establish a stronger central government.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
The initial purpose in calling the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to
- A.
Establish a national court system
- B.
Regulate trade between the states
- C.
Declare independence from Great Britain
- D.
Revise the Articles of Confederation
Correct Answer
D. Revise the Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The correct answer is to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was called to address the weaknesses and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which was the first governing document of the United States. The delegates gathered to discuss and propose revisions to the Articles in order to create a stronger and more effective central government. This ultimately led to the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
The U.S. Constitution was actually signed by only two of Georgia's four delegates. The two signers were William Few and
- A.
George Walton
- B.
Button Gwinnett
- C.
Thomas Jefferson
- D.
Abraham Baldwin
Correct Answer
D. Abraham BaldwinExplanation
The U.S. Constitution was signed by only two of Georgia's four delegates, William Few and Abraham Baldwin. George Walton and Button Gwinnett did not sign the Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is Abraham Baldwin.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
How many states ratified the Constitution before Georgia?
- A.
2
- B.
3
- C.
4
- D.
5
Correct Answer
B. 3Explanation
Three states ratified the Constitution before Georgia.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
What was Georgia's view on slavery during the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
The Georgia delegates thought the slaves should not count as people
- B.
The Georgia delegates wanted slavery banned
- C.
The Georgia delegates did not care if slavery was banned or allowed
- D.
The Georgia delegates wanted slaves to count towards it's population
Correct Answer
D. The Georgia delegates wanted slaves to count towards it's populationExplanation
During the Constitutional Convention, the Georgia delegates wanted slaves to count towards its population. This is because the population of a state determined its representation in the House of Representatives, and by counting slaves as part of the population, Georgia would have had a larger population and therefore more representation in the government.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Who was elected first president under the US Constitution?
- A.
George Washington
- B.
Thomas Jefferson
- C.
John Adams
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
A. George WashingtonExplanation
George Washington was elected as the first president under the US Constitution because he played a crucial role in the formation of the United States and was highly respected for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War. As a founding father, Washington's experience and popularity made him the clear choice for the presidency. He set important precedents for future presidents, such as serving only two terms and establishing the authority of the executive branch. His presidency laid the foundation for the success and stability of the newly formed nation.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
What definition BEST describes Separation of Powers?
- A.
The Legislative branch is most powerful
- B.
The Judical and Executive Branches have the same power
- C.
All branches have equal and separate powers
- D.
The Executive Branch shares powers with the Leguslative Branch
Correct Answer
C. All branches have equal and separate powersExplanation
The definition that best describes separation of powers is that all branches have equal and separate powers. This means that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government have their own distinct powers and responsibilities, and no single branch has complete control or dominance over the others. This system of checks and balances ensures that power is distributed and prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful or abusing its authority.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
What is put in place to ensure separation of powers?
- A.
The Judicial Branch
- B.
Federalism
- C.
Confederation
- D.
Checks and Balances
Correct Answer
D. Checks and BalancesExplanation
Checks and balances are put in place to ensure the separation of powers. This system allows each branch of government to have some control over the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. It ensures that no branch can abuse its authority or infringe upon the rights of individuals. By having checks and balances, the government remains balanced and accountable, promoting a system of shared power and preventing any one branch from becoming dominant.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
In a confederation form of government, who has most of the power?
- A.
Federal Government
- B.
State Government
- C.
They share power equally
- D.
County governments
Correct Answer
B. State GovernmentExplanation
In a confederation form of government, most of the power lies with the State Government. In this type of system, the central or federal government is relatively weak, and the individual states or provinces hold significant authority. The states have the power to make decisions and enact laws within their own jurisdictions, while the central government's role is limited to coordinating and mediating between the states. This distribution of power allows for a greater degree of autonomy and independence for the states, ensuring that they have a significant say in governance and policy-making.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
What was the effect of Shay's Rebellion, where a few farmers attacked court houses in Massachusetts to protest their high taxes?
- A.
Massachusetts was placed under direct rule
- B.
The strengths of the Articles prevented the attack from getting worse
- C.
The federal government was too weak and could not help
- D.
Daniel Shay became president
Correct Answer
C. The federal government was too weak and could not helpExplanation
Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion, which involved farmers protesting high taxes, exposed the government's inability to maintain law and order and protect its citizens. The federal government lacked the authority and resources to effectively respond to the rebellion, further demonstrating the need for a stronger central government.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
"Representation in Congress should be equal" Who said it?
- A.
Large state delegate
- B.
Small state delegate
- C.
Northern state delegate
- D.
Southern state delegate
Correct Answer
B. Small state delegateExplanation
A small state delegate likely said "Representation in Congress should be equal" because small states typically advocate for equal representation in order to ensure that their interests are not overshadowed by larger states. They argue that each state should have an equal number of representatives in Congress, regardless of population size. This viewpoint is often supported by smaller states with fewer inhabitants who fear being marginalized in decision-making processes dominated by larger states.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Why did Georgia want a strong central government at the Constitutional Convention?
- A.
They had a weak state government
- B.
They needed help protecting themselves from the Native Americans
- C.
They were used to it with the King of England
- D.
They did not want the slaves to count in their population
Correct Answer
B. They needed help protecting themselves from the Native AmericansExplanation
Georgia wanted a strong central government at the Constitutional Convention because they needed assistance in defending themselves against Native American tribes. This suggests that Georgia perceived a strong central authority as necessary for their security and protection against potential threats and conflicts with Native American groups.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
How were laws passed under the Constitution?
- A.
9 votes were needed
- B.
2/3 of both houses
- C.
7 votes were needed
- D.
50% plus one vote in both houses plus the signature of the President
Correct Answer
D. 50% plus one vote in both houses plus the signature of the PresidentExplanation
Laws were passed under the Constitution by obtaining a majority vote in both houses of Congress, which is 50% plus one vote, and also required the signature of the President. This means that in order for a law to be passed, it needed the support of a simple majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then the approval of the President. This process ensured that laws were not passed without a significant level of support and approval from the legislative and executive branches of the government.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Under which document were taxes not required?
- A.
Articles of Confederation
- B.
U.S. Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
- D.
Declaration of Independence
Correct Answer
A. Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. Under this document, the federal government had limited powers and was unable to levy taxes. This was one of the major flaws of the Articles, as it hindered the government's ability to raise revenue and fund its operations. As a result, the government faced financial difficulties and was unable to pay off its debts. The lack of taxation powers was later addressed in the U.S. Constitution, which granted the federal government the authority to levy taxes.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Which branch of government passes laws
- A.
Executive
- B.
Legislative
- C.
Judicial
Correct Answer
B. LegislativeExplanation
The legislative branch of government passes laws. This branch is responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws. It is composed of elected representatives who represent the people's interests and make decisions on their behalf. This branch plays a crucial role in the democratic process by ensuring that laws are fair, just, and in line with the needs and values of society. The executive branch, on the other hand, is responsible for enforcing laws, while the judicial branch interprets and applies them.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Which branch of government makes sure that laws are constitutional?
- A.
Executive
- B.
Legislative
- C.
Judicial
- D.
Answer option 4
Correct Answer
C. JudicialExplanation
The judicial branch of government is responsible for ensuring that laws are constitutional. This branch includes the courts and judges who interpret and apply the law. They have the power to review laws and determine whether they comply with the constitution. This is an important function as it helps to maintain the balance of power and protects individual rights and freedoms.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 12, 2012Quiz Created by
NagelHMS
Back to top