Chapter 2

A central feature of the Great Compromise was which of the following? A bicameral legislature with the upper chamber representation equal for all states and the lower chamber representation based on population A bicameral legislature with the upper chamber representation selected by the national executive and the lower chamber representation based on population A bicameral legislature with the upper chamber representation equal for all states and the lower chamber representation selected by the national executive A unified legislature with two classes of representatives, some elected from at-large districts and some elected from single-member districts

A bicameral legislature with the upper chamber representation equal for all states and the lower chamber representation based on population

The Constitutional Convention that convened in 1787 was called for which purpose? For the express purpose of scrapping the Articles of Confederation and starting over For the express purpose of establishing trade relations with powers in Europe With no single express purpose; some delegates thought minor reforms to the Articles would be implemented, some thought commercial disputes involving states would be resolved, and some intended to scrap the Articles and start over To adopt the reform plan proposed by Patrick Henry

With no single express purpose; some delegates thought minor reforms to the Articles would be implemented, some thought commercial disputes involving states would be resolved, and some intended to scrap the Articles and start over

Which is true about the document produced by the Constitutional Convention? It is a plan no delegate favored or even could have imagined on the opening day of the convention. It is precisely what Madison had in mind before the convention began. It is nothing more than a slightly altered version of the New York State Constitution. It is a minor alteration of the Articles of Confederation.

It is a plan no delegate favored or even could have imagined on the opening day of the convention.

Under the Constitution, which of the following is true about the responsibility for common defense and security? It is a shared responsibility between the states and the federal government. It is solely the responsibility of the national government. The federal government sets general policies, but a supermajority of states can disapprove of any policies. The states would continue to handle these policies because the national government would take responsibility for regulating commerce.

It is solely the responsibility of the national government.

Which of the following individuals did not contribute to the writing of The Federalist Papers? John Jay James Madison Alexander Hamilton James Monroe

James Monroe

The checks and balances contained within the Constitution result in which of the following? Consolidation of power in the executive branch, since the House and Senate are usually at odds Some capacity of each of the three branches to limit the power of the other two A bank set up just for members of the House of Representatives Complete separation of power so that each branch can operate independently of the others

Some capacity of each of the three branches to limit the power of the other two

The supremacy clause contained in Article IV of the Constitution declares which of the following? That state laws take precedence over national laws when both properly discharge their government's respective responsibilities That the Supreme Court is the final and supreme arbiter of the meaning of the Constitution That national laws take precedence over state laws when both properly discharge their government's respective responsibilities That the President is the supreme commander of the military and cannot be overruled by Congress or the courts

That national laws take precedence over state laws when both properly discharge their government's respective responsibilities

The legacy of the Great Compromise is an illustration of how institutions survive long after the circumstances that fashioned it in a particular form have changed beyond all recognition. that the nationalists were able to present the states' rights supporters with a credible take it-or-leave it offer that strengthened the national government immensely. that delegation to small groups often produces compromises that satisfy the interests of all parties involved. the Framers designed a perfect government that has shifted seamlessly with changes in society.

an illustration of how institutions survive long after the circumstances that fashioned it in a particular form have changed beyond all recognition.

For the purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, slaves would be counted as two-fifths a citizen. counted as one-half a citizen. counted as three-fifths a citizen. counted as a full citizen.

counted as three-fifths a citizen.

Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution contains the enumerated powers of the Supreme Court. implied powers of the President. enumerated powers of Congress. civil liberties of American citizens.

enumerated powers of Congress.

During the Revolutionary War, the management of the war can best be described as focused with all actors devoted to a single goal of winning independence. nonexistent because all major decisions were left with George Washington. fragmented because Congress generally served as a coordinator and a suspicion of government prevented the creation of national administrative structures needed. chaotic as Congress and the President frequently clashed over the strategic goals of the war.

fragmented because Congress generally served as a coordinator and a suspicion of government prevented the creation of national administrative structures needed.

The "commerce clause" of the Constitution gave Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. gave the President sole authority to draft commercial tax legislation. prohibited Congress from interfering in interstate commerce. provided for a national tariff on the sale of any goods.

gave Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states.

The evolution of the American presidency was expected by the Framers as the responsibilities facing the government increased. has occurred through delegation on domestic policies, but the expansion of responsibility on foreign affairs reflects the limited and general language on foreign affairs in the Constitution. reflects the strong command authority the Framers thought was needed to solve collective action problems. would meet the hopes of the Framers because their ideal president was someone who could solve collective action problems by minimizing transaction costs.

has occurred through delegation on domestic policies, but the expansion of responsibility on foreign affairs reflects the limited and general language on foreign affairs in the Constitution.

