POS2041-MDC-Ch. 2-Practice Quizzes
How many proposed amendments to the Constitution have been formally offered to Congress? A- fewer than fifty B- fewer than one hundred C- between one hundred and 200 D- between 1,000 and 1,500 E- over 11,000
E- over 11,000
Colonial protesters of the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act rallied around what famous political slogan? A- "No taxation without representation" B- "Give me liberty or give me death" C- "Remember the Alamo" D- "A house divided against itself cannot stand" E- "Don't tread on me"
A- "No taxation without representation"
Each of the following was an Antifederalist except: A. Patrick Henry B. John Jay C. George Mason D. Richard Henry Lee E. Elbridge Gerry
B. John Jay
Which of the following best describes the process of amending the Constitution? (p.52-53) A- it is difficult and has rarely been used successfully to address specific public problems B- it is difficult and has frequently been used successfully to address specific public problems C- it is easy and has rarely been used successfully to address specific public problems D- it is easy and has frequently been used successfully to address specific public problems E- it is easy, but it has never been used for any purpose
A- it is difficult and has rarely been used successfully to address specific public problems
During the Philadelphia Convention, the New Jersey Plan was supported by: A- less-populous states B- slaveholding states C- free states D- urban states E- southern states
A- less-populous states
Why was the Declaration of Independence a remarkable philosophical statement for its time? A. It asserted that slavery was a "morally unjust" institution that should be outlawed. B. It asserted that there were "unalienable rights" that could not be abridged by governments. C. It asserted that laissez-faire capitalism would be the "supreme law of the land" in America. D. It asserted that America was "first and foremost, a Christian nation." E. It asserted that efforts by European powers to colonize lands in North and South America would be viewed as an act of aggression by the United States.
A. It asserted that there were "unalienable rights" that could not be abridged by governments.
Who orchestrated the Boston Tea Party? A. John Adams B. Samuel Adams C. Samuel Lipton D. Alexander Hamilton E. Paul Revere
A. Samuel Adams
The Virginia Plan would have created a federal legislature in which representation was based solely on the population of each state. A. TRUE B. FALSE
A. TRUE
The Stamp Act was a: A. Tax on commerce B. Prohibition on all unofficial mail C. Law permitting the crown to open mail D. Prohibition on alcohol E. A tax on sugar, molasses, and other commodities
A. Tax on commerce
The events that led to the Revolutionary War were triggered by which of the following? A. The British raised revenue by increasing the tax rate of the colonies. B. The British had established suspicious alliances with Indian tribes during the French and Indian Wars. C. American separatists assassinated King George II. D. Protestant fundamentalists in New England were attempting to establish a theocracy. E. The British were attempting to end slavery in the colonies.
A. The British raised revenue by increasing the tax rate of the colonies.
Which of the following was a ramification of the Three-fifths Compromise? A. The Compromise allowed for a political agreement between the North and the South. B. The Compromise exacerbated conflicts between merchants and planters. C. The Compromise allowed for a political agreement between large states and small states. D. The Compromise permanently outlawed the slave trade. E. The Compromise temporarily outlawed slavery.
A. The Compromise allowed for a political agreement between the North and the South.
Which of the following statements about the House and the Senate is FALSE? A. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties while the House does not. B. The Senate has the power to approve presidential appointments while the House does not. C. The House has the power to overturn a president's veto while the Senate does not. D. The House has the power to originate revenue bills while the Senate does not. E. Members of the House have two-year terms, while senators have six-year terms
A. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties while the House does not.
