Political Science - American Federal Gov't Quiz 1
Basic Political Science, Quiz 1. Covers chapters 1 & 3.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the state of nature?
Explanation
Anarchy (Absence of Government)Rate this question:
- 2.
Characterized by a state that regulates nearly every aspect of public and private life is what kind of government?
- A.
Authoritarian
- B.
Oligarchy
- C.
Dictatorship
- D.
Democracy
Correct Answer
A. AuthoritarianExplanation
Aka TolitarianRate this question:
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- 3.
Individual has full power over entire country.
- A.
Authoritarian
- B.
Oligarchy
- C.
Monarchy
- D.
Autocracy
Correct Answer
D. AutocracyExplanation
Autocracy - "Self ruler" or "Rule by one's self"Rate this question:
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- 4.
Rule by a small group of people who share similar interests or relations.
- A.
Authoritarian
- B.
Oligarchy
- C.
Democracy
- D.
Theocracy
Correct Answer
B. OligarchyExplanation
Oligarchy - "rule by the few"Rate this question:
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- 5.
Rule by a government where all citizens are represented, but power is held by the majority.
- A.
Authoritarian
- B.
Autocracy
- C.
Monarch
- D.
Democracy
- E.
Oligarchy
Correct Answer
D. DemocracyExplanation
Democracy- "rule by the governed"Rate this question:
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- 6.
What year was Leviathan published?
Correct Answer
1651Explanation
Leviathan was published in 1651.Rate this question:
- 7.
What year was the Two Treatises of Government first published?
Correct Answer
1689Explanation
The Two Treatises of Government was first published in 1689.Rate this question:
- 8.
Who said the right to:1. Life2. Liberty3. Property
Correct Answer
John LockeExplanation
John Locke is the correct answer because he is a famous philosopher who proposed the concept of natural rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke believed that these rights are inherent to all individuals and should be protected by governments. His ideas had a significant influence on the development of modern democratic societies and the concept of individual rights.Rate this question:
- 9.
Who created the Two Treatises of Government?
Correct Answer
John LockeExplanation
John Locke is the creator of the Two Treatises of Government. This influential work was published in 1690 and is considered a cornerstone of modern political philosophy. In it, Locke argues for the concept of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and emphasizes the importance of consent and limited government. The Two Treatises of Government had a significant impact on the development of democratic ideals and the formation of constitutional governments around the world.Rate this question:
- 10.
Who is the author of Leviathan?
- A.
John Locke
- B.
Plato
- C.
Thomas Hobbes
- D.
Aristotle
Correct Answer
C. Thomas HobbesExplanation
Thomas Hobbes is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the author of the book "Leviathan." Published in 1651, "Leviathan" is a seminal work in political philosophy where Hobbes discusses the social contract and the nature of government. Hobbes argues for the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent a state of nature, which he describes as a war of all against all. His ideas in "Leviathan" have had a significant influence on political thought and continue to be studied and debated to this day.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Rule by an individual who has inherited the role and expects to bequeath it to their heir.
- A.
Authoritarian
- B.
Autocracy
- C.
Monarchy
- D.
Oligarchy
Correct Answer
C. MonarchyExplanation
A monarchy is a form of government where power is held by a single individual who has inherited the role and expects to pass it on to their heir. This individual, known as the monarch, usually holds the position for life and has absolute authority over the government and the people. In a monarchy, the monarch's power is not limited by a constitution or other governing body, making it an authoritarian form of government.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Rule by a religious elite.
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Theocracy
- C.
Authoritarian
- D.
Autocracy
Correct Answer
B. TheocracyExplanation
Theocracy is the correct answer because it refers to a form of government where religious leaders hold the ultimate authority and power. In a theocratic system, religious laws and principles guide the governance and decision-making processes. This type of rule is characterized by a close intertwining of religion and politics, with religious leaders often holding top positions of power. Unlike democracy, where power is held by the people, or authoritarian and autocratic systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, theocracy is unique in its emphasis on religious authority as the basis for governance.Rate this question:
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- 13.
