Tutorial 3 The U.S. Constitution

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

The Northwest Ordinance is considered a historical milestone because it-

• more than doubled the size of the United States

• established a method for admitting new states to the Union

• encouraged state legislatures to ratify the Constitution

• proposed treaties with American Indians to allow the peaceful settlement of new territories

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 of the following correctly describes the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• A portion of the slave population was counted for legislative representation.

• A federal law enforcing the return of fugitive slaves was passed.

• The census bureau was established to help apportion representation.

• The election of senators was delegated to state legislatures.

Why was this congressional structure created by the framers of the Constitution?

• To follow the plan outlined in the Articles of Confederation

• To reach a compromise between large and small states

• To reach a compromise between slave and non-slave states

• To implement the outcome of the popular vote

Which argument would a Federalist make to support the ratification of the Constitution?

• The Constitution enables states to nullify laws that are harmful to citizens.

• A strong federal government will be more stable than a loose confederation of states.

• The Constitution will allow states to establish banks to stabilize the national economy.

• A republican system of government will better represent large states.

What assurance did this argument give to those who opposed ratifying the Constitution?

• The amendment process would allow state governments to nullify federal law.

• Making the federal government superior to state governments would ensure greater stability.

• The rights of citizens would be better protected by having both federal and state levels of government.

• Giving greater power to the federal government would allow it to assist states in times of crisis.