At the Constitutional Convention, the plan to create a Congress in which representation was distributed according to population was called the: A. Virginia Plan B. Adams Proposal C. New Hampshire Suggestion D. Washington Doctrine E. New Jersey Plan
A. Virginia Plan
Successful amendments to the Constitution: A. are usually responses to particular topical problems B. are most commonly concerned with the structure or composition of the government C. have often been used to restrict the rights of citizens D. have typically had little effect on the actual workings of the government E. have been those designed to promote economic equality
A. are usually responses to particular topical problems
All of the following are constitutional powers of the president except the power to: A. officially recognize other nations B. grant pardons C. veto bills D. regulate commerce between the states E. convene Congress in special session
A. convene Congress in special session
The Three-fifths Compromise: A. determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation B. determined the ratio between free states and slave states C. created a bicameral legislature D. declared that the states would pay three-fifths of the Revolutionary War debt and the federal government would pay the rest E. determined that all American citizens would pay three-fifths of their income to the federal government in taxes every year
A. determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation
Which of the following was designed by the framers to be an office directly elected by the people? A. member of the House of Representatives B. senator C. president D. federal court judge E. vice president
A. member of the House of Representatives
James Madison believed that in the Constitutional Convention the greatest conflict of interests was between: A. large states and small states B. northern states and southern states C. the wealthy and the poor D. Catholics and Protestants E. farmers and merchants
A. northern states and southern states
Shays' Rebellion was an attempt to: A. prevent the state of Massachusetts from foreclosing on the lands of debt-ridden farmers B. invade New England by Loyalists from Canada C. overthrow the federal government under the Articles of Confederation D. bring a Georgian slave revolt to Virginia E. force the British government to rescind the Tea Act
A. prevent the state of Massachusetts from foreclosing on the lands of debt-ridden farmers
The Virginia Plan of the Constitutional Convention proposed a system of representation in the national legislature that was based upon: A. equal representation between the states B. the concept of universal suffrage C. the population of each state or the proportion of each state's revenue contribution or both D. the geographical size of a state E. the strength of each state's militia
A. the population of each state or the proportion of each state's revenue contribution or both
Under the United States' first constitution: A. there was no president B. the president was more powerful than Congress C. the Senate was the most powerful political institution D. the president was directly appointed by the state legislatures E. the Supreme Court was the most powerful political institution
A. there was no president
Only one-third of the Senate is up for re-election during any single election year because the framers believed that: A. too many elections would be difficult for the states to run B. the voters should not have to make too many decisions during any single election C. this was the only way to protect the Senate against radical changes D. the state legislatures would conspire with each other to elect a Senate dominated by a single party E. this would make members of the Senate more responsive to the preferences of their constituents
A. this was the only way to protect the Senate against radical changes
When was our current constitution written? A- 1776 B- 1787 C- 1812 D- 1920
B- 1787
___________ is a system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government. A- A constitution B- A confederation C- Federalism D- Separation of powers
B- A confederation
An amendment to the U.S. Constitution may be proposed in which of the following ways? A- A majority vote in both houses of Congress and the president's signature B- A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress C- A majority vote in both houses of Congress and a ruling by the Supreme Court that the measure is constitutional D- A constitutional convention called by one-half of the state legislatures
B- A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress
Brutus and Federal Farmer are two pseudonyms used by the: A- Federalists B- Antifederalists C- Publius D- Monarchists E- Constitutionalists
B- Antifederalists
The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation were not sufficient to hold the new nation together as an independent and effective nation-state. Which of the following statements is false? A- The central government under the Articles of Confederation was powerless to intervene to resolve trade, economic, and political disputes among the states. B- Many of the pre- and post-revolutionary radicals, small farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers wanted a strong national government to protect their economic interests. C- Many of the pre-revolutionary colonial elite favored a stronger national government to protect their economic interests. D- Competition among the states for foreign commerce allowed the European powers to play the states against one another.
B- Many of the pre- and post-revolutionary radicals, small farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers wanted a strong
The First Continental Congress met in 1774. Which of the following actions did the delegates at the Congress take? A- They declared independence from Great Britain. B- They called for a total boycott of British goods. C- They elected George Washington as General of the Colonial Army. D- They wrote the pamphlet Common Sense, which argued for independence from British rule.
B- They called for a total boycott of British goods.
