Section 1: The Development of Constitutional Democracy - Learning Check Questions - C963

Which of these beliefs would have been least likely to be held by a Federalist at the time the Constitution was being developed? - A belief in a strong executive who could quickly make decisions - A belief that the Constitution should not be ratified - A belief that the national government should have its own court system - A belief in the need for a strong centralized government

- A belief that the Constitution should not be ratified

Which system of government allows states to retain most of their power and authority while delegating few defined powers to the national government? - A federal system - A monarch - An oligarchy - A confederation

- A confederation

Which statement describes characteristics of a social contract? (Choose 3 answers) - A definition of human rights - A specification of natural rights - A collective expression of a collectively shared interest - A manifestation of the will of God

- A definition of human rights - A specification of natural rights - A collective expression of a collectively shared interest

Resting at the heart of the debate over the Virginia and New Jersey plans was: - An argument over the desirability of westward expansion. - The possibility that new states would be created, thus shifting political power within the system westward. - A disagreement over the national government being representative of the people or of the states. - A concern over the adequacy of the new nation's ability to fend off foreign invasion.

- A disagreement over the national government being representative of the people or of the states

What is a key role of supreme courts in a federal system? - A key role of supreme courts is to prosecute citizens for violating state laws. - A key role of supreme courts is to resolve disputes between the national government and the state governments. - A key role of supreme courts is to uphold the ideals of unwritten constitutions. - A key role of supreme courts is to make sure that the national government has all power.

- A key role of supreme courts is to prosecute citizens for violating state laws

How is the unicameral Congress different from a bicameral Congress? - A unicameral congress does not have the power to make treaties with foreign countries, but a bicameral congress has treaty-making power - A unicameral Congress has one chamber while a bicameral Congress has two - A unicameral Congress is structured to limit states' power while a bicameral Congress is structured to expand states' powers - The unicameral Congress had very limited powers and authority while a bicameral Congress has more power and authority

- A unicameral Congress has one chamber while bicameral Congress has two

What are three characteristics of the New Jersey Plan? (Choose 3) - A unicameral legislature. - A legislature in which states receive representation based on their population. - Smaller states would be given the same amount of power as larger states in the national legislature. - A bicameral legislature - Larger states would have more power than smaller states in the national legislature. - A legislature that gave each state one vote regardless of the size of their population.

- A unicameral legislature - Smaller states would be given the same amount of power as larger states in the national legislature - A legislature that gave each state one vote regardless of the size of their population

As a compromise to win support for ratification of the Constitution from the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists agreed to: - To allow presidents to suspend habeas corpus rights in peacetime. - Decrease the power of the judicial branch. - Appoint a slate of Anti-Federalist judges to the Supreme Court. - Add a bill of rights to the Constitution.

- Add a bill of rights to the Constitution

In what ways does Article I of the Constitution prevent the national government from engaging in taxation without representation? (Choose 2) - All bills to raise revenue must begin in the House of Representatives. - It gives Congress the ability to borrow and coin money. - There are no mechanisms in place to limit taxation without representation. - Both the House and Senate must approve of all revenue bills.

- All bills to raise revenue must begin in the House of Representatives - Bother the House and Senate must approve of all revenue bills

Why was the national government given power to regulate trade with the Native Americans under the Articles of Confederation? - The national government did not have the power to regulate trade with Native Americans, only state governments had this power - Because Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States and were treated as foreign nations - Because Native Americans used the national currency, they had to negotiate all trade agreements directly with the national government - Because Natives Americans territories were considered states so any boundary disputes had to be settled by the National Government

- Because the Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States and were treated as foreign nations

The Great Compromise adopted variations from both the New Jersey and Virginia Plans in regard to the power and structure of the national legislature. Which features of the Great Compromise correspond to the Virginia Plan? (Choose 4) - The Senate has equal representation regardless of population of the state. - Bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers - State governments still given sovereignty over their individual states. - Senators are appointed rather than popularly elected. - The House of Representatives has state representation that varies based on the size of a state's population. - The National government given increased powers.

- Bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers - Senators are appointed rather than popularly elected - The House of Representatives has state representation that varies based on the size of the state's population - The National Government given increased powers

Which of the following protects Locke's idea of natural rights and provides Montesquieu's protections known as due process of law? - Constitution - Declaration of Independence - Articles of Confederation - Bill of Rights

- Bill of Rights

After the Articles of Confederation went into effect, how was the British Government able to continue impacting what would happen in the US? (Choose 3) - British Gov was able to form individual relationships with the states - British Gov was able to put pressure on the states through its occupation of land west of US - British Gov could refuse to accept the currency of the US as a means to pay off any lingering debts - British Gov did not seek to interact with the US Gov after it gained independence

- British Gov was able to form individual relationships with the states - British Gov was able to put pressure on the states through its occupation of land west of US - British Gov could refuse to accept the currency of the US as a means to pay off any lingering debts

How do checks and balances keep the branches of government from abusing its power? (Choose 2) - Checks and balances require the different branches of government to work together. - Checks and balances allow each branch of government the ability to restrict other branches of government. - Checks and balances require the national government to run a balanced budget every year.

