Understanding the Articles and Constitution

Front

Which of the following was a strength of the Articles of Confederation related to land management?
Options:
The ability to levy taxes,
The Land Ordinance of 1785,
The establishment of a national currency,
The power to regulate interstate commerce

Back

The Land Ordinance of 1785

Answer explanation

The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant strength of the Articles of Confederation as it established a systematic process for surveying and selling western lands, promoting orderly expansion and settlement.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.a.

Front

How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 influence the addition of new states?

Back

It provided a method for admitting new states to the Union.

Answer explanation

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a clear process for admitting new states to the Union, ensuring orderly expansion and governance in the Northwest Territory, which facilitated the growth of the United States.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.a.

Front

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation that led to the call for a stronger central government? Options: The ability to declare war, The lack of a national judiciary, The power to regulate trade, The establishment of a postal service

Back

The lack of a national judiciary

Answer explanation

A significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a national judiciary, which meant there was no system to interpret laws or resolve disputes, leading to calls for a stronger central government.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.b.

Front

How did Shays’ Rebellion highlight the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Back

It underscored the lack of a strong central government.

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion revealed the inability of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation to respond effectively to civil unrest, highlighting the need for a stronger central government to maintain order and enforce laws.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.b.

Front

What was the Great Compromise and how did it shape the Constitution?

Back

It created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in one house.

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, creating the House of Representatives with proportional representation and the Senate with equal representation, shaping the structure of the U.S. Congress.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.c.

Front

Which feature of the Constitution limits the power of the government? Options: The Three-Fifths Compromise, The Bill of Rights, The principle of limited government, The establishment of a monarchy

Back

The principle of limited government

Answer explanation

The principle of limited government is a key feature of the Constitution that restricts governmental power, ensuring that no branch becomes too powerful and protecting individual liberties.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.c.

Front

What was the purpose of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Back

To count slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation

Answer explanation

The Three-Fifths Compromise was established to count slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation in Congress and taxation, balancing the interests of slaveholding and non-slaveholding states.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.c.

Front

What was a major argument of the Anti-Federalists during the debate on ratification of the Constitution?

Back

The lack of a bill of rights

Answer explanation

A major argument of the Anti-Federalists was the lack of a bill of rights, as they believed it was essential to protect individual liberties against potential government overreach.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.d.

Front

How did The Federalist Papers aim to influence the ratification of the Constitution?

Back

By explaining and defending the proposed Constitution

Answer explanation

The Federalist Papers aimed to influence the ratification of the Constitution by explaining and defending its provisions, addressing concerns, and promoting its benefits to ensure public support.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.d.

Front

What role did Alexander Hamilton play in the debate over the ratification of the Constitution?

Back

He was a leading Federalist who advocated for a strong central government.

Answer explanation

Alexander Hamilton was a leading Federalist who strongly supported the Constitution, advocating for a robust central government to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Tags

GA.SSUSH5.d.