In the national debate over ratification of the new Constitution, the Federalists: A- supported a return to the Articles of Confederation B- opposed the Constitution and preferred decentralized government C- supported the Constitution and preferred a strong national government D- supported a return to British rule E- refused to support the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added
C- supported the Constitution and preferred a strong national government
The first written constitution for the United States was called: A- the Magna Carta B- the Bill of Rights C- the Articles of Confederation D- the Constitution E- the Declaration of Independence
C- the Articles of Confederation
Alexander Hamilton argued that the chief executive office should possess: A. Popularity B. Judgment C. Energy D. Gravitas E. Integrity
C. Energy
The 1787 convention to draft a new constitution was held in: A. Boston B. New York City C. Philadelphia D. Washington, D.C. E. Charlottesville, Virginia
C. Philadelphia
The Antifederalists argued that the powers of government should be limited by: A. providing Congress with a larger grant of powers B. decreasing the powers of the executive branch, especially those of the vice president C. both confining the powers of the federal government to certain narrowly defined areas and adding a bill of rights to the Constitution D. creating an internal system of checks and controls within government E. preventing government from collecting revenue through taxation
C. both confining the powers of the federal government to certain narrowly defined areas and adding a bill of rights to the Constitution
One of the key underlying themes of the original Constitution was A- recognizing the mistrust of people. B- creating three branches of government that were all democratically elected. C- making the government as efficient as possible. D- promoting cooperation between branches of government.
D- promoting cooperation between branches of government.
The United States' first written constitution was A- the U.S. Constitution. B- the Declaration of Independence. C- the League of States. D- the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union.
D- the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union.
Which of the following were the Anti-Federalists most concerned with? (p. 48-49) A- interstate commerce B- the protection of property C- the distinction between principles and interests D- the potential for tyranny in the central government E- abolishing slavery
D- the potential for tyranny in the central government
Which state's proposal embodied a principle of representing states in the Congress according to their size and wealth? (p.37) A- Connecticut B- Maryland C- New Jersey D- Rhode Island E- Virginia
E- Virginia
Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court as understood by the Founders? (p.44) A- the body that would choose the president B- the highest court if the national government C- arbiter of disputes within the congress D- a figurehead commission of elders E- a supreme court of the nation and it states
E- a supreme court of the nation and it states
What is the term length of a federal judge? A. two years B. four years C. six years D. ten years E. barring impeachment, life
E. barring impeachment, life
Which of the following was NOT a tool used by the Founders to prevent the dangers of "excessive democracy"? A. checks and balances B. staggered terms in office C. bicameralism D. indirect election E. senatorial courtesy
E. senatorial courtesy
Under the Great Compromise, small states were given an advantage in the A- Senate B- House of Representatives. C- electoral college. D- Supreme Court.
A- Senate
Who defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre? A- Thomas Jefferson B- Samuel Adams C- John Adams D- John Hancock E- George Washington
C- John Adams
Under the original, unamended Constitution, the only person(s) elected directly by the people was/were A- The president. B- Senators. C- Supreme Court judges. D- Members of the House of Representatives
D- Members of the House of Representatives
Whose "political gospel" inspired the framers to adopt the concept of the separation of powers? A- Aristotle B- Voltaire C- Machiavelli D- Montesquieu E- Hobbes
D- Montesquieu
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention that determined that every 5 slaves would be counted as 3 free persons for the purposes of taxation and representation in the House of Representatives was called the (p.38-39) A- Virginia Plan B- New Jersey Plan C- Connecticut compromise D- Three-fifths compromise E- Great compromise
D- Three-fifths compromise
The New Jersey Plan A- gave women the right to vote. B- settled the question of the legality of slavery under the new constitution. C- used population to determine representation in the national legislature. D- called for each state to have equal representation in the national legislature.
D- called for each state to have equal representation in the national legislature.
The Three-fifths Compromise dealt primarily with what issue? A- A slave would count as three-fifths of a person when determining population. B- Three-fifths of the states had to ratify the current constitution. C- It now takes a three-fifths vote in Congress to propose constitutional amendments.
A- A slave would count as three-fifths of a person when determining population.
Which of the following constitutional provisions were meant to curb "excessive democracy"? A- Checks and balances B- Direct election of members of the House of Representatives C- The Bill of Rights D- The Three-fifths Compromise
A- Checks and balances
In general, it was the ____________ vision of the United States that triumphed. A- Federalist B- Antifederalist C- Jeffersonian D- Washingtonian
A- Federalist
Why was the decision to assign jurisdiction over controversies between citizens of different states to the Supreme Court significant? A- It meant that the federal judiciary, rather than the state courts, would ultimately become the primary venue for resolving disputes. B- It meant that the state courts, rather than the federal judiciary, would ultimately become the primary venue for resolving disputes. C- It meant that courts at both the state and federal level would become irrelevant to the operating of the American political system. D- It meant that the federal courts would not be allowed to use the power of judicial review on cases involving economic disputes. E- It meant that the state courts would be allowed to use the power of judicial review on cases involving economic disputes
A- It meant that the federal judiciary, rather than the state courts, would ultimately become the primary venue for resolving disputes.