- Check and balances require the different branches of government to work together - Checks and balances allow each branch of government the ability to restrict other branches of government

Which Constitutional mechanism, suggested by Montesquieu, balances the national government and allows each branch of goverment to limit the exercise of power over the other two branches? - Bicameral Legislature - Checks and Balances - Separation of Powers - Natural Rights

- Checks and Balances

Which constitutional mechanism discussed in Federalist, no. 51 discusses the powers that each branches of government has in order to impact how the other branches of government operate? - The Bill of Rights - Separation of powers - Representative government - Checks and balances

- Checks and Balances

On which branch of government does the Constitution provide the most detail as it relates to powers? - The judiciary - The president - The Electoral College - Congress

- Congress

What area of trade does Congress control? - Congress can only regulate international trade. - Congress controls only domestic trade. - Congress controls trade within the states. - Congress controls all international and interstate trade.

- Congress controls all international and interstate trade.

What was a major weaknes of the ARticles of Confederation? - Congress could not establish departments within the institution - Congress could not enlist men for a national army - Only the states could sign treaties - Congress could not declare war without the approval of the state governments

- Congress could not enlist men for a national army

Which is not an accurate example of checks and balances in the national government? - The Supreme Court can rule laws passed by Congress as unconstitutional. - Congress can refuse a request from the president for a declaration of war. - Congress has the power to declare laws and actions by the executive branch as unconstitutional. - The president can veto laws he or she disapproves of, and Congress can override a presidential veto.

- Congress has the power to declare laws and actions by the executive branch as unconstitutional

What conditions are required for a social contract to work? (Choose 2 answers) - Consensus among those whom the social contract applies to - A commitment to toleration - Uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to social contract - The desire for a utopian society among those who want the social contract

- Consensus among those whom the social contract applies to - Uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to the social contract

What does the power of judicial review permit the courts to do? - Determine the constitutionality of a Congressional Act - Overturn an act of Congress if it is unpopular with the public - Remove presidential appointees from office for wrongdoing - Release individuals wrongly convicted of a crime

- Determine the constitutionality of a Congressional Act

What was the basis of representation in Congress under the Articles of Confederation? - Each state was allowed only two members - Each state had one vote in the Congress - States had equal representation in the upper house and representation based on population in the lower house - States were given representation based on population

- Each state had one vote in the Congress

Which is true concerning executive agreements with foreign countries? - Executive agreements must be approved by the Senate. - Executive agreements are valid only as long as the political leaders from both countries are in power. - Executive agreements are used to give direction to bureaucratic agencies. - Executive agreements are between two countries like treaties.

- Executive agreements are valid only as long as the political leaders from both countries are in power.

Which statement is true regarding executive orders? - Executive orders enable the president to balance Congress's lawmaking power. - The Supreme Court has ruled all executive orders unconstitutional. - Congress must fund the actions required by executive orders. - Congress approves executive orders.

- Executive orders enable the president to balance Congress's lawmaking power.

Which statement is true regarding the federal system of government? - Federalist systems have no significant disadvantages. - Federalist systems always include checks and balances. - Federalist systems work best in countries that are large and diverse. - Federalist systems are best for all countries.

- Federalist systems work best in countries that are large and diverse

What describes the opposing views in the debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists? - Federalists favored a strong central government while the Anti-Federalist favored strong state governments. - Federalists opposed regulation of foreign trades while the Anti-Federalists favored tariffs on foreign imports. - Federalists promoted the interests of the lower classes while the Anti-Federalists favored the political elites. - Federalists favored religious restrictions in the Constitution while Anti-Federalists favored religious toleration.

- Federalists favored a strong central government while the Anti-Federalist favored strong state governments.

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate? - There are more countries today with federal systems than with unitary systems. - In a federal system, power is concentrated in the states. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the national government. - The United States and Japan have federal systems while Great Britain and Canada have unitary systems. - In a federal system, powers are divided between states and national governments. In a unitary system, all power is held within the national government.

- In a federal system, powers are divided between states and national governments. In a unitary system, all power is held within the national government.

Which of the following arguments would be more likely to be advanced by an Anti-Federalist? - In a large republic, factions would have a difficult time taking control of the government. - Effective governance requires a strong executive branch in the federal government. - Only the federal government could lay out roads and other infrastructure to facilitate trade across state lines. - In small republics, similarities among members of the community lead them to similar issue positions, making it easier for elected officials to represent the views of their constituents.

- In small republics, similarities among members of the community lead them to similar issue positions, making it easier for elected officials to represent the views of their constituents.

As a "check" on the power of the Supreme Court, Congress has the power to____. - Increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court. - Nominate justices to the Supreme Court. - Override a Supreme Court decision (with a 2/3 majority in the House and Senate). - Grant pardons to people who members of Congress think are innocent.

- Increase number of justices on the Supreme Court

The Three-Fifths Compromise worked to: - Restrict the enumerated taxing power of the national government. - Increase the representation of Southern states in the House of Representatives. - Require a 60% majority vote to approve a bill in the Senate. - Prohibit the further importation of slaves into the United States.

- Increase the representation of the Southern States in the House of Representatives

What effect did the Fugitive Slave Clause (Clause 3, Article IV of the Constitution) have? - It limited the ability of slave owners to retrieve slaves who had left their state to flee to another state. - It allowed runaway slaves to apply for amnesty if they reached states that were North of Virginia. - It limited the ability of slave owners to retrieve slaves who had left the United States. - It allowed slave owners to reclaim their slaves even if they fled to other states.

