Founding Principles

The Framers of the Constitution wanted to protect people’s natural rights. This idea was reflected in the work of

• French writer Baron de Montesquieu
• King George III
• a.  English philosopher John Locke
• Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Which document became the foundation of the first government of the United States?

• The US Constitution
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Mayflower Compact
• The Declaration of Independence

Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress did not have the authority to

• Conduct foreign affairs 
• Maintain armed forces
• Borrow money 
• Force citizens to join the army

Under the Articles of Confederation, which branch of the government was most powerful?

• Executive
• Legislative
• Judicial
• They were equal

Why did Americans deliberately place so many limitations on the Articles of Confederation?

• George Washington was widely regarded as an ineffective leader
• They thought that the American people were smart enough to govern themselves
• It was their first attempt at governing, so they lacked experience
• After years of British rule, they were determined not to place too much power in the hands of one ruler

he conflict between the large states and the small states in the crafting of the Constitution centered on

• whether judges should be chosen by popular vote.
• whether there should be a monarchy or a presidency.
• deciding how to count the votes of slaves in national, federal elections.
• how best to represent the interests of the people and the states in the legislature.
  

The government structure and powers under the Articles of Confederation differed from the government under the U.S. Constitution. How did the role of the government expand under the U.S. Constitution?

• Congress could not collect taxes.
• Congress could not collect taxes.
• A unicameral legislature made the laws.
• The executive branch could enforce laws.

Under the Articles of Confederation, how many states had to agree to amendmernds to the document?

• 9
• 12
• 13
• 50%

Under the Articles of Confederation, how many states had to agree to approve legislation?

• 50% +1
• 9
• 12
• 13

Which of the following demonstrated the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Shay's Rebellion
• 3/5 Compromise
• Virginia Plan
• Connecticut Plan