The Constitution

In the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which point would have been made by a federalists?

• 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.

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

• To strengthen the authority of the federal government.

• To improve the organization of the judiciary.

• To give each state an equal amount of power.

• To protect individual freedoms from the federal government

Patrick Henry opposed ratifying the U.S. Constitution because he believed that under it -

• the states would surrender too much power to the federal government.

• alliances could not be formed with other countries

• the courts would not be able to hold government officials accountable

• individuals would exercise too much power over the federal government

Why was it difficult for Congress to fulfill its duties under the Articles of Confederation?

• Any congressional action required executive approval.

• Congress lacked the power to declare war.

• Most congressional decisions required the approval of at least nine states.

• Congress lacked the power to regulate foreign trade

Which excerpt from the U.S. Constitution best illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty?

• Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own members.

• The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States...

• The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempure

• The time, places and manner of holding elections for Senators & ., shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof

In 1787 the United States was at a crossroads. Farmers in western Massachusetts had rebelled the year before over property taxes. The state struggled to end the rebellion. Events such as this one contributed to the decision to -

• sign the Treaty of Paris

• repeal the Intolerable Acts

• declare an embargo on imported goods

• restructure the federal government