Who were the writers of the Federalist Papers? A- James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton B- John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson C- George Washington, Samuel Adams, and William Paterson D- Charles Beard, Daniel Shays, and Paul Revere E- James Madison, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson
A- James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton
What is a limitation (drawback) of liberty as a political principle? A- Limits on government action can inhibit effective government. B- Government can use its power to allocate status and opportunity among groups. C- Groups can use the political process to achieve economic and social gains. D- None of the above
A- Limits on government action can inhibit effective government.
What did the New Jersey Plan propose for Congress? A- Representation would be equal for each state. B- Representation would be appointed according to population. C- Representation would be proportionate to the share of taxes paid by each state to the federal government. D- The powers of Congress would check those of state legislatures. E- Representatives to Congress would be appointed by the state legislatures.
A- Representation would be equal for each state.
Which of the following statements best describes the motivations of the Founders in writing the Constitution? A- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system consistent with the dominant philosophical and moral principles of the day while also promoting commerce and protecting private property from radical state legislatures. B- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system that would lead to their own personal enrichment. C- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system of direct democracy that maximized popular sovereignty. D- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system that concentrated authority in one branch of government. E- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system that ended slavery.
A- The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system consistent with the dominant philosophical and moral principles of the day while also promoting commerce and protecting private property from radical state legislatures.
What or who were Publius and Brutus? A- The pen names used in essays written defending ("Publius") and attacking ("Brutus") the proposed U.S. Constitution B- The nicknames given to Alexander Hamilton ("Publius") and Aaron Burr ("Brutus") C- Latin terms meaning Federalist ("Publius") and Antifederalist ("Brutus") D- None of the above
A- The pen names used in essays written defending ("Publius") and attacking ("Brutus") the proposed U.S. Constitution
The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government and a loose alliance of nearly independent states. A- True B- False
A- True
The Federalist Papers argue against the ratification of the Constitution and defined strong state governments. A- True B- False
A- True
In their fight against British Taxes such as the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act of 1764, New England merchants allied with which of the following groups? (p.57) A- Artisans, southern planters, and laborers B- Southern Planters Only C- Laborers only D- artisans only E- Southern Planters and Laborers Only
A- artisans, southern planters, and laborers
Shays' Rebellion was significant because it: A- convinced many observers that the government of the Confederation had become dangerously inefficient and indecisive B- led to the admission of Vermont into the Union C- led to the abolition of slavery D- convinced Congress to approve the Louisiana Purchase E- led to the start of the Civil War
A- convinced many observers that the government of the Confederation had become dangerously inefficient and indecisive
The Shays's Rebellion was significant in that it A- demonstrated the weakness of government under the Articles of Confederation. B- represents the first major battle of the Civil War. C- led to renewed fighting between the colonists and the British. D- was the last battle in the Revolutionary War.
A- demonstrated the weakness of government under the Articles of Confederation.
The Constitution's framers placed ____________ ahead of all other political values. A- individual liberty B- democracy C- equality D- civil rights
A- individual liberty
The amendment route to social change A- is, and always will be, extremely limited. B- is very frequently followed. C- is hard, but has been used more than fifty times in American history. D- has never been used in America.
A- is, and always will be, extremely limited.
Theorists such as Montesquieu referred to the principle of giving each branch of government a distinctly different constituency as (p.46) A- mixed regime B- confederation C- laissez-faire D- limited government E- federalism
A- mixed regime
Prior to the twentieth century, most governments relied on ____________ for revenue. A- tariffs, duties, and other taxes on commerce B- local sales taxes C- a national sales tax D- a personal income tax
A- tariffs, duties, and other taxes on commerce
Which of the following possesses the sole power to create revenue bills? A- the House of Representatives B- the Senate C- the president D- the Office of Management and Budget E- the Treasury Department
A- the House of Representatives
Proponents of the idea of the "living Constitution" argue that A- the judiciary is the institution best qualified to adjust the Constitution's principles to new problems and times. B- judges should adhere closely to the word of the document's text. C- states should be able to amend the constitution with a majority vote. D- Supreme Court justices should be popularly elected.
