Foundations of American Government

Which document organized the first form of national government for the independent colonies?

• US Constitution
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Charters of the Virginia Company of London

All of the following are purposes of the United States government as listed in the Preamble EXCEPT…

• establish justice
• provide for defense
• assure jobs for all
• ensure domestic peace

Why does the Preamble begin with, "We the people?"

• to make it clear that more than one person wrote the Constitution
• to differentiate it from other famous documents
• to establish that the power of the government comes from the people
• to ensure that people stop and read the document

How did the Declaration of Independence address the King of England?

• it stated grievances against the King
• it stated how well the King treaded the colonists
• it stated the colonies wanted to take over England
• it stated the colonies wanted taxes from England

The Articles of Confederation were structured the way they were because the former colonies feared...

• a strong government
• poverty
• free press

The states retained the most of the power of government under..

• The Federalist Papers
• The Constitution
• The Articles of Confederation

One weakness of the Articles of the Confederation was ____________. 

• The ability of Congress to tax.
• The inability of Congress to tax.
• The ability of Congress to declare war.
• The ability of Congress to create courts.

How many branches of government were there under the Articles of Confederation?

• One
• Zero
• Two
• Three

In the first part of the Declaration, Jefferson wrote that all men have rights.  These included "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".  What is the first part of the Declaration called?

• The Closing
• The Body
• The Phone Number
• The Preamble

Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Adams
• Benjamin Franklin