U.S. Government For 5th Graders
This quiz designed for students at a fifth grade level will test your knowledge of the federal government of the United States of America. What do you know about the land of the free and the home of the brave?
- 1.
Why did our first congress write the Articles of Confederation?
- A.
To form a strong central government
- B.
To decentralize government
- C.
To control it's citizens
Correct Answer
A. To form a strong central governmentExplanation
The correct answer is "To decentralize government." The Articles of Confederation were written by the first congress in order to create a system where power was spread out among the states, rather than concentrated in a strong central government. This was done to prevent the abuses of power that had been experienced under British rule and to ensure that the states had a significant degree of autonomy and control over their own affairs.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why didn't the Articles of Confederation work as our government's framework?
- A.
It was too complicated and hard to interpret.
- B.
It didn't have enough detail.
- C.
It gave too much power to the states.
Correct Answer
C. It gave too much power to the states.Explanation
The Articles of Confederation didn't work as our government's framework because it gave too much power to the states. This meant that the central government was weak and couldn't effectively govern the nation as a whole. The lack of a strong central authority led to issues such as difficulty in making and enforcing laws, inability to regulate commerce, and challenges in raising revenue. The states had conflicting interests and often acted in their own self-interest, which hindered the functioning of the government. As a result, the Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the more centralized and powerful Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was Shay's rebellion?
- A.
A protest where citizens threw tea into the ocean
- B.
A teenager named Shay who rebelled against his parents
- C.
A protest by 1,000 farmers over taxes
Correct Answer
C. A protest by 1,000 farmers over taxesExplanation
Shay's Rebellion was a protest by 1,000 farmers over taxes. It occurred in Massachusetts in 1786-1787, led by a former Revolutionary War captain named Daniel Shays. The farmers were angry about high taxes and debt, which they felt were causing them economic hardship. They rebelled against the state government, shutting down courts and attempting to seize weapons from an armory. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, but it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and helped pave the way for the creation of a stronger federal government under the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What was the Northwest Ordinance?
- A.
A law governing the citizen's of the Northwest states
- B.
Territories would become new states, not additional territory of the neighboring state.
- C.
Laws to stop the settlers from moving to the Northwest
Correct Answer
B. Territories would become new states, not additional territory of the neighboring state.Explanation
The Northwest Ordinance was a law that established a process for admitting new states to the Union. It outlined the steps and requirements for territories in the Northwest to become fully fledged states, ensuring that they would not simply be absorbed as additional territory of neighboring states. This legislation was significant in promoting the expansion and organization of the United States during the late 18th century.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
- A.
To Fix or change the Articles of Confederation
- B.
To sign into law the Articles of Confederation.
- C.
To discuss the Articles of Confederation and use it as a model for state governement.
Correct Answer
A. To Fix or change the Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was to fix or change the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation, which were the first governing document of the United States, were found to be ineffective in providing a strong central government and regulating interstate commerce. Therefore, the delegates gathered at the Constitutional Convention to revise and improve the Articles, resulting in the creation of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the main point of the New Jersey Plan?
- A.
Gave states more power over the federal government.
- B.
Gave states equal representation: each state got representatives based on population.
- C.
Freed the slaves.
Correct Answer
B. Gave states equal representation: each state got representatives based on population.Explanation
The main point of the New Jersey Plan was to give states equal representation in the federal government, with each state receiving representatives based on its population. This plan aimed to ensure that smaller states would have a fair say in the decision-making process, rather than being overshadowed by larger states with larger populations.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What was the Virginia Plan?
- A.
A plan base for the government which asked for a congress based on population
- B.
A plan named after Virginia that was denied by the framers.
- C.
There was no Virginia Plan.
Correct Answer
A. A plan base for the government which asked for a congress based on populationExplanation
The Virginia Plan was a proposal for the structure of the government put forward by the state of Virginia during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It called for a bicameral legislature, with representation in both houses based on population. This plan favored the larger states, as they would have more representatives and therefore more power in the government. However, it was not ultimately adopted as the final plan for the government, as it faced opposition from smaller states who feared being marginalized.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What are the three branches of Governement?
- A.
Judicial Branch
- B.
Legislative Branch
- C.
Democratic Branch
- D.
Republican Branch
- E.
Executive Branch
Correct Answer(s)
A. Judicial Branch
B. Legislative Branch
E. Executive BranchExplanation
The correct answer is Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, and Executive Branch. These three branches are the key components of the U.S. government system. The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting laws and includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. The Legislative Branch consists of Congress, which is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives, and is responsible for making laws. The Executive Branch is headed by the President and is responsible for enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the government.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which amendment give us the right to own a gun?
- A.
III amendment
- B.
VIII amendment
- C.
II amendment.
- D.
XIX amendment
Correct Answer
C. II amendment.Explanation
The correct answer is II amendment. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution grants individuals the right to bear arms. This amendment has been a topic of debate and interpretation, with proponents arguing for the right to self-defense and opponents advocating for stricter gun control measures. Nonetheless, the Second Amendment is widely recognized as the constitutional provision that guarantees the right to own a gun.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which amendment protects us from cruel and unusual punishment?
- A.
III amendment
- B.
VIII amendment
- C.
II amendment.
- D.
XIX amendment
Correct Answer
B. VIII amendmentExplanation
The Eighth Amendment protects us from cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment ensures that individuals are not subjected to excessive or disproportionate punishment for crimes committed. It prohibits punishments that are deemed cruel or inhumane, such as torture or excessive fines. The Eighth Amendment serves as a safeguard to ensure that punishments are fair and just, and that individuals are not subjected to unnecessary suffering.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which amendment gives us Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the press, of Assembly, of Petition and Freedom of religion?
- A.
XII amendment
- B.
III amendment
- C.
II amendment
- D.
I amendment
Correct Answer
D. I amendmentExplanation
The correct answer is the I amendment. The I amendment, also known as the First Amendment, grants individuals the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, and freedom of religion. This amendment is a crucial part of the United States Constitution and ensures that citizens have the right to express themselves, practice their religion, and engage in peaceful assembly. It is a fundamental protection of individual liberties and is essential for a democratic society.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 26, 2009Quiz Created by
Everydaygirl