- It allowed slave owners to reclaim their slaves even if they fled to other states

Why was the inability to regulate trade among the states a weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? - It prevented lower priced international good sfrom being sold in the United States - It allowed foreign nations to undermine the national government by encouraging the individual states to declare independence and become their own countries - The inability to regulate trade among the states was no t weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation - It allowed the states to make their own agreements with countries without the national government knowing

- It allowed the states to make their own agreements with countries without the national government knowing

Why is it important to know what the quality of life is like in the state of nature? (Choose 2 answers) - It explains the incentive for working cooperatively with others - It helps to frame the type of social contract that is needed to make individual life better - It provides a utopia goal for society to try and realize - It provides the basis for a measure of human progress

- It helps to frame the type of social contract that is needed to make individual life better - It explains the incentive for working cooperatively with others

What is a federal system? - It is a political system in which popular assemblies make decision for the government. - It is a division of power between national government and state governments where both levels have specific powers. - It is a political system where the states or provinces dominate in decision making. - It is a political system where the national government dominates in decision making.

- It is a division of power between national government and state governments where both levels have specific powers.

Who decides how the government budgets and spends money? - It is subject to approval by the Supreme Court. - It is entirely up to the president. - It is approved by both Congress and the president - It is decided entirely by Congress.

- It is approved by both Congress and the President

Why was limiting the powers of the national government under the Article's of Confederation a major concern? - It guaranteed that the Articles of Confederation would only be a temporary document - It did not create an institution to print money - It maintained the sovereignty of state governments

- It maintained the sovereignty of the state governments

What describes the general structure of the U.S. government under the Articles of Confederation? - It was a collection of independent states bound by a treaty. - It was a confederation of states under a strong central government. - It was an alliance of independent states under a limited central government. - It was a direct democracy with limited state autonomy.

- It was an alliance of independent states under a limited central government

Ultimately why did the Articles of Confederation fail? (Choose 3) - It weakened the powers of the national government too much - It weakened the economy of the US - It harmed the international reputation of the US - It gave too much power to the national government and not enough power to the states

- It weakened the powers of the national government too much - It weakened the economy of the US - it harmed the international reputation of the US

How long is the term for federal judges? - Judges serve until the next national election. - Judges serve for ten years, but reappointment can allow for additional terms. - Judges remain in office until removed from office by the president. - Judges serve during times of good behavior.

- Judges serve during times of good behavior

Which is not a reason James Madison found it necessary to write Federalist, no. 51? - Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to get more states to support the Constitution. - Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to address the fears of the Anti-Federalists who believed that increasing the powers of the national government would leave room for the government to abuse its power and people. - Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to make states understand that there was no way to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical and abusing its people. - Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to explain that each branch of government would be given its own degree of independence as a way to prevent tyranny.

- Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to make states understand that there was no way to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical and abusing its people.

In proposing the New Jersey Plan, its proponents were interested in what? - Preventing small population states from exercising too much power in the national government - Securing a stable basis for domestic economic activity - The protection of individual rights and privileges - Maintaining the structure of the Articles of Confederation and basing representation on the states

- Maintaining the structure of the Articles of Confederation and basing representation on the states

To reinforce the representational differences in the national bicameral legislature, the Great Compromise required that: - No property qualifications be imposed for members of the House of Representatives, but significant property qualifications be imposed for Senators. - Members of the House of Representatives be selected by the voters, and members of the Senate be selected by the state legislatures. - One representative of one chamber be selected in odd-number years, and the other in even-numbered years. - No two representatives for a state come from the same city or township

- Members of the House of Representatives be selected by the voters, and members of the Senate be selected by the state legislatures

The Constitution's first three articles create separate legislative, executive and judicial branches, is consistent with: - John Locke's views about the nature of liberty and how it fits into the social contract - Montesquieu's theory for the separation of political power. - The framers' overall distrust in government - Jean Jacques Rousseau's belief that those without property would attempt to take it from those who do have it

- Montesquieu's theory for the separation of political power

The Constitution's demotion of liberty, and lack of protections for natural rights, suggests the framers were what? - Hostile towards the interests of individuals. - More interested in the practicalities of government. - Worried that expressing certain rights would serve to legitimize the institution of slavery. - Fearful the new national government would be subject to insurrection by disgruntled Anti-federalists.

- More interested in the practicalities of government

What type of rights are contained in the Bill of Rights? Choose two answers. - The Bill of Rights contains natural rights. - The Bill of Rights contains objective rights. - The Bill of Rights contains procedural rights. - The Bill of Rights contains consensus rights.

- Natural Rights - Procedural Rights

The senate has equal representation for each state regardless of population size of the state. - New Jersey Plan -Virginia Plan

- New Jersey Plan

Which statements are true concerning the state of nature? (Choose 2 answers) - Describes the relationship between human beings and animals - Permits a philosophical definition of human nature - Is a thought experiment upon which a definition of proper society and government are built - Suggests that human beings are naturally social

- Permits a philosophical definition of human nature - Is a thought experiment upon which a definition of proper society and government are built

Which of these are powers of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? - Power to tax - Power to declare laws passed by other states as invalid - Power to enforce laws - Power to declare war

- Power to declare war

What powers did the national government have under the Articles of Confederation? (Choose 3) - Power to declare war - Power to borrow or coin money - Power to settle disputes among different states - Power to declare laws passed by other states as invalid

- Power to declare war - Power to borrow or coin money - Power to settle disputes among different states

Which power or role is associated with the Executive Branch? (Choose 3) - Power to pardon. - Power to carry out the laws of the land. - Power to deal with international trade. - Commander-in-chief of the armed forces. - Power to ensure that laws agree with the Constitution.

