US Constitution Practice Test F2024

Front

The Preamble

Back

begins and states the purpose of the Constitution

Answer explanation

The Preamble begins and states the purpose of the Constitution, outlining the goals and principles of the document, making this the correct choice.

Front

The man who wrote the Declaration of Independence was

Back

Thomas Jefferson

Answer explanation

The man who wrote the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. He was the principal author of this foundational document, which was adopted on July 4, 1776.

Front

The war in which the colonies won their independence from England was the

Back

Revolutionary War

Answer explanation

The colonies gained independence from England during the Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. The other wars listed, such as the French and Indian War and the Civil War, did not result in this outcome.

Front

Before the adoption of the Constitution, the newly independent states were joined by what document?

Back

Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

Before the Constitution, the states were united under the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first governing document, establishing a loose alliance among the states.

Front

The Constitutional Convention met in the city of: Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Trenton

Back

Philadelphia

Answer explanation

The Constitutional Convention, which aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, convened in Philadelphia in 1787. This city was chosen for its central location and its significance in American history.

Front

The Preamble begins with

Back

We the people of the United States....

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "We the people of the United States...." as it is the actual opening phrase of the Preamble to the Constitution, establishing the authority of the government derived from the people.

Front

Which of the following is NOT included in the Preamble?

• to form a more perfect union
• to promote the pursuit of happiness
• to provide for the common defense
• to establish justice

Back

to promote the pursuit of happiness

Answer explanation

The phrase 'to promote the pursuit of happiness' is not included in the Preamble of the Constitution. The Preamble focuses on goals like forming a more perfect union, providing for the common defense, and establishing justice.

Front

The plan for government proposed during the Constitutional Convention that called for a bicameral Congress based on population was

Back

The Virginia Plan

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral Congress with representation based on population, contrasting with the New Jersey Plan, which favored equal representation. This plan was a key proposal during the Constitutional Convention.

Front

For Ratification, The Constitution needed the approval of how many states?

Back

Thirteen (13)

Answer explanation

For Ratification, the Constitution required the approval of nine (9) states, not thirteen. Thirteen refers to the total number of original states, but only nine were needed to ratify.

Front

The United States Constitution was ratified on

Back

June 21, 1788

Answer explanation

The United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, making it the correct answer. The other dates listed are incorrect and do not correspond to the ratification of the Constitution.