Unit 2: Constitutional Beginnings

Which article of the Constitution creates the Legislative Branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 3

• Article 4

Which article of the Constitution creates the Executive Branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 3

• Article 4

Which article of the Constitution creates the Judicial Branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 3

• Article 4

Which group feared a tyrannical government, and refused to ratify the new Constitution until a Bill of Rights was included?

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

Answer explanation

Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Mason, and more favored stronger state governments that protected individual, states' rights over a strong, central government.

Which group favored a strong, central government, and felt a Bill of Rights was not necessary as individual freedoms were already protected by state constitutions?

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

Answer explanation

John Adams, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and more favored a federal government that would unite the states and promote national unity.

Which amendment protects individuals' right to a speedy, public trial (due process)?

• 5th Amendment

• 6th Amendment

• 7th Amendment

• 8th Amendment

Answer explanation

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

Which amendment protects individuals from self incrimination, double jeopardy, and asserts that they must be read their rights upon arrest?

• 5th Amendment

• 6th Amendment

• 7th Amendment

• 8th Amendment

Answer explanation

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that an individual cannot be compelled by the government to provide incriminating information about herself – the so-called “right to remain silent.”

Which amendment provides individuals the right to trial by an impartial jury composed of their peers?

• 5th Amendment

• 6th Amendment

• 7th Amendment

• 8th Amendment

Answer explanation

In Suits at common law. . . the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Which amendment protects individuals from cruel, and unusual punishment, as well as excessive bail?

• 5th Amendment

• 6th Amendment

• 7th Amendment

• 8th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was created as a part of the Bill of Rights to protect criminals from excessive punishment. It forbids the government from using torture as well as excessive fines and bail to punish people who have broken the law.

What does the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution do?

• Protects individuals' right to bear arms; a well-regulated militia.

• Protects individuals from forceful quartering of soldiers during wartime or peacetime.

• Protects individuals from unlawful, unnecessary search and seizures.

• Protects individuals' freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Answer explanation

Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition, as stated in the first amendment, are often referred to as an individual's 5 basic freedoms.