- Power to pardon - Power to carry out the laws of the lan - Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces

How was slavery involved in the Constitutional Convention? - Representatives from the North were adamant that slaves not be counted towards a state's population while Southerners insisted that they be counted. - The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery was passed so that all enslaved children in the United States would become indentured children to be set free at the age of 28. - The North and South viewed slave inclusion in a state's population similarly.

- Representatives from the North were adamant that slaves not be counted towards a state's population while Southerners insisted that they be counted

How did creating a republican form of government in the United States ease the fears of the national government becoming too powerful? - Republican government permitted little authority for the states - Republican government gave a majority of the power to the national government - Republican government rested political power in the hands of the people - Republican government allowed for one political party to control the laws and policies

- Republican government rested political power in the hands of the people

Under the terms of the original Constitution, what would happen to a slave who escaped and fled to another state? - Runaway slaves would be put to death if they fled across state lines. - Runaway slaves could be reclaimed by their owners and taken back. - Runaway slaves that cross state lines would be assigned to a new owner in the state in which they were apprehended. - Runaway slaves would be free unless they ever returned to the state from which they had escaped.

- Runaway slaves could be reclaimed by their owners and taken back

In Federalist no. 51, Madison argues for the division of government authority to each branch of government. What is this known as? - A mixed regime - Separation of powers - Non-eminent domains - Equal protection

- Separation of Powers

In the Federalist Paper No. 51, Madison argues for the division of government authority to different parts or branches of government. What is this known as? - Equal protection - Checks & Balances - Non-eminent domains - Separation of powers

- Separation of Powers

Which Constitutional principle, suggested by Montesquieu, lessens the potential harm of the national government over the people? - Civil Society - Bicameral Legislature - Separation of Powers - Natural Rights

- Separation of Powers

Why were foreign governments reluctant to loan money to the United States during the time of the Articles of Confederation? - Foreign government were not reluctant to loan money to the US and embraced forming monetary agreements with the national government - Foreign governments feared the perception of "taxation without representation" - Foreign governments feared that they would be attacked by the British Government for loaning money to the US after American Revolution - Since the national government lacked the ability to tax its citizens, foreign governments feared that the national government would not be able to repay them

- Since the national government lacked the ability to tax its citizens, foreign governments feared that the national government would not be able to repay them

What describes Clause 3 of Article IV, Section 2 in the Constitution? - Slave owners could not sell slaves to owners in different states. - Slave owners could reclaim their slaves in states where they had fled. - Slave owners could import as many slaves as they wished. - Slave owners could not represent the interests of the slave population.

- Slave owners could reclaim their slaves in states where they had fled

Which of the following groups would have been least likely to support ratification of the Constitution? - The wealthy - Small farmers and planters - Businessmen and merchants - Former military commanders

- Small farmers and planters

Which concept is an Enlightenment idea that influenced the leaders of the American Revolution? - Trial by jury - Free press - Universal suffrage - Social contract

- Social Contract

Which of these describes the Social Contract Theory? - Society was created by Philosophers - The people do not control society, but society controls the people - WE must accept society as it is since it was naturally created - Society is NOT natural--But created by the people

- Society is not natural--But created by the people

How does the Bill of Rights reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Constitution? - The Bill of Rights explicitly listed individual freedoms. - The Bill of Rights ensured that civil rights would not be violated. - The Bill of Rights expanded the authority of the government. - The Bill of Rights eliminated the need for amendments

- The Bill of Rights explicitly listed individual freedoms

Which was designed with a concern for the tyranny of factional majority? - Social Contract - Bill of Rights - Constitution - Declaration of Independence

- The Constitution

The name of the series of essays published beginning in 1787 that argued in support of a strong federal government and the ratification of the Constitution was: - The Pentagon Papers - The Federalist Papers - The Brutus Papers - The Publius Papers

- The Federalist Papers

Which of these options helped the Federalists gain more support for their theories of a representative government with increased national powers? - The Federalist Papers - The Anti-Federalist Decree - The Declaration of Independence - The Second Treatise on Government

- The Federalist Papers

Which of the following accurately describes the outcome of the Great Compromise? - The Great Compromise created a confederation. - The Great Compromise created a unicameral legislature. - The Great Compromise created a compromise over the issue of slavery. - The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature.

- The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature

What debate did the Great Compromise settle so that the Constitutional Convention could continue? - The Great Compromise settled the debate between the delegates who wanted to increase the powers of the national government and those who wanted to maintain state sovereignty. - The Great Compromise settled the debate between northern and southern states over how slaves would be counted in regards to a state population for the purpose of representation in Congress. - The Great Compromise settled the debate between northern and southern states over whether or not slavery would continue in the United States. - The Great Compromise settled the debate between the large states and small states over state representation in the legislative branch.

