AP Gov Unit 21 Foundational Documents

Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1?

• large republic would be preferable to a small one because more people could participate.

• A small republic would pose more danger to individual liberty than a large republic.

• A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states.

• A small republic is more susceptible to corruption than a large republic.

The Declaration of Independence cites specific reasons for separating from British rule, including the British imposing taxes and maintaining a standing army without consent. Which of the following principles or ideas would these grievances be most related to?

• Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property

• The authority to create a centralized military among the colonies

• The incorporation of checks and balances among the branches of government

• Concurrent powers allowing the colonies to draft their own laws

Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10?

• A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other.

• A large republic makes it possible to abolish factions and concentrate all power at the national level

• A large republic allows the federal government to dominate the state governments through the necessary and proper clause.

• A large republic is a direct democracy where the people have a direct vote in policy matters, which controls factions.

In the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson claims that

• colonial subjects were mistreated and cheated by the British

• all men should have the freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly.

• the purpose of government is to protect natural rights.

• federal power should be divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial

Which of the following best describes James Madison’s point of view when writing Federalist No. 51?

• A rigid separation of functions between the branches of the national government is the most efficient way to safeguard the liberty of the people.

• The role of the states in the political process should be minimal.

• In order to avoid tyranny, separate but contesting branches of government with overlapping responsibilities need to be constructed within a compound, republican framework.

• The legislative branch of government should dominate its executive and judicial counterparts since it is the closest to the people.

Which of the following Constitutional provisions reflect the sentiments expressed above in the Declaration of Independence?

• The protection of civil rights embodies in the original Constitution.

• The constitutional protection to keep and bear arms embedded in the original Constitution.

• The establishment of the House of Representatives under the original Constitution.

• The establishment of the Senate under the original Constitution.

Over time the government of the United States struggles with fulfilling the promise that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights.” Which amendment below has done the most to fulfill the promise of equality embedded in the Declaration of Independence?

• 1st amendment

• 5th amendment

• 9th amendment

• 14th amendment

How did the Articles of Confederation affect the power of the federal government to influence economic policy?

• It stabilized relations between the federal and state governments since they were both allowed to tax.

• It somewhat limited federal government power since the states could coin money but the federal government could regulate commerce.

• It severely limited its power because states were in control of both taxation and commerce.

• All control of economic policy was given to the federal government.

What mechanism below was embedded in the Constitution to “prevent despotism, or, what is worse, a tyrannic aristocracy..” as the excerpt described?

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Natural Rights

• Separation of Power/Checks and Balances

Which of the following best describes Dr. Martin Luther King’s point of view when writing the Letter from Birmingham Jail?

• Dr. King apologizes for the community tensions created by such tactics as sit-ins and marches.

• Arguing that time was on their side, Dr. King promises that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) would slow down the pace of public demonstrations.

• Dr. King defends the motivations, tactics, and goals of the Birmingham campaign specifically and the Civil Rights Movement in general.

• Acknowledging failure, Dr. King is ready to cede leadership of the Civil Rights Movement to more radical elements.