STAAR Review: Constitution/New Republic

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

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.

Which principle of U.S. government is most clearly reflected in the amendment above?

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Due process

Which statement best summarizes a key argument of The Federalist Papers?

• The national legislature should establish an official church.

• The country needs a strong central government.

• The state governments should provide for national defense.

• A bill of rights is necessary to protect individual liberties.

Which provision of the U.S. Constitution reflects this grievance?

• The president can appoint justices with the advice and consent of the Senate.

• Congress has the power to establish federal courts.

• The commerce clause allows Congress to regulate trade among the states.

• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.

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

The Articles of Confederation allowed each state only one vote in Congress. Which question reflects a major

concern states had about this arrangement?

• Should states attempt to resolve conflicting claims to territory?

• Should states change their procedure for selecting representatives?

• Should unanimous state approval for national laws be required?

• Should more populous states receive greater representation?

This event best demonstrates which feature of the American way of life?

• The First Amendment guarantees personal freedoms.

• The Declaration of Independence asserts the principle of popular sovereignty.

• The U.S. Constitution establishes the structure of the federal government.

• The Fifth Amendment protects the rights of the accused.

Which of the following should replace the question mark in this diagram?

• Direct democracy

• Great Compromise

• Checks and balances

• Missouri Compromise

How did the War of 1812 most affect the U.S. economy?

• Disruption in trade contributed to domestic industrial growth.

• Small farmers benefited from higher export prices for grain crops.

• The sale of treasury bonds to international companies was prohibited.

• New trade alliances resulted in increased foreign investment.