- The Great Compromise settled the debate between the large states and small states over state representation in the legislative branch

Which plan for representation in the national legislature advocated for the voice of less populous states? - The Virginia Plan - The New Jersey Plan - The New York Plan - The Connecticut Plan

- The New Jersey Plan

Which plan for representation in the national legislature advocated for the voice of less populous states? - The New York Plan - The Virginia Plan - The New Jersey Plan - The Connecticut Plan

- The New Jersey Plan

Which of these groups approve presidential nominees? - The judiciary - The Senate - Both the House of Representatives and the Senate - The House of Representatives

- The Senate

Several mechanisms were put into place to satisfy the fears of those who felt that if the Constitution gave the national government more power, it would be able to abuse its power and the rights of the people. Which is not one of those mechanisms? - The Supremacy Clause - Checks and balances - The veto - Separation of powers

- The Supremacy Clause

What was one reason why it was necessary to replace the Articles of Confederation? - The national government was so strong that it threatened the rights of citizens - Countries refused to trade with the new country since the government was so weak - The states did not have enough power - The US lacked the military force to defend the new country

- The US lacked the military force to defend the new country

Which plan for representation argued for greater representation for the more populous states? - The New York Plan - The Connecticut Plan - The Virginia Plan - The New Jersey Plan

- The Virginia Plan

What best describes the differences between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans in the role of federal and state sovereignty? (Choose 3) - The Virginia Plan advocated for more powers for the central government. - Supporters of the New Jersey Plan advocated for states to retain power over the national government while supporters of the Virginia Plan wanted the national government to legislate for the states and even veto laws passed by state legislatures. - Supporters of the New Jersey Plan believed that the states were best suited to represent the needs of the citizens while supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that effective representation could happen at the national level. - The Virginia and New Jersey Plans only differed in their ideas for appropriate representation in the national legislature; they agreed on the ideas of appropriate federal and state sovereignty.

- The Virginia Plan advocated for more powers for the central government. - Supporters of the New Jersey Plan advocated for states to retain power over the national government while supporters of the Virginia Plan wanted the national government to legislate for the states and even veto laws passed by state legislatures. - Supporters of the New Jersey Plan believed that the states were best suited to represent the needs of the citizens while supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that effective representation could happen at the national level.

What best describes the ideas and beliefs of federal and state sovereignty in the Virginia Plan? (Choose 2) - The Virginia Plan not only sought to give more representation to populous states, it also advocated for a national government that would legislate for the states. - Supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that a strong national government was vital to the success of the United States. - Although the Virginia Plan differed from the New Jersey Plan in its idea of state representation, these plans had similar ideas for federal and state sovereignty. - The Virginia Plan argued for a national government that had less sovereignty than state governments.

- The Virginia Plan not only sought to give more representation to populous states, it also advocated for a national government that would legislate for the states. - Supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that a strong national government was vital to the success of the United States.

During the Constitutional Convention, how did the Virginia Plan differ from the New Jersey Plan? - The Virginia Plan wanted a unicameral legislature, while the New Jersey Plan wanted a bicameral legislature. - The New Jersey Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the Virginia plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population. - The New Jersey Plan wanted to abolish slavery, while the Virginia Plan wanted to keep it. - The Virginia Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the New Jersey plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population.

- The Virginia Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the New Jersey plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population.

Which of these was intended as part of the system of checks and balances? - The creation of a national judiciary was intended as part of the system of checks and balances. - The ability of the president to veto acts of Congress was intended as part of the system of checks and balances. - The ability of the president to issue executive orders was intended as part of the system of checks and balances. - The ability of Congress to pass laws was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.

- The ability of the president to veto acts of Congress was intended as part of the system of checks and balances

Which power is a check on the executive branch? - The ability to override a presidential veto - Supporting executive privilege - The ability to reverse presidential pardons - The right to reverse decisions made by the courts

- The ability to override a presidential veto

Which Constitutional change was not advocated by the Federalists? - The addition of the Bill of Rights - The power of the national government to collect taxes - Senators elected by state legislatures - One national currency

- The addition of the Bill of Rights

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? (choose 2) - The articles created a republican form of government - The articles created a bicameral legislature - The articles gave the states too much authority - The articles limited the powers of the national government too much, making it weak and ineffective

- The articles limited the powers of the national government too much, making it weak and ineffective - The articles gave the states too much authority

Why was it so difficulty to change the Articles of Confederation? - The articles of confederation specifically stated that they were not to be changed - The articles of confederation were only an experiment so changing them would ruin the results - The articles of confederation required 2/3s of the states to approve changes - The articles of confederation required unanimous consent by all the states for any changes

- The articles of confederation required unanimous consent by all the states for any changes

How do the branches of government operate under the concept of checks and balances? - Each branch of government functions independently and does not require the cooperation of the other branches. - The branches of government must cooperate to function, but each branch has no authority over the other branches. - Each branch of government functions independently but must cooperate with the other branches on issues of national concern. - The branches of government must cooperate to function, and each branch can restrict the others branches' powers.

- The branches of government must cooperate to function, and each branch can restrict the others branches' powers.

Which statement characterizes a unitary system of government? - The central government controls the allocation of funds spent at the local level. - The Articles of Confederation formed a unitary government. - The central government cannot change boundaries of states/provinces. - Voters elect governors of local provinces or states.

- The central government controls the allocation of funds spent at the local level

Why did the Article's of Confederation provide for such a weak national government? - Foreign powers provided money for those opposing a strong national government so the new country would be weak - The colonists/citizens of the US were afraid of a strong central government - The writers of the Articles wanted a government as strong as Britain - The country was destitute after winning the American Revolution

- The colonists/citizens of the US were afraid of a strong central government

What concern did "separation of powers" address during the Constitutional Convention? - The concern was that the national government would engage in taxation without representation. - The concern was that the larger more populous states would not give smaller states a voice in the government. - The concern was that increasing the power of the national government would allow it to become too powerful. - The concern was that the Southern states would not have enough representation in the national government.

- The concern was that increasing the power of the national government would allow it to become too powerful.

In what key ways does the Constitution differ from the Declaration of Independence? Choose two answers. - The Constitution is more concerned with controlling rather than expressing the popular will. - The Constitution elevates the rights of property. - The Constitution makes justice more important than liberty. - The Constitution expands the list of natural rights.

