U.S. Government

Which statement best illustrates the principle of federalism?

• The president has the power to veto bills

• Congress is divided into two houses

• The Supreme Court has the power to review laws

• Power is divided between the states and the national government

The New York Constitution, adopted in 1777, was important because it

• inspired the writing of the Declaration of Independence

• Maintained British influence in the State

• Served as a model for the Constitution of the United States

• Gave all adult males the right to vote

At the Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise settled the dispute over

• representation in Congress

• the issue of slavery

• the presidential veto power

• judicial review

Delegates at the Constitutional Convention of1787 agreed to the Three-Fifths Compromise as a way to

• limit the power of the president

• provide legal rights for women

• settle differences over representation in Congress

• establish term lengths for senators

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 wrote a new constitution because

• the Revolutionary War was over

• the Articles of Confederation were about to expire

• they wanted to increase the power of the states

• they believed that a stronger central government was necessary

During the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, Federalists and Anti-federalists disagreed mainly over the

• wisdom of maintaining friendship with England

• need for the continuation of slavery

• election of George Washington as the first president

• division of power between the national government and the states

The Preamble of the United States Constitution says that the power to govern originates with the

• States

• President

• Supreme Court

• People

Which statement illustrates the system of checks and balances at work

• the president sends American troops on a peacekeeping mission to Europe

• Congress passes a law regulating the sale of handguns

• The Senate refuses to approve the president's choice for Supreme Court justice

• The governor of New York discusses policy with the president

The system of checks and balances was included in the Constitution to

• provide a method to change the document

• allow voters a voice in the legislative process

• ensure that one branch of government would not gain too much power

• allow for trial by jury in all civil and criminal cases

Which provision was included in the United States Constitution to allow it to adapt to changing times?

• separation of powers

• an electoral college

• a federal system

• an amendment process