U.S. Unit 2

Weaknesses in the central government under the Articles of Confederation exposed by Shays’ Rebellion contributed directly to the

• signing of the Declaration of Independence

• creation of the United States Constitution

• development of a policy of neutrality

• passage of the Northwest Ordinance

A central issue in the debate between Federalists and Antifederalists over the ratification of the United States Constitution was the

• power of judicial review being granted to the judicial branch

• threat posed by a strong central government to the rights of citizens

• role of the president as commander in chief of the armed forces

• danger of unrestricted interstate commerce

The main purpose of the Federalist Papers was to

• discourage the creation of political parties

• support the candidacy of George Washington

• urge ratification of the Constitution

• advocate independence from Great Britain

The main objection to the adoption of the United States Constitution was based primarily on the

belief that

• the number of new states admitted to the Union should be limited

• individual freedoms could be restricted by a strong central government

• a separate judiciary would make the government ineffective

• slave populations gave the South too much power

Which viewpoint of the framers of the United States Constitution is demonstrated by the use of the electoral college to select the president?

• distrust of the average citizen’s judgment

• belief that political parties strengthen the campaign process

• desire to end property qualifications for voting

• commitment to universal suffrage

The primary aim of the writers of the United States Constitution was to

• eliminate the bicameral legislature

• strengthen the power of the central government

• preserve the supremacy of the states

• weaken the independence of the judiciary

The power of the president to veto laws and the power of the House of Representatives to impeach are examples of

• federalism

• executive privilege

• the unwritten constitution

• checks and balances

As stated in the United States Constitution, which group is directly elected by the people?

• Supreme Court justices

• presidential cabinet members

• members of the House of Representatives

• political party leaders

Which statement most accurately describes the principle of federalism?

• States have the power to review national laws.

• The ultimate power is given to the voters.

• Power is divided between the national and state governments.

• Power is shared by the two political parties.

A principal reason for calling the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to

• strengthen the central government

• settle land disputes with Canada

• increase the power of the states

• weaken the system of checks and balances