- The constitution is more concerned with controlling rather than expressing the popular will - The Constitution makes justice more important than liberty

How do conflicting ideas of the Enlightenment influence American government and politics? Choose 2 answers. - The Constitution sets up a system of government that isn't favorable to the democratic expression of the popular will. - The conflict between popular government and the separation of powers creates an ideal balance of interests. - The protection of private property can interfere with the government's dealing with important social needs. - The conflict among ideas leads to an increasingly undemocratic system of government.

- The constitution sets up a system of government that isn't favorable to the democratic expression of the popular will. - The protection of private property can interfere with the government's dealing with important social needs.

The most important structural outcome of the Great Compromise was: - The establishment of a single, rather than a multiple, executive. - The creation of a bicameral national legislature, with each chamber representing a different type of political actor. - The concession to admit new states into the Union on terms equal to existing states. - The shifting of political authority from the large states to the small states.

- The creation of a bicameral national legislature, with each chamber representing a different type of political actor

What is an argument outlined in Federalist, no. 10? - The government was needed because individual citizens could not be trusted. - The diverse interests of the people would prevent the development of powerful interests. - The common interests of the people are determined by the government. - The interests of the people must supersede state authority.

- The diverse interests of the people would prevent the development of powerful interests

Which is true of the impeachment process? - The impeachment process involves a conviction in a federal court for a crime. - The impeachment process was designed as a check on the Congressional branch. - The impeachment process involves a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a hearing in the Senate requiring a two-thirds vote to remove an individual. - The impeachment process involves the House of Representatives' removing someone from office.

- The impeachment process involves a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a hearing in the Senate requiring a two-thirds vote to remove an individual.

What was a major problem with the Articles of Confederation? - Representatives from larger states wielded too much power. - The state government structures were given very limited powers. - The national government did not have the power to impose taxes. - They were not approved by all of the states.

- The national government did not have the power to impose taxes

Which ideas are embodied in the Declaration of Independence? Choose 2 answers. - The ideas of Thomas Hobbes - The natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness - The idea that governments are created by people to protect their natural rights - The purpose of government is to secure justice for all people

- The natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness - The idea that governments are created by people to protect their natural rights

Why did the United States have currency problems under the Articles of Confederation? - The new government had to rely on states to provide funds for backing a currency and paying back loans - The new government could not borrow money - There was no paper currency - The new government could not create a currency

- The new government had to rely on states to provide funds for backing a currency and paying back loans

What powers does Congress possess? (Choose 2) - The power to declare war - The power to enforce laws - The power (by the Senate) to pass treaties with a two-thirds majority vote - The power to convict individuals of crimes

- The power to declare war - The power (by Senate) to pass treaties with a two-thirds majority vote

Which of these powers does the president hold? - The power to select members of state legislatures - The power to pass laws when Congress fails to do so - The power to grant pardons - The power to declare war

- The power to grant pardons

Which powers fall under the Legislative Branch? (Choose 3) - The power to lay and collect taxes. - The power to declare war. - The power to veto laws passed by Congress. - The power to declare laws unconstitutional. - The power to remove a president from office.

- The power to lay and collect taxes - The power to declare war - The power to remove a president from office

Which power is a reserved power of the national government under the Constitution? - The power to levy taxes directly on citizens is reserved to the national government. - The power to regulate international trade is reserved to the national government. - The power to maintain a military force is reserved to the national government. - The power to regulate intrastate trade is reserved to the national government.

- The power to regulate international trade is reserved to the national government

What is a power reserved to the states under the Constitution? - The power to permit slavery is reserved to the states. - The power to levy taxes is reserved to the states. - The power to regulate trade with neighboring states is reserved to the states. - The power to structure state governments is reserved to the states.

- The power to structure state governments is reserved to the states

What are specific powers given to Congress in Article I of the Constitution? (Choose 3) - The power to tax - The power to regulate trade and commerce - The power to declare war - The power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional

- The power to tax - The power to regulate trade and commerce - The power to declare war

Who has the most important role in foreign policy? - The president and Congress equally - Congress - The Supreme Court - The president

- The president

Which entity has the power to execute laws passed by Congress? - The states are always involved in the execution of laws. - The judiciary has the power to execute laws. - The president and officials in the executive branch are in charge of executing the laws passed by Congress. - Congress and the president jointly executive the laws that are passed.

- The president and officials in the executive branch are in charge of executing the laws passed by Congress

Which statement is true concerning the powers of the president as chief diplomat? - The president is in charge of negotiating treaties. - The president has the power to approve treaties. - The president alone determines who will be U.S. ambassadors. - Congress has more power in foreign policy than the president.

- The president is in charge of negotiating treaties

Which check limits the power of Congressional law-making? - The need for approval by the states is a limitation to Congressional law-making. - Pre-approval by federal courts is a limitation to Congressional law-making. - The president's power to veto is a limitation to Congressional law-making. - The need for a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress is a limitation to Congressional law-making.

- The president's power to veto is a limitation to Congressional law-making

Which major compromise was made at the Constitutional Convention? - The immediate prohibition on importing enslaved persons - The right to recover enslaved persons from free states - The maintenance of an equal number of free and slave states - The proportional representation of enslaved persons

- The proportional representation of enslaved persons

What is the Enlightenment? (choose 2 answers) - a revival of Roman Catholicism - The source of our ideas about natural rights - Where democratic government is invented - A period of Western European History following the Middle Ages

- The source of our ideas about natural rights - A period of Western European History following the Middle Ages

What is the Enlightenment? (Choose 2 answers.) - The source of our ideas about natural rights. - A period of Western European history following the Middle Ages. - Where democratic government is invented. - A revival of Roman Catholicism.

