20 questions
This sequence of events resulted in the adoption of the
Articles of Confederation
Bill of Rights
Treaty of Paris
Declaration of Independence
What assurance did this argument give to those who opposed ratifying the Constitution?
The amendment process would allow state governments to nullify federal law.
Making the federal government superior to state governments would ensure greater stability
The rights of citizens would be better protected by having both federal and state levels of government.
Giving greater power to the federal government would allow it to assist states in times of crisis.
Which speaker is in favor of ratifying the Constitution?
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Speaker 3
Speaker 4
In the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which point would have been made by a Federalist?
"The existing national government lacks the ability to add new states to the union."
"The states are in danger of losing the ability to raise revenue."
"The existing national government lacks the power to perform essential functions."
"The states are unable to protect the rights of the people."
Why did the anti-federalists demand that a bill of rights be added to the U.S. Constitution?
To strengthen the authority of the federal government
To improve the organization of the judiciary
To give each state an equal amount of power
To protect individual freedoms from the federal government
Patrick Henry opposed ratifying the U.S. Constitution because he believed that under it --
the states would surrender too much power to the federal government
alliances could not be formed with other countries
the courts would not be able to hold government officials accountable
individuals would exercise too much power over the federal government
Which of these is a grievance from the Declaration of Independence?
Colonists born in America were prohibited from holding elected office.
Colonists were forced to quarter troops in their homes.
Colonists were not eligible to become officers in the British Army.
Colonists were required to serve a year in their colony's militia.
Which excerpt from the Declaration of Independence best explains why colonists were unhappy about their lack of representation in the British parliament?
"He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people."
"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent"
"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good."
"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences."
This list includes rights that are considered -
transferable
legislated
unalienable
inherited
In this excerpt, the authors of the Virginia Declaration of Rights are describing rights they consider -
granted to citizens by their government
natural and possessed at birth
protected under religious doctrine
defined by the courts
This excerpt refers to rights that people -
earn by demonstrating loyalty to their government
receive by becoming citizens of a country
have as a result of being human
are granted after enlistment in the military
This provision is a response to which grievance from the Declaration of Independence?
"For suspending our own Legislatures and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever..."
"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government..."
"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records."
"He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners."
Which provision of the U.S. Constitution reflects this grievance?
The president can appoint justices with the advice and consent of the Senate
Congress has the power to establish federal courts.
The commerce clause allows Congress to regulate trade among the states.
Congress can override a presidential veto with two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
The Twelfth Amendment established a new process for choosing a president and a vice president. The purpose of this amendment was to -
prevent the concentration of power in the executive branch
ease the eligibility requirements for holding federal office
keep state officials from exerting undue influence on presidential elections
reduce the likelihood of disputed outcomes in presidential elections
The Constitution describes two ways to propose an amendment. Which of the following gives an example of one way?
The president officially requests that Congress propose the amendment.
Three-fourths of state governors sign a petition in favor of proposing the amendment.
A majority of citizens vote in favor of proposing the amendment.
two-thirds of both congressional houses vote in favor of proposing the amendment.
During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, George Mason argued -
against increased power for the national government
for the dissolution o state governments
against the passage of a bill of rights
for the creation of a strong executive branch
Patrick Henry was criticizing which aspect of the Constitution in this excerpt?
The eligibility requirements for congressional office
The power granted to the central government
the establishment of a separate judicial branch
the difficulty of the amendment process
Those in favor of ratifying the Constitution would most liekly respond to this concern by pointing out that -
elected representatives are accountable to individual voters
courts have the right to resolve disputes between the states
each branch of government can serve as a check on the other branches
power is divided between the federal government and state governments
George Mason refused to sign the Constitution and opposed its ratification because believed that it -
did not adequately protect individuals from potential government abuse
did not give the executive branch enough power to oversee the military
prevented the legislative branch from effectively governing the states
prevented the judicial branch from using judicial review to overturn acts of legislature
Which argument would a Federalist make to support ratification of the Constitution?
The Constitution will enable states to nullify laws that are harmful to citizens.
A strong federal government will be more stable than a loose confederation of states.
The Constitution will allow states to establish banks to stabilize the national economy.
A republican system of government will better represent large states.