The ability of the Supreme Court to overturn federal laws and executive actions as unconstitutional is known as judicial supremacy. judicial review. judicial fiat. judicial activism.

judicial review.

The "necessary and proper clause" of the Constitution is a historical artifact dictating the minimally proper dress code for the House of Representatives. provides Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers enumerated by the Constitution. provides the judicial branch with jurisdiction over any matter the Supreme Court deems to be "necessary and proper." provides the executive with the power to override any act of Congress so long as the President certifies that such an override is "necessary and proper."

provides Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers enumerated by the Constitution.

The Stamp Act was controversial because the tax on printed materials was not self-imposed by colonial legislatures. was controversial because it raised the cost of sending mail and the tax was imposed only by the most populous colonies. was accepted easily because the colonists made a conscious decision to raise additional revenues to pay for national security. generated intense opposition because it raised the cost of sending transatlantic mail so that it was only available to the wealthy.

was controversial because the tax on printed materials was not self-imposed by colonial legislatures.

In Federalist No. 10, Madison defines a faction as "a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest . . . . . . adverse to the rights of other citizens but not to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." . . . adverse to the rights of other citizens or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." . . . adverse to the rights of a minority of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of that minority community." . . . adverse to the rights of other citizens or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community and in particular to the stability of government."

. . . adverse to the rights of other citizens or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community."

The Framers of the Constitution carved out a major role for the President in domestic legislation in part by enabling the executive to check congressional action through which of the following? The privileges and immunities clause The right of the President to introduce legislation into the House and have it automatically advance to the front of the agenda The right of the President to end a Senate filibuster by declaration The presidential veto that allows him to check the legislative branch

The presidential veto that allows him to check the legislative branch

Under the Articles of Confederation, the states faced a classic prisoner's dilemma for which of the following reasons? Great Britain still ran most of the penitentiaries in the United States. With no enforcement mechanism in place, no state would contribute its share of the revenue so long as it suspected other states might not meet their obligations. The efficiency of the design of government meant that no free riding occurred among the states. Individuals paid federal income taxes, but the states were not required or expected to contribute troops to the war effort.

With no enforcement mechanism in place, no state would contribute its share of the revenue so long as it suspected other states might not meet their obligations.

The Senate's power to confirm appointments and to ratify treaties are examples of which of the following? A legislative check on presidential duties Key features of a parliamentary system The vague powers conveyed by the Constitution Unitary government

A legislative check on presidential duties

A "logroll" refers to which of the following? A congressional override of a presidential veto A standard bargaining strategy in which two sides swap support for dissimilar policies Members of the majority party in the House voting against the wishes of the congressional leadership The overturn of a federal law by a state supreme court

A standard bargaining strategy in which two sides swap support for dissimilar policies

Which plan perpetuated the composition and selection of Congress as it functioned under the Articles of Confederation? Virginia Plan Connecticut Plan Delaware Plan New Jersey Plan

New Jersey Plan

The Madisonian view of democracy often is referred to as which of the following? Elitism Factionalism Pluralism Conditional party government

Pluralism

What was one of the most important experiences colonial Americans learned about government? Chief executives with command authority solve many problems. A popularly elected legislature controlling the purse strings could dominate other government institutions. Elected judges were critical for maintaining the proper checks and balances in representative government. Agency loss is always greater in a bicameral legislature than in a unicameral legislature.

A popularly elected legislature controlling the purse strings could dominate other government institutions.

In short, which of the following is true about Federalist No. 51? It was adopted almost word for word into Article IV of the Constitution. It deals with the delegation problem of keeping the citizenry's agents honest. Ironically, it was written by a leading Federalist who was actually opposed to the adoption of the Constitution. It establishes the reasoning behind Madison's beliefs regarding the failure of pluralism.

It deals with the delegation problem of keeping the citizenry's agents honest.

