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- 1. Multiple Choice
Which of the following should replace the question mark in this diagram? 8.4(D)
Direct democracy
Great Compromise
Checks and balances
Missouri Compromise
- 2. Multiple Choice
Which problem did George Washington encounter when he became president? 8.5(A)
Southern states were threatening to secede from the Union.
The United States had large debts from the American Revolution.
Great Britain was refusing to trade with the United States.
The Articles of Confederation needed to be replaced with a stronger constitution.
- 3. Multiple Choice
When citizens report for jury duty, they are helping uphold a constitutional right guaranteed by the — 8.19(C)
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Sixth Amendment
Ninth Amendment
- 4. Multiple Choice
Patrick Henry opposed ratifying the U.S. Constitution because he believed that under it — 8.4(E)
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
- 5. Multiple Choice
Which principle of U.S. government is most clearly reflected in the amendment above? 8.15(D)
Checks and balances
Federalism
Separation of powers
Due process
- 6. Multiple Choice
This event best demonstrates which feature of the American way of life? 8.25(C)
The First Amendment guarantees personal freedoms.
The Declaration of Independence asserts the principle of popular sovereignty.
The U.S. Constitution establishes the structure of the federal government.
The Fifth Amendment protects the rights of the accused.
- 7. Multiple Choice
In 1787 the United States was at a crossroads. Farmers in western Massachusetts had rebelled the year before over property taxes. The state struggled to end the rebellion. Events such as this one contributed to the decision to — 8.1(C)
sign the Treaty of Paris
repeal the Intolerable Acts
declare an embargo on imported goods
restructure the federal government
- 8. Multiple Choice
George Mason refused to sign the Constitution and opposed its ratification because he believed that it — 8.17(A)
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 the legislature
- 9. Multiple Choice
Why did the Anti-Federalists demand that a bill of rights be added to the U.S. Constitution? 8.4(E)
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
- 10. Multiple Choice
With which of the following arguments would the authors of The Federalist Papers most likely have agreed? 8.15(A)
A bill of rights should be included in the Constitution before it is ratified.
Having a stronger central government will make the country more stable and prosperous.
The Three-Fifths Compromise will result in fair and equal representation.
Universal suffrage should be constitutionally guaranteed.
- 11. Multiple Choice
Which provision of the U.S. Constitution reflects this grievance? 8.15(C)
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 a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
- 12. Multiple Choice
The Northwest Ordinance is considered a historical milestone because it — 8.6(A)
more than doubled the size of the United States
established a method for admitting new states to the Union
encouraged state legislatures to ratify the Constitution
proposed treaties with American Indians to allow the peaceful settlement of new territories
- 13. Multiple Choice
Which headline provides the best example of a First Amendment guarantee in action? 8.25(C)
“Religious University Forced to Close by State”
“Mormons Hold State Convention Downtown”
“Congress Declares a National Day of Remembrance”
“Protesters Arrested at Antiwar Rally”
- 14. Multiple Choice
The Constitution describes two ways to propose an amendment. Which of the following gives an example of one way? 8.16(A)
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.
- 15. Multiple Choice
The Articles of Confederation allowed each state only one vote in Congress. Which question reflects a major concern states had about this arrangement? 8.15(B)
Should states attempt to resolve conflicting claims to territory?
Should states change their procedure for selecting representatives?
Should unanimous state approval for national laws be required?
Should more populous states receive greater representation?
- 16. Multiple Choice
Those in favor of ratifying the Constitution would most likely respond to this concern by pointing out that — 8.17(A)
elected representatives are accountable to individual voters
courts have the right to resolve disputes between states
each branch of government can serve as a check on the other branches
power is divided between the federal government and state governments
- 17. Multiple Choice
Which U.S. document guarantees protection against these injustices?n 8.15(A)
The Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
The Mayflower Compact
- 18. Multiple Choice
Which document was most influenced by this statute? 8.25(A)
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Bill of Rights
- 19. Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the Three-Fifths Compromise? 8.4(D)
A portion of the slave population was counted for legislative representation.
A federal law enforcing the return of fugitive slaves was passed.
The census bureau was established to help apportion representation.
The election of senators was delegated to state legislatures.