If a monarchy is constitutional then the monarch has absolute political power.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
An absolute monarchy is when the monarch has sole power, a constitutional monarchy is where the monarch has limits.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What kind of government does the United States have?
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Oligarchy
- C.
Republic
- D.
Autocracy
- E.
Democratic Republic
Correct Answer
E. Democratic RepublicExplanation
The United States has a democratic republic government because it is a system where the power is vested in the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. In a democratic republic, the citizens have the right to vote and participate in the political process, and the elected representatives are responsible for making laws and governing the country. This system combines elements of both democracy and a republic, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people while also protecting individual rights and liberties.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What year was The Mayflower Compact designed?
- A.
1782
- B.
1680
- C.
1620
- D.
1721
Correct Answer
C. 1620Explanation
The Mayflower Compact was designed in the year 1620. This document was created by the Pilgrims who were aboard the Mayflower ship when they arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The compact was an agreement that established a democratic form of government and outlined the rules and laws that the settlers would abide by. It was an important step towards self-governance and played a significant role in the development of American democracy.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Why did the settlers create The Mayflower Compact?
- 17.
What was the first British tax imposed on the new Colonies?
- A.
Tea Act
- B.
Sugar Act
- C.
Stamp Act
- D.
Townshend Act
Correct Answer
C. Stamp ActExplanation
The Stamp Act was the first British tax imposed on the new Colonies. It was passed in 1765 and required all legal documents, newspapers, and other printed materials in the colonies to carry a stamp. This act was met with widespread opposition and protests from the colonists, who saw it as a violation of their rights and an unfair burden. The Stamp Act ultimately played a significant role in fueling the tensions that led to the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In what year was the Sugar Act imposed?
- A.
1620
- B.
1765
- C.
1787
- D.
1776
Correct Answer
B. 1765Explanation
The Sugar Act was imposed in 1765. This act was passed by the British Parliament and it aimed to reduce smuggling and increase revenue from the American colonies. The act imposed taxes on imported goods, including sugar, molasses, and other products. It was one of the measures that eventually led to the American Revolution, as it was seen as a violation of the colonists' rights and sparked protests and boycotts.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What year was the Townshend Act created?
- A.
1767
- B.
1765
- C.
1620
- D.
1786
Correct Answer
A. 1767Explanation
The Townshend Act imposed a tax on lead, paper, paint, glass & tea.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What year did the Boston Tea Party occur?
- A.
1620
- B.
1765
- C.
1787
- D.
1773
Correct Answer
D. 1773Explanation
The people's quote - "No Taxation without Representation."
This is around the time British imposed the Tea Act, favoring British East India Tea Company.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What year did the First Continental Congress meet to discuss to boycott all British goods?
- A.
1620
- B.
1765
- C.
1774
- D.
1767
Correct Answer
C. 1774Explanation
This occurred one year after the Boston Tea Party.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Second Continental Congress discussed to declare independence during what time?
- A.
1620-1624
- B.
1786-1787
- C.
1775-1781
Correct Answer
C. 1775-1781Explanation
This lasted six years.Rate this question:
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- 23.
When was the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
July 4, 1776
- B.
November 4, 1876
- C.
May 4, 1672
- D.
January 7, 1775
Correct Answer
A. July 4, 1776Explanation
The correct answer is July 4, 1776. This date is widely recognized as the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. It marked the formal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain and the beginning of the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence is a significant document in American history, as it outlined the principles of liberty and equality that the new nation would be built upon.Rate this question:
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- 24.
When was the Articles of Confederation Adopted?
- A.
December 12, 1842
- B.
January 14, 1773
- C.
November 15, 1777
- D.
July 16, 1779
Correct Answer
C. November 15, 1777Explanation
The correct answer is November 15, 1777. The Articles of Confederation were adopted on this date. The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, serving as the governing document from 1781 until the ratification of the current Constitution in 1788. It established a weak central government with limited powers and gave most of the authority to the individual states. The Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced due to their ineffectiveness in governing the young nation.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What occurred Aug. 1786 - Feb. 1787?