The first American Constitution created a confederation, which can best be described as which of the following? A highly centralized governmental system in which the national government derives broad authority directly from the citizens rather than from the states A highly decentralized governmental system in which the national government derives limited authority from the states rather than directly from the citizens A parliamentary system heavily reliant on party discipline A presidential system featuring a very strong executive with broad police powers

A highly decentralized governmental system in which the national government derives limited authority from the states rather than directly from the citizens

Which event provided the first serious proposal for a national government? Richmond Congress Macon Congress Albany Congress Hartford Congress

Albany Congress

Which of the Framers was most enthusiastic about a strengthened and independent executive? James Madison Thomas Jefferson John Adams Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton

Why did home rule not provide the necessary training for self-governance? The prisoner's dilemma was a constant concern as the Crown kept getting the colonies to defect from group action. It instilled a sense that the only effective government was one with strong command authority. The colonies struggled to coordinate their actions in response to British kings. British regulation of commerce and provision of military security ingrained free riding and provided limited opportunities for engaging in collective action.

British regulation of commerce and provision of military security ingrained free riding and provided limited opportunities for engaging in collective action.

When Madison fashioned independent executive and judicial branches that could contain efforts by the states to subvert national policy, which of the following was he establishing? Habeas corpus Federalism States' rights Checks and balances

Checks and balances

By declaring independence, the delegates to the Continental Congress thrust on themselves the responsibility for supplying essential public goods, including which of the following? Copies of the Declaration of Independence to be posted in telephone booths across the country A uniform criminal code for all the states and an expansive federal criminal code Educational standards for the various colleges and universities, especially those run by the states Defense and commercial markets

Defense and commercial markets

Which of the following statements about the Virginia Plan is true? It was a significant revision of the Articles of Confederation that maintained a bicameral legislature but allowed majorities to govern. It enhanced the command authority of the President by allowing him to influence the agenda of Congress. It eliminated the states and established a parliamentary government in the United States. It created a more active national government possessing the authority to solve the collective action problems of the nation.

It created a more active national government possessing the authority to solve the collective action problems of the nation.

James Madison attributed the failure of the confederation to which of the following? Faulty institutions The moral vices of the citizens The rejection of home rule by the colonists George Washington's party coalition

Faulty institutions

On October 17, 1781, the American collaboration with __________ finally paid off with a decisive victory over Great Britain at Yorktown, Virginia, which ended the war. the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Scottish mercenaries the Spanish Armada France

France

The American Revolution was nearly undermined by what collective action problem when the states failed to contribute their promised money and supplies or soldiers enlisted and quickly deserted with their new booty? Tragedy of the commons Coordination Free riding Privatization

Free riding

The writings of Charles, Baron de Montesquieu, provided the Framers of the Constitution with which of the following? The foundations of modern mechanics and physics that were translated into governing concepts such as checks and balances His discussion of the classification of governmental functions and forms as the legislative, executive, and judicial The importance of individual rights and the limited scope of government authority The notion that politics should be treated as a competition among contending interests

His discussion of the classification of governmental functions and forms as the legislative, executive, and judicial

What was the name of the practice where Britain ceded control to the colonists to manage their own domestic affairs including taxation? Home rule A parliamentary system Command authority Republicanism

Home rule

Britain responded to the Boston Tea Party with the Restraining Acts and Coercive Acts. What did these acts do? Restrained the importation of any sort of tea into the colonies and coerced citizens into involuntary servitude Effectively declared war on the colonies Repealed the colonial tea tax code but required the public execution of the protestors in Boston In part closed the Boston Harbor to all commerce, dissolved the Massachusetts Assembly, forced Americans to quarter or house British soldiers, and ordered Americans charged with protest crimes be sent to England for trial

In part closed the Boston Harbor to all commerce, dissolved the Massachusetts Assembly, forced Americans to quarter or house British soldiers, and ordered Americans charged with protest crimes be sent to England for trial

Blame for the free riding and other forms of shirking that hampered the early American Revolutionary War effort should be placed on which of the following? Ineffective government Unfit commanders and unwilling troops The intelligence network of the British monarchy The relative lack of sophistication of the weapons available to and the military strategy used by George Washington

Ineffective government

Although a convoluted concept, as a device, the Electoral College is designed to do which of the following? Mix state, congressional, and popular participation in the election process Limit the ability of a majority to elect a president Give the Senate the final say in presidential elections Ensure that the Supreme Court resolves any controversy over presidential elections

Mix state, congressional, and popular participation in the election process

Which of the following was one of the events that mobilized states behind reforming the Articles of Confederation? The 1786 Annapolis Convention the Boston Tea Party Patrick Henry's famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech Shays's Rebellion

Shays's Rebellion

Which of the following was the primary point of Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense? The colonies should maintain loyalty to the British Crown. Only in the creation of an independent republic would the people find contentment. Cannibalism was a modest proposal for solving the famine in Ireland. Only the aristocracy should be concerned with the running of government, as the commoners did not have enough sense to be trusted.