A- the judiciary is the institution best qualified to adjust the Constitution's principles to new problems and times.
What was the purpose of the Annapolis Convention? A- to discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation B- to plot the revolt known as Shays' Rebellion C- to write the Declaration of Independence D- to draft a new Bill of Rights E- to vote on ratifying the Articles of Confederation
A- to discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were adopted in: A. 1763 B. 1768 C. 1777 D. 1787 E. 1791
A. 1777
How was the power in Congress divided under the Articles of Confederation? A. Each state had an equal vote. B. Each state's votes were proportionate to its population. C. The states were not formally represented in Congress. D. Each state's power depended on its geographic size. E. Each state's power depended on its economic wealth
A. Each state had an equal vote.
How did the founders attempt to reassure citizens that their views would be represented in the new government created by the Constitution? A. by allowing citizens to vote directly on all laws enacted by the federal government B. by making the Constitution very easy to amend C. by requiring the direct election of senators, members of the House, and the President D. by giving the federal judiciary the power of judicial review E. by defining the new government's most important powers, such as collecting taxes, borrowing money, and regulating commerce, as belonging to Congress
A. by defining the new government's most important powers, such as collecting taxes, borrowing money, and regulating commerce, as belonging to Congress
Bicameralism is a constitutional principle that means the: A. division of national government into two branches B. division of the powers of the executive branch between two individuals: the president and the vice president C. division of the powers of the executive branch between two individuals: the head of state and the head of government D. division of Congress into two chambers E. division of the federal court system into two levels: the Supreme Court and the appellate courts
A. division of Congress into two chambers
According to the text, the writing of the Constitution demonstrates the: A. marriage of interests and principles B. triumph of self-interest over the common good C. epitome of civic virtue D. rupture with the past E. triumph of the common good over self-interest
A. marriage of interests and principles
The framers employed the separation of powers and federalism in order to: A. prevent the new government from abusing its power B. end the slave trade C. create a replica of the British political system D. maximize popular sovereignty E. promote economic equality among all citizens
A. prevent the new government from abusing its power
The supremacy clause: A. states that Congress is the most powerful branch of the government B. establishes that no branch of the government is supreme over others C. announces that the Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws D. announces that state laws are superior to any federal laws E. declares that no European powers shall interfere in North America
A. states that Congress is the most powerful branch of the government
What was the most common form of taxation during the colonial era? A. income tax B. taxes on commercial products and activities C. animal head tax D. taxes for use of governmental services and lands E. taxes on private property
A. taxes on commercial products and activities
What led the British to raise taxes on the American colonists during the 1760s? A. the French and Indian Wars B. the cost of war against Napoleon in Europe C. the expenses incurred in colonizing South Africa D. the extensive roads and canals built by the British in North America E. the desire to penalize the colonists for their actions during the Boston Tea Party
A. the French and Indian Wars
Under the Articles of Confederation, the relationship between the states and the federal government can best be compared to: A. the United Nations' relationship with member states B. a state government's relationship with counties C. a state government's relationship with cities D. the Soviet Union's relationship with member republics E. the United States' relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War
A. the United Nations' relationship with member states
The electoral college is: A. an expression of direct democracy B. designed to select the president C. established in the Bill of Rights D. a school attended by all members of Congress E. the federal organization that oversees the operation of all elections held in the United States
A. the federal organization that oversees the operation of all elections held in the United States
The first governing document in the United States was (p.33) A- the Declaration of Independence B- the Article of Confederation C- the Constitution D- the Bill of Rights E- the Virginia Plan.
B- Articles of Confederation
The Antifederalists wanted a stronger central government than that proposed in the Constitution. A- True B- False
B- False
The Boston Tea Party started as a reaction to the British imposing an embargo of tea and coffee trade on the colonies. A- True B- False
B- False
The Constitution gives Congress the power to recognize other nations, and to accept ambassadors from foreign countries. A- True B- False
B- False
The Declaration of Independence was the United States' first governing constitution. A- True B- False
B- False
The Three-fifths Compromise stated that no more than three out of every five states could be slave states. A- True B- False
B- False
According to your text, which of the following statements best articulates the motives of the framers at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia? A- The United States' framers were a collection of securities speculators and property owners whose main aim was self-interest and personal gain. B- The framers' interests were reinforced by their principles. C- The framers were primarily interested in philosophical and ethical principles. D- The framers were most concerned about the expansion of democracy to all new Americans.