- A.
The Articles of Confederation was adopted.
- B.
British imposes Stamp Act.
- C.
First Continental Congress meets to boycott British goods.
- D.
The Shays Rebellion.
Correct Answer
D. The Shays Rebellion.Explanation
The correct answer is The Shays Rebellion. The Shays Rebellion occurred between August 1786 and February 1787. It was an armed uprising in Massachusetts led by farmers who were protesting against high taxes and economic policies that were causing them financial distress. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which lacked a strong central government to address such issues. This event played a significant role in shaping the push for a stronger federal government and ultimately led to the drafting of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which plan created a congress based on state size (pop.) and was pushed by Madison?
- A.
The Virginia Plan
- B.
The New Jersey Plan
- C.
The Great Compromise
- D.
The Mayflower Compact
Correct Answer
A. The Virginia PlanExplanation
The Virginia Plan was a proposal put forward by James Madison during the Constitutional Convention. It called for a bicameral legislature, with representation in both houses based on state population. This plan favored larger states, as they would have more representatives and therefore more influence in the government. The Virginia Plan was eventually modified and combined with the New Jersey Plan to create the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and the other based on equal representation for each state. The Mayflower Compact, on the other hand, was an agreement among the Pilgrims on how to govern themselves and is unrelated to the creation of a congress based on state size.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What plan was proposed, because the people didn't believe the first plan was fair to the smaller states?
- A.
The New Jersey Plan
- B.
The Great Compromise
- C.
The Virginia Plan
- D.
The Mayflower Compact
Correct Answer
A. The New Jersey PlanExplanation
The New Jersey Plan was proposed as an alternative because the people believed that the first plan was not fair to the smaller states. This plan called for equal representation for all states, regardless of their size or population. It aimed to protect the interests and rights of smaller states by giving them an equal voice in the legislative branch of government. This plan was in contrast to the Virginia Plan, which proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population size. The New Jersey Plan was eventually incorporated into the Great Compromise, which established a compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What proposed a bicameral legislature where they had a house by population and a senate by equal representation?
- A.
The New Jersey Plan
- B.
The Great Compromise
- C.
The Mayflower Compact
- D.
The Virginia Plan
Correct Answer
B. The Great CompromiseExplanation
The Great Compromise proposed a bicameral legislature where they had a house by population and a senate by equal representation. This compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in the United States. It aimed to address the issue of representation in the legislative branch, with the larger states favoring representation based on population and the smaller states advocating for equal representation. The compromise resulted in the creation of the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state is represented equally with two senators.Rate this question:
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- 29.
For the purposes of the apportionment of congress seats, every slave was partially counted... what compromise was this called?
- A.
3/5ths Compromise
- B.
5/8ths Compromise
- C.
2/14ths Compromise
- D.
3/4ths Compromise
Correct Answer
A. 3/5ths CompromiseExplanation
The correct answer is 3/5ths Compromise. This compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and it determined that each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of apportioning seats in the House of Representatives. This compromise was a result of the disagreement between the Northern and Southern states regarding the representation of slaves in Congress. The Southern states wanted slaves to be fully counted to increase their political power, while the Northern states argued that slaves should not be counted at all. The 3/5ths Compromise was a compromise solution that satisfied both sides to some extent.Rate this question:
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- 30.
What were the Framers of the United States interest? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
Commerce
- B.
Religious Values
- C.
Property
- D.
Preventing Excessive Democracy
- E.
Snubbing Britian
- F.
Limiting National Power
- G.
Limiting the People's Power
- H.
Preventing Excessive Laws
Correct Answer(s)
A. Commerce
C. Property
D. Preventing Excessive Democracy
F. Limiting National PowerExplanation
The Framers of the United States were interested in commerce because they wanted to establish a strong economy and promote trade among the states. They were also interested in protecting property rights, as they believed in the importance of individual ownership and the accumulation of wealth. Additionally, they sought to prevent excessive democracy by creating a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government or group of people could have too much power. Finally, they aimed to limit national power and prevent the government from becoming too centralized, in order to protect the rights and autonomy of the states.Rate this question:
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- 31.