- The source of our ideas about natural rights - A period of Western European history following the Middle Ages

Which statement is true of unitary and federal systems? - Only state governments can charge someone with criminal actions. - Only the national government can tax individuals. - The state and national governments can tax individuals. - Only the states can tax individuals.

- The state and national governments can tax individuals

In what way is the state of nature important for constructing a social contract? (Choose 2 answers) - The state of nature gives definition to what it means to be human - The state of nature offers an ideal in which a social contract should seek to emulate - The state of nature gives definition to natural rights - The state of nature is fictional and offers nothing meaningful for constructing a social contract

- The state of nature gives definition to what it means to be human - The state of nature gives definition to natural rights

The Anti-Federalist insistence on a Bill of Rights resulted from: - A worry that state governments would act to restrict individual liberty and suppress natural rights. - A concern that propertied elites would use government to suppress American's middle and lower classes. - A belief that the slave-based economy of the Southern states was in jeopardy. - The view that the Constitution offered little protection for liberty or natural rights.

- The view that the Constitution offered little protection for liberty or natural rights

Even though the national government had the power to declare war under the Articles of Confederation, why was the power limited and ultimately ineffective? - Individual states had the power to disagree with the national government and overrule their decision to go to war - There was no money to cover the costs of war - There was no national army, so the national government had to rely on the individual states to allow their soldiers to participate - There was no chief executive who could determine a strategy for fighting wars

- There was no national army, so the national government had to rely on the individual states to allow their soldiers to participate

Although the national government had the power to declare war under the Articles of Confederation, how was this specific power limited? - The national government needed approval from the states in order to declare war - The national government could not appoint military officials - There was no President to serve as commander in chief of the national military - There was no national military from which to draw soldiers

- There was no national military from which to draw soldiers

Which statement s are true about natural rights? (Choose 2 answers) - They let you do what you need to survive and be secure - They impart an equality of being among all people - They compel the creation of democratic government - They are given by the government and not God

- They let you do what you need to survive and be secure - They impart an equality of being among all people

Why did the founding fathers provide so little detail for the judiciary? - They provided little detail for the judiciary because they understood the role of courts and the judicial system from the English system and the colonial period. - They provided little detail for the judiciary because they were uncertain about what a national court system would be. - They provided little detail so that Congress could provide all the necessary details that were left out of the Constitution. - They provided little detail for the judiciary because they wanted to keep the judiciary similar to that which existed under the Articles of Confederation.

- They provided little detail for the judiciary because they understood the role of the courts and the judicial system from the English system and the colonial period

Which statements are true about natural rights? (Choose 2 answers) - They compel the creation of democratic government - They show the equality of all people - They let you do what you need to survive and be secure - They are given by the government and not god

- They show the equality of all people - They let you do what you need to survive and be secure

Why does the Enlightenment influence American politics and government? Choose 3 answers. - The colonists are attracted to the idea of the divine right of kings. - Those immigrating to the American colonies are attracted to the Enlightenment's ideas of liberty and property. - Ideas of the Enlightenment frame the colonists' response to British violations of natural rights. - The colonists have a long history of self-government, consistent with the Enlightenment's ideas about government by consent.

- Those immigrating to American Colonies are attracted to the Enlightenment's ideas of liberty and property - Ideas of the Enlightenment frame the colonists' response to British violations of natural rights - The colonists have a long history of self-government, consistent with the Enlightenment's ideas about government by consent

Which of these compromises were struck during the Constitutional Convention over how slaves would be counted in a state's population? - The Three-Fifths Compromise - The Virginia Plan - The Great Compromise - The Fugitive Slave Clause

- Three-Fifths Compromise

What is the purpose of the social contract? - To realize the will of God - To create natural rights - To acknowledge and protect natural rights

- To acknowledge and protect natural rights

Why did the Anti-Federalist advocate for addition of the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution? (Choose 2) - To explicitly protect the natural rights of individuals - To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government - to please the Federalists who wanted to make the government as strong as possible

- To explicitly protect the natural rights of individuals - To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government

Which is NOT a reason James Madison found it necessary to write Federalist, no. 10? - To make states understand that factions did not have to exist under a strong national government - To inform the states that factions could be contained by a representative government - To get more states to support ratification of the Constitution - To address the fears of the Anti-Federalists who were suspicious of a government run by elites

- To make states understand that factions did not have to exist under a strong national government

Why were the powers of the national government severely limited under the Articles of Confederation? - To create a government that would only have the ability to function for a limited amount of time - To prevent the states from feeling alienated from the national government - To give the national government a layer of protection against the desire of the citizens - To prevent the national government from becoming too powerful or abusing the rights of individual citizens and states

- To prevent the national government from becoming too powerful or abusing the rights of individual citizens and states

Why did the Anti-Federalists want the government to remain closer to the people? (Choose 2) - To prevent the possibility of government tyranny. - To keep the national government from realigning with the British government. - To keep the wealthy elites from having complete power.

- To prevent the possibility of the government tyranny - To keep the wealthy elites from having complete power

Why did the Anti-Federalists advocate for the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution? (Choose 2) - To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government. - To explicitly protect the rights of individuals. - To provide a way for the national government to take advantage of the people. - To please the Federalists who wanted to make the government as strong as possible.

