Constitution STAAR Review

Patrick Henry opposed ratifying the US Constitution because he believed...

• the states would surrender too much power to the federal government.
• alliances could not be made with foreign nations.
• the courts would not b able to hold government officials accountable.
• individuals would have too much power over the federal government.

Why did the Anti-Federalists demand that a bill of rights be added to the US Constitution?

• to strengthen the authority of the federal government
• to improve the organization of the judicial branch
• to give each state an equal amount of power
• to protect individual freedoms from the federal government

In the debate over the ratification of the US 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.

With which of the following arguments would the authors of The Federalist Papers most likely have agreed?

• 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.

And excessive bail hath been required of persons committed in criminal cases to elude the benefit of the laws made for the liberty of the subjects;
And excessive fines imposed;
And illegal and cruel punishments inflicted...
English Bill of Rights, 1689
which US document guarantees protection against these injustices?

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

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
--Declaration of Independence 1776
Which provision of the US Constitution reflects this grievance?

• The president can appoint justices with the approval 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 2/3rds majority in both houses

Due Process of Law includes guarantee of a speedy trial, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, and ...

• the right to bear arms.
• freedom to speak without fear of punishment.
• protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
• freedom of the press in court proceedings.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
---Tenth Amendment, US Constitution
Which principle of US government is most clearly reflected in the amendment above?

• checks and balances
• federalism
• separation of powers
• due process

Congress passes a bill---the president vetoes the bill---Congress overrides the veto
Which principle of government is shown above?

• judicial review
• checks and balances
• popular sovereignty
• federalism

The president... shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.
---US Constitution, Article II, Section 2
This excerpt provides one example of which constitutional principle?

• federalism
• checks and balances
• popular sovereignty
• individual rights