In the Constitution, Articles 1-7 creates a system founded upon __________?
- A.
Freedom
- B.
The Constitution
- C.
Separation of Powers
- D.
The Mayflower Compact
Correct Answer
C. Separation of PowersExplanation
Founded upon separation of powers(checks and balances) and federalism.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What is Article I about?
- A.
Judicial Power
- B.
Executive Power
- C.
State Power/Limits
- D.
Legislative Power
Correct Answer
D. Legislative PowerExplanation
Article I of the United States Constitution is about the Legislative Power. This article establishes the structure, powers, and limitations of the legislative branch of the federal government, which consists of the Congress. It outlines the composition and election process of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the powers granted to Congress, such as the ability to make laws, levy taxes, and regulate commerce. Article I also sets forth the limitations on the powers of Congress, including the prohibition of certain actions, such as passing ex post facto laws or granting titles of nobility.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Article II is about?
- A.
Judicial Power
- B.
Executive Power
- C.
Legislative Power
- D.
Federal Power
Correct Answer
B. Executive PowerExplanation
Article II of the United States Constitution establishes the executive branch of the government. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the President of the United States, including their role as the commander-in-chief of the military, their ability to make treaties and appointments, and their duty to faithfully execute the laws of the land. Therefore, the correct answer is Executive Power.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Article III covers?
- A.
Judicial Power
- B.
Legislative Power
- C.
Executive Power
- D.
Federal Power
Correct Answer
A. Judicial PowerExplanation
Article III of the Constitution covers the Judicial Power. This article establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the United States and gives Congress the power to create lower federal courts. It outlines the jurisdiction of the federal courts and defines the types of cases that they can hear. It also guarantees certain rights to individuals, such as the right to a trial by jury and protection against double jeopardy. Overall, Article III establishes the structure and authority of the judicial branch of the federal government.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Article IV in the Constitution is about?
- A.
Legislative Power
- B.
Federal Power
- C.
State Power/Limits
- D.
Amendment Process
Correct Answer
C. State Power/LimitsExplanation
Article IV of the Constitution is about State Power/Limits. This article outlines the relationship between the states and the federal government. It establishes that each state must give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. It also guarantees that citizens of one state are entitled to the privileges and immunities of citizens in other states. Additionally, Article IV provides a process for admitting new states into the Union and allows Congress to regulate the territories and property of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Article V in the Constitution is about?
- A.
Legislative Power
- B.
Federal Power
- C.
States/Limits
- D.
Amendment Process
Correct Answer
D. Amendment ProcessExplanation
Article V of the Constitution outlines the process for amending the Constitution. It provides two methods by which amendments can be proposed: either by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states in order to become part of the Constitution. This article demonstrates the Founding Fathers' foresight in allowing for changes to be made to the Constitution as societal needs and values evolve over time.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Article VI in the Constitution covers...
- A.
Judicial Power
- B.
Federal Power
- C.
Amendment Process
- D.
Ratification
Correct Answer
B. Federal PowerExplanation
Article VI in the Constitution covers Federal Power. This article establishes the supremacy of the federal government over state governments and outlines the powers and responsibilities of the federal government. It also includes provisions such as the supremacy clause, which states that federal law takes precedence over state law, and the requirement that all state and federal officials take an oath to support the Constitution. Overall, Article VI ensures that the federal government has the authority to exercise its powers and fulfill its duties as outlined in the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Article VII in the Constitution is about the ....
- A.
Legislative Power
- B.
Amendment Process
- C.
Federal Power
- D.