- To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government - To explicitly protect the rights of individuals

Why did the Federalists want to make the national government as strong as possible? (Choose 2) - To provide more protection for the United States against potential threats. - To provide the potential for the people to overtake the government. - To build and maintain a strong economy. - To give the government enough power to take away individual freedoms.

- To provide more protection for the United States against potential threats - To build and maintain a strong economy

The motivation for the Virginia Plan was: - To assert a need for greater state cooperation in the face of foreign threats - To more firmly entrench the confederal nature of the national government - to protect the institution of slavery - To shift more power to a new, stronger, national government

- To shift more power to a new, stronger, national government

The motivation for those who introduced and promoted the Virginia Plan was: - To protect the institution of slavery. - To shift more power to the national government. - To assert a need for greater state cooperation in the face of foreign threats. - To more firmly entrench the confederal nature of the national government

- To shift more power to the national government

Bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers - New Jersey Plan - Virginia Plan

- Virginia Plan

The House of Representatives is based on the population size of a state's population. - New Jersey Plan - Virginia Plan

- Virginia Plan

The power to draft soldiers under the Articles of Confederation required the national government to do which of the following? (Choose 2) - Appoint senior officials - Set entry requirements of the national army - Ask each state to send troops any time they wanted to engage in war - Create a system of sharing troops with the individual states

- appoint senior officials - Ask each state to send troops any time they wanted to engage in war

Why was the inability of the national government to tax a weakness of the Articles of Confederation? (Choose 3) - being unable to tax often left the national government underfunded - foreign countries did not want to lend or trade with the national government - the currency of the US became worthless - people who used other countries' currency instead of US currency began to feel less American

- being unable to tax often left the national government underfunded - foreign countries did not want to lend or trade with the national government - the currency of the US became worthless

Which natural right was explicitly protected in the Declaration of Independence? - Wealth - Property - Liberty - Voting

- liberty

Why did the Founding Fathers develop the system of checks and balances? - The Founding Fathers wanted a government with limited power like the Articles of Confederation. - The Founding Fathers wanted to create a powerful executive leader in the presidency. - The Founding Fathers wanted to be able to provide taxes for governing without inferences. - The Founding Fathers feared a government that would be too strong.

- the Founding Fathers feared a government that would be too strong

The Great Compromise sought to balance ___________. - competing economic interests of an urban industrial sector and a rural agricultural sector. - the ideological differences over representation of the people or of the states. - the sectional interests of Northern and Southern states. - the differing interests between a minority of economic elites and a majority of people with middle and low incomes.

- the ideological differences over representation of the people or of the states

How did inability to regulate trade among the states prove to be a weakness for the US? (Choose 3) - the national government had no power to regulate the price of goods - many local farmers and business owners could not survive in the economy under the Articles of Confederation - too many officials became caught up in trade regulation and didn't fulfill their assigned duties - the inability to regulate trade allowed the states to make their own agreements with other countries without the national government knowing

- the national government had no power to regulate the price of goods - many local farmers and business owners could not survive in the economy under the Articles of Confederation - the inability to regulate trade allowed the states to make their own agreements with other countries without the national government knowing

Which power did the national government have under the Articles of Confederation? - To manage relationships with Indian Tribes - To enforce laws - To have national courts practice judicial review - To create an army and a navy

- to manage relationships with Indian tribes

As a "check" on the power of Congress to pass laws, the president was given the power to _______. - veto legislation. - declare laws unconstitutional. - declare war. - confirm justices to the Supreme Court.

- veto legislation

What is it called when people make an agreement between themselves and the government? - Balance of Power - Natural Rights - The State of Nature - A Social Contract

A Social Contract

What are social contracts constructed to be compatible with? - Nature and God - Direct and Representative Democracies - Ordinary Rights & Government Rights - Human Nature & Natural Rights

Human Nature & Natural Rights

Which of the following did John Locke view as the most important protection(s) under the social contract? - The general will - Life - Security - Liberty and Property

Liberty and Property

According to John Locke, how much authority should society have over its citizens under the social contract? - Locke did not believe in the social contract - Total Authority - No Authority - Limited Authority

Limited authority -Rationale: Locke believed that the social contract should provide a society in which the society has no more power than is necessary to regulate the natural rights and co-existence of its citizens.

What is an important weakness of a social contract? - Social contracts are fixed - Social contracts require consensus - Social contracts don't aspire to create a perfect moral order - All social contracts eventually fall

Social contracts require a consensus

Which of these describes a theory of the social contract? - Society is not natural, but created by the people - We must accept society as it is since it was naturally created - The people do not control society, but society controls the people - Society was created by God

Society is not natural, but created by the people.

According to the social contract theory, what is the origin of society? - Society is mandated by the will of God - Society is a natural expression of human existence - Society is a hypothetical state of human existence, useful for developing philosophical arguments - Society is the product of human desire and effort

Society is the product of human desire and effort

Which of these accurately describes John Locke's view of the state of nature? - The state of nature is better than organized society - The state of nature was peaceful and consisted of rational human beings - The state of nature creates insecurity among the people - The state of nature was a war against all

The state of nature was peaceful and consisted of rational human beings. +But inconvenient.

What is the purpose of a social contract? - To acknowledge and protect natural rights - To create natural rights - To realize the will of God

To acknowledge and protect natural rights