B- The framers' interests were reinforced by their principles.
Antifederalists wanted A- to stay a British colony. B- a more decentralized government. C- more power in the hands of the national government. D- the right to spit in their opponents' faces.
B- a more decentralized government.
The three branches of government created by the Constitution are: A- constitutional, elected, and appointed B- executive, legislative, and judicial C- federal, state, and local D- military, courts, and bureaucracy E- economic, political, and social
B- executive, legislative, and judicial
The system of shared powers, divided between a central government and the states, is called: A- the electoral college B- federalism C- statism D- checks and balances E- the separation of powers
B- federalism
The Virginia Plan was favored by: A- small states, since it emphasized the importance of population. B- large states, since it emphasized the importance of size and wealth. C- small states, since it treated all states equally. D- slave states, since it allowed slaves to be counted toward the population of the states.
B- large states, since it emphasized the importance of size and wealth.
The purpose of the first ten amendments was to A- provide more power to the national government. B- provide clear limitations on the powers of national government. C- provide clear limitations on the powers of the state governments. D- limit both the national and state governments
B- provide clear limitations on the powers of national government.
The Tenth Amendment A- reserves power not granted to the states to the national government. B- reserves power not granted to the national government to the states. C- prohibits Congress from restricting freedom of speech. D- prohibits the states from interfering with the national government.
B- reserves power not granted to the national government to the states.
How did the British attempt to raise revenue in North American Colonies? (p.30) A- income tax B- taxes on commerce C- expropriation and government sale of land D- government asset sales E- requests for voluntary donations
B- taxes on commerce
What is the term length of a member of the House of Representatives? A- one year B- two years C- three years D- four years E- six years
B- two years
To amend the Constitution requires a ______ vote by Congress, and approval by ______ of the states. A- majority; a majority B- two-thirds; three-fourths C- three-fourths; a majority D- majority; two-thirds E- three-fourths; three-fourths
B- two-thirds; three-fourths
The framers of the Constitution intended to create a presidency capable of: A- completely dominating Congress B- withstanding excessive popular pressure by making it subject to indirect election through the electoral college C- spending money with little interference from any other branch of government D- regulating all forms of commerce E- declaring war on any country that posed a threat to American national security
B- withstanding excessive popular pressure by making it subject to indirect election through the electoral college
The Connecticut Plan provided for which of the following? A- A House of Representatives apportioned by the number of free inhabitants and a Senate consisting of two members from each state selected by state legislatures B- A House of Representatives apportioned by the number of free inhabitants plus three-fifths of the slaves and a Senate consisting of two members from each state directly elected by the people C- A House of Representatives apportioned by the number of free inhabitants plus three-fifths of the slaves and a Senate consisting of two members from each state selected by the state legislatures D- A bicameral legislature in which both houses would be apportioned according to the number of free inhabitants plus three-fifths of the slaves
C- A House of Representatives apportioned by the number of free inhabitants plus three-fifths of the slaves and a Senate consisting of two members from each state selected by the state legislatures
Which of the following concepts best explains the underlying reason for the Bill of Rights? A- Checks and balances B- Separation of powers C- Limited government D- Rule by government
C- Limited government
Which event led directly to the Constitutional Convention by providing evidence that the government created under the Articles of Confederation was unable to act decisively in times of national crisis? (pp.35-36) A- the Boston Tea Party B- The Boston Massacre C- Shay's rebellion D- the Annapolis Convention E- the War of 1812
C- Shays's Rebellion
Which of the following statements is true about the Constitutional ratification process? A- Ratification of the Constitution was a speedy and uncontroversial process. B- The Constitution was ratified in state legislatures. C- The struggle for ratification was carried out in thirteen separate campaigns. D- The so-called Federalists opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
C- The struggle for ratification was carried out in thirteen separate campaigns.