Ratification
Correct Answer
D. RatificationExplanation
Article VII in the Constitution is about the ratification of the Constitution itself. It outlines the process by which the Constitution would become effective and legally binding. This article specifies that the Constitution would only become valid after it is ratified by conventions in at least nine of the thirteen states. The inclusion of this article was crucial in ensuring that the Constitution would have the necessary support and legitimacy from the states before it could take effect.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Which article in the Constitution covered Bicameralism: Section 1-7 House and SenateEnumerated Powers: Section 8 - Power to collect taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, and maintain an army & navy.And covered the elections and qualifications.
- A.
Article I
- B.
Article II
- C.
Article IV
- D.
Article V
Correct Answer
A. Article IExplanation
The correct answer is Article I. Article I of the Constitution covers the bicameralism, which refers to the division of the legislative branch into two separate chambers, namely the House of Representatives and the Senate. This article also addresses the elections and qualifications of members of Congress.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which Article went over the multiple roles and duties of the president and vice president as well as the election and qualifications?
- A.
Article II
- B.
Article VII
- C.
Article III
- D.
Article IV
Correct Answer
A. Article IIExplanation
Article II of the United States Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the President of the United States. It covers various aspects such as the qualifications for the presidency, the process of election, and the duties and powers of the president. This article also discusses the role of the vice president and their responsibilities. Therefore, Article II is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the roles and duties of the president and vice president, as well as the election and qualifications.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Which article included the "Necessary and Proper" clause?
- A.
Article I
- B.
Article V
- C.
Article III
- D.
Article II
Correct Answer
A. Article IExplanation
The "Necessary and Proper" clause is included in Article I of the Constitution. This clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. It gives Congress flexibility in interpreting and implementing its powers, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances and address unforeseen issues.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Which article included the "Full faith and Credit" clause?
- A.
Article I
- B.
Article II
- C.
Article VII
- D.
Article IV
Correct Answer
D. Article IVExplanation
Article IV of the United States Constitution includes the "Full faith and Credit" clause. This clause requires each state to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. It ensures that legal decisions made in one state are honored and enforced in all other states, promoting unity and cooperation among the states. This clause has significant implications for matters such as marriage, adoption, and contracts, as it ensures that individuals' rights and obligations are recognized across state lines.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Which article created the supreme court?
- A.
Article I
- B.
Article II
- C.
Article III
- D.
Article IV
Correct Answer
C. Article IIIExplanation
Article III of the United States Constitution created the Supreme Court. This article establishes the judicial branch of the government and outlines the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It grants the Court the authority to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure the constitutionality of legislation. The creation of the Supreme Court under Article III was a crucial step in establishing the system of checks and balances in the United States government.Rate this question:
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- 44.
What are the two ways that the U.S. can change it's constitution?
- A.
By President
- B.
By Senate
- C.
By Congress
- D.
By Convention
Correct Answer(s)
C. By Congress
D. By ConventionExplanation
The U.S. can change its constitution through two ways: by Congress and by Convention. By Congress refers to the process of proposing amendments to the constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. By Convention refers to the alternative method of amending the constitution, where a national convention is called by Congress upon the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. In this convention, proposed amendments are discussed and ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.Rate this question:
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- 45.
Which article mentioned supreme law and "No Religious Test" ?
- A.
Article I
- B.
Article II
- C.
Article IV
- D.
Article VI
Correct Answer
D. Article VIExplanation
Article VI of the United States Constitution is the correct answer. This article is often referred to as the Supremacy Clause and it states that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties, is the supreme law of the land. It also prohibits any religious test as a qualification for holding public office. This means that no one can be denied a government position based on their religious beliefs or lack thereof.Rate this question:
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- 46.
The Constitution needed to be adopted by ________ of the 13 states.
- A.
10
- B.
6
- C.
8
- D.
9
Correct Answer
D. 9Explanation
The Constitution needed to be adopted by 9 out of the 13 states because the framers of the Constitution wanted to ensure that it had the support of a majority of states before it could be ratified and put into effect. This requirement was included to ensure that the Constitution would have widespread acceptance and legitimacy among the states.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Why is the government necessary?
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