Constitutional Underpinnings - Part 1

Which part of the U.S. Constitution lays out the powers and composition of the executive branch?

Article II

Which of the following is not an example of a check or balance put into the U.S. Constitution?

Congress reviews a judicial decision and overturns the Supreme Court.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise at the Constitutional Convention?

Only three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted when calculating each state's representation in Congress.

Which of the following men was not present at the Constitutional Convention?

Patrick Henry

Which showed the weakness of the United States government under the Articles of Confederation?

Shays's Rebellion occurred.

Which event occurred last?

The Treaty of Paris was signed.

Why did the First Congress add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution?

because the ratification process had made it clear that the people wanted a list of rights incorporated into the document

Why were the Federalists so anxious that New York and Virginia ratify the Constitution?

because without these large states the new national government would surely fail

What is the name of the system that keeps one branch of the federal government from becoming too powerful?

checks and balances

What powers are shared by the federal government and the state governments?

concurrent powers

What sort of federalism was marked by an equal division of power between the state and federal governments?

dual federalism

Which of the following is an example of a reserved power?

establishing local governments

Congress can print money but cannot issue licenses. States can issue licenses but cannot print money. What constitutional principle explains these contrasting powers?

federalism

Which principle was included in most state constitutions?

separation of powers; state constitutions had several branches of government

The Constitutional Convention was called to address the problems that the United States faced under the Articles of Confederation. Which was not a problem that led to the Convention?

the Northwest Ordinance

Laid out by Article III of the Constitution, this branch of government is responsible for resolving disputes and reviewing laws. Which branch is it?

the judicial branch

Which of the following provided the Founders with the core principles of their new government?

European Enlightenment

Which amendment protects you from search and seizure? (The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects.)

Fourth

The ideas of which Enlightenment philosopher had the most direct impact on the American founders?

John Locke

What is the republican government clause?

This clause guarantees that all the states will continue to have governments that are chosen by the people.