- 20. Multiple Choice
This excerpt provides one example of which constitutional principle? 8.15(D)
Federalism
Checks and balances
Popular sovereignty
Individual rights
- 21. Multiple Choice
In the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which point would have been made by a Federalist? 8.4(E)
“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.”
- 22. Multiple Choice
Patrick Henry was criticizing which aspect of the Constitution in this excerpt? 8.17(A)
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
- 23. Multiple Choice
During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, George Mason argued — 8.17(A)
against increased power for the national government
for the dissolution of state governments
against the passage of a bill of rights
for the creation of a strong executive branch
- 24. Multiple Choice
The Northwest Ordinance established guidelines for the orderly expansion of the United States by instituting a — 8.6(A)
method to purchase territory from foreign powers
procedure for military takeovers of existing countries
process through which states could be added to the Union
compromise line that prohibited slavery in the West
- 25. Multiple Choice
Which document was the focus of this presentation? 8.15(B)
The Mayflower Compact
The Articles of Confederation
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
The Declaration of Independence
- 26. Multiple Choice
Which excerpt from the U.S. Constitution best illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty? 8.15(D)
“Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own
Members. . . .”
“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year
by the People of the several States. . . .”
“The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore. . . .”
“The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives,
shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.”
- 27. Multiple Choice
Which political idea was influenced by this provision of the Magna Carta? 8.15(A)
Federalism
Due process
A bicameral legislature
The social contract
- 28. Multiple Choice
Which speaker is in favor of ratifying the Constitution? 8.4(E)
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Speaker 3
Speaker 4
- 29. Multiple Choice
Which argument would a Federalist make to support ratification of the Constitution? 8.17(A)
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.
- 30. Multiple Choice
What assurance did this argument give to those who opposed ratifying the Constitution? 8.4(E)
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.
- 31. Multiple Choice
How did the provisions of the Northwest Ordinance affect U.S. expansion? 8.6(A)
By funding a transportation network in uninhabited regions
By establishing a process for territories to govern themselves
By promoting the growth of southern plantation economies
By creating a national bank to loan money to land investors
- 32. Multiple Choice
Why were southern delegates to the Constitutional Convention willing to accept the Three-Fifths Compromise? 8.4(D)
It increased the political influence of the South.
It allowed indentured servants in the South to become citizens.
It decreased the federal tax on property in the South.
It allowed the South to expand its industrial output.
- 33. Multiple Choice
Why was it difficult for Congress to fulfill its duties under the Articles of Confederation? 8.15(B)
Any congressional action required executive approval.
Congress lacked the power to declare war.
Most congressional decisions required the approval of at least nine states.
Congress lacked the power to regulate foreign trade.
- 34. Multiple Choice
What does this list suggest about the drafters of the Articles of Confederation? 8.4(C)
They did not want a judicial system based upon that of Great Britain.
They feared that a strong central government would abuse its power.
They were uncertain that democracy would continue to be the best type of government.
They did not think that state governments could provide for the general welfare.
- 35. Multiple Choice
Which document completes this excerpt? 8.6(A)
Declaration of Independence
Treaty of Ghent
Northwest Ordinance
Louisiana Purchase Treaty
- 36. Multiple Choice
Which numbered pair correctly replaces (1) and (2) in this table? 8.16(A)
(1) three-fourths
(2) eligible voters
(1) two-thirds
(2) Electoral College
(1) three-fourths
(2) Supreme Court
(1) two-thirds
(2) state legislatures
- 37. Multiple Choice
Which constitutional principle is Jefferson referring to in this excerpt? 8.18(A)
Full faith and credit
Popular sovereignty
Federalism
Judicial review
- 38. Multiple Choice
Those who agreed with this point of view were known as — 8.17(A)
Minutemen
Loyalists
Federalists
Patriots
- 39. Multiple Choice
Why was this congressional structure created by the framers of the Constitution? 8.21(C)
To follow the plan outlined in the Articles of Confederation
To reach a compromise between large and small states
To reach a compromise between slave states and non-slave states
To implement the outcome of a popular vote
- 40. Multiple Choice
Which law would be considered unconstitutional on the basis of First Amendment guarantees? 8.25(C)
A ban on the publication of classified information by government employees
A requirement that church employees pay income tax
A requirement that churches get a permit before building a new chapel
A prohibition on electing religious leaders to government office
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