Unit 4a: Writing the Constitution

Why did many congressional representatives call for replacing the Articles of Confederation?

• Because it created a government too weak to manage relations among the states

• Because it allowed each state only one vote in Congress

• Because it did not establish a separate judicial branch

• Because it could not establish a postal system

Which question reflects a major concern states had about the arrangement of each state having only one vote in Congress?

• 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?

Patrick Henry was criticizing which aspect of the Constitution in this excerpt? 'Your President may easily become king. Your Senate is so imperfectly constructed that your dearest rights may be sacrificed by what may be a small minority.... Your strongholds will be in the hands of your enemies....'

• The eligibility requirements for congressional office

• The power granted to the central government

• The establishment of a separate judicial branch

• The difficulty of the amendment process

Which of the following could the national government not do under the Articles of Confederation?

• Impose taxes

• Declare war and make peace

• Coin money

• Establish a postal system

How did the Articles of Confederation create a weak national government?

• The national government controlled the admission of states.

• The Articles of Confederation gave the national government powers it no longer needed.

• The national government could regulate the western land claims of the original 13 colonies.

• The Articles of Confederation created a national government with few powers to manage the economy.

Why was the congressional structure of equal number of seats for all states in the U.S. Senate 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 states and non-slave states

• To implement the outcome of a popular vote

Which of the following statements reflects an argument supported by Anti-Federalists?

• Individual rights can best be protected by a strong central government.

• The revolution was fought to end the tyranny of a strong central government.

• Without a strong central government the union will fragment into smaller parts.

• A strong central government is necessary to provide for the protection of the union.

According to the Northwest Ordinance, how many settlers did they have to have in order to become a state?

• 60,000

• 50,000

• 10,000

• 5,000

Which headline describes an event that established guidelines for the admission of new states to the United States?

• Northwest Ordinance Passed

• Treaty of Paris Ratified

• Bill of Rights Ratified

• Alien and Sedition Acts Passed

Why did the U.S. government have difficulty repaying its war debts under the Articles of Confederation?

• The government had no power to raise taxes.

• Foreign countries increased their interest rates.

• Foreign countries would only accept gold bullion.

• The states had no power to print their own currency.