Only in the creation of an independent republic would the people find contentment.

At the First Continental Congress, called by Boston resistance leader Samuel Adams, the delegates from the colonies did which of the following? Passed resolutions condemning British taxes and administrative decrees and adopted the Declaration of American Rights Adopted the Articles of Confederation Adopted Benjamin Franklin's "The Plan of the Union" and provided for the tax-free brewing of beer Ended without passing or adopting anything because of the conflict between Royal loyalists and the independent-minded minutemen

Passed resolutions condemning British taxes and administrative decrees and adopted the Declaration of American Rights

What is the name of the principle where citizens delegate authority to their agents in government while retaining the right to rescind that authority? Agency loss Privatization Popular sovereignty Checks and balances

Popular sovereignty

During the Revolutionary War, state officials were prepared to sacrifice for the war effort only if they were confident the states would do their part and this is an example of what? Free riding Coordination Agency loss Prisoner's dilemma

Prisoner's dilemma

The Second Continental Congress instructed the local colonial committees to do which of the following? Assert their continued loyalty to King George to avoid war Organize a defensive multistate naval blockade of the Port of New York Reconstitute themselves as state governments based on republican principles Initiate trade agreements with India and Ireland to replace the goods no longer available from Britain

Reconstitute themselves as state governments based on republican principles

Modern presidents have asserted that the "take care clause" of Article II allows them to take whatever action the nation's well-being requires provided that which of the following is true? The action is expressly provided for in other areas of the Constitution So long as the action is mandated by some specified duty determined by Congress The action is not expressly forbidden by the Constitution or public law The action is also ratified by the Senate

The action is not expressly forbidden by the Constitution or public law

How did the First Continental Congress propose to combat free riding that was likely to occur as a result of the boycott of British goods? Relying on institutional design that established a code for determining reasonable exceptions Using institutions like committees of observation that could identify and sanction those who violated the boycott Imposing mandatory fines on any individual caught purchasing banned goods Counting on the willingness of individuals to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good

Using institutions like committees of observation that could identify and sanction those who violated the boycott

Why were women not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution? The delegates were less concerned with individual rights than with making government more effective. The Framers assumed that gender-neutral language would include political rights for women. Most women were apolitical and focused on matters other than politics. The delegates believed that women did not have any interest in government.

The delegates were less concerned with individual rights than with making government more effective.

To keep the amendment of the Constitution from being too easy an option for a popular majority to accomplish, the Framers did which of the following? They imposed heavy transaction costs on changing the Constitution that required support of Congress and the states. They made amending the Constitution the responsibility of state and local governments. They reserved approval of constitutional amendments to the Senate. They allowed the executive to veto any amendment effort.

They imposed heavy transaction costs on changing the Constitution that required support of Congress and the states.

Following the Revolutionary War, the United States confronted significant problems paying the national debt and addressing trade problems that generated calls for a national authority to solve the problems. the United States experienced an economic boom as the nation was rebuilt following the war and citizens could turn their attention to more productive activities instead of fighting. the United States formalized its relationship with France into a military alliance that helped protect U.S. trade interests overseas. George Washington used control of the army to force the country into accepting significant changes to the Articles of Confederation.

the United States confronted significant problems paying the national debt and addressing trade problems that generated calls for a national authority to solve the problems.

The Antifederalists argued that the United States needed one set of laws that could unite the country and encourage the development of a national marketplace. the Articles of Confederation were sufficient for governing the United States. the United States was too large and too diverse to be ruled by a single set of laws. only the establishment of a monarchy could protect the United States against European encroachment.

the United States was too large and too diverse to be ruled by a single set of laws.

The most successful objection the Antifederalists raised against the proposed Constitution was the absence of a Bill of Rights that would protect individuals. the lack of term limits on members of the legislative and executive branches. the necessary and proper clause gave Congress too much leeway to extend its authority. the strong provisions for judicial review would turn the Supreme Court into the most powerful branch of the government.

the absence of a Bill of Rights that would protect individuals.

Thomas Jefferson articulated the real rationale for throwing off British rule in the Declaration of Independence as allowing slavery to continue in the colonies the fundamental right of self-governance embracing the divine right of kings mandating that all government officials should always be elected for fixed terms

the fundamental right of self-governance