Which of the following statements is true about the Three-fifths Compromise? A- It settled the question of how many senators each state would get. B- It created a system to elect the president of the United States. C- Under this compromise, five slaves would count as three free persons in apportioning seats in the House of Representatives. D- Only three-fifths of all slaves were allowed to vote in national elections.
C- Under this compromise, five slaves would count as three free persons in apportioning seats in the House of Representatives.
According to the text, the story of the Founding is important because A- it is a story about morality; the British were oppressive, and the Americans had the moral obligation to rebel. B- all students should learn the lessons of history. C- it was a story of political choices, and Americans continue today to make tough political choices. D- it illustrates that democracy is the only political choice for freedom-loving people.
C- it was a story of political choices, and Americans continue today to make tough political choices.
According to your text, _________ inevitably leads to the growth of political activity and the expansion of political participation. A- equality B- a political party C- liberty D- All of the above
C- liberty
Most of the seventeen Constitutional amendments ratified since the Bill of Rights in 1791 have been directly or indirectly concerned with A- due process of law. B- equal protection of the law. C- structure or composition of government. D- civil liberties.
C- structure or composition of government.
Where was the execution of laws conducted under the Articles of Confederation? (p.33) A- the presidency B- the congress C- the states D- the federal judiciary E- the federal bureaucracy
C- the states
The power of judicial review A- allows the Senate to confirm presidential judicial appointments. B- is defined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution. C- was assumed by the Supreme Court. D- was declared unconstitutional by Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison.
C- was assumed by the Supreme Court.
The Equal Rights Amendment A- was formally approved by Congress and ratified by the states, becoming the Twenty-Seventh Amendment. B- failed to receive approval in Congress and was never sent to the states. C- was formally approved by Congress but failed to be ratified by three-quarters of the states. D- None of the above
C- was formally approved by Congress but failed to be ratified by three-quarters of the states.
The decision to give the national government control over commerce and finance was motivated primarily by the framers' desire to: A. End slavery in the United States B. Eliminate state and local governments C. Promote economic development and protect property from radical state legislatures D. Build international alliances E. Guarantee economic equality for all citizens
C. Promote economic development and protect property from radical state legislatures
The ability of the president to veto a bill passed by Congress is a good example of what principle of limited government? A. separation of powers B. federalism C. checks and balances D. civil liberties E. majority rule, minority rights
C. checks and balances
During the Philadelphia Convention, in order to win concessions from large states, representatives from smaller states like Delaware threatened to: A. boycott goods from large states B. ban travel across their borders C. form alliances with foreign nations D. go to war with the large states E. create their own independent country
C. form alliances with foreign nations
Since 1789, more than 11,000 amendments were formally offered in Congress. Of these, only ____________ were finally ratified by the states. A- 500 B- 100 C- 50 D- 27
D- 27
An important issue dividing Federalists and Antifederalists was the threat of tyranny, meaning, A- generally, unjust rule by the group in power. B- from the Antifederalists' perspective, the fear of an aristocracy. C- from the Federalists' perspective, rule by the passions of the majority. D- All of the above
D- All of the above
______________ is a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments. A- A confederation B- Separation of powers C- A monarchy D- Federalism
D- Federalism
Who was NOT appointed to help draft the Declaration of Independence? A- Thomas Jefferson B- Benjamin Franklin C- John Adams D- George Washington E- Robert Livingston
D- George Washington
Which statement about government under the Articles of Confederation is FALSE? A- The armed forces of the United States consisted of state militias. B- The central government could not prevent states from economically discriminating against one another. C- There was no president under the Articles of Confederation. D- Members of Congress had significant independence from their states. E- Each state, regardless of size, had only one vote in Congress.
D- Members of Congress had significant independence from their states.
In order to signify that the enumerated powers were meant to be a source of strength to the national government and not a limitation on it, the Founders: A- added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution B- included provisions for direct democracy in the Constitution C- included the full faith and credit clause in the Constitution D- included the elastic clause in the Constitution E- made it difficult to amend the Constitution
D- included the elastic clause in the Constitution
What mechanism was instituted int he Congress to guard against "excessive democracy? (p.40) A- bicameralism B- staggered terms in office C- appointment of senators for long terms D- indirect election of the president E- all of the above
E- all of the above
