Wanted: A Just Right Government

What kind of government did the American colonists want after gaining independence from the British?

• A government with a strong central authority

• A government with limited power

• A government with a powerful president

• A government with a strong military

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To create a strong central government

• To establish a system of checks and balances

• To protect individual rights

• To govern the 13 states as a united nation

What were some problems with the Articles of Confederation?

• Congress had no power to enforce laws

• States could ignore laws passed by Congress

• Congress couldn't collect taxes to fund the military

• All of the above

What was the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

• The Virginia Plan favored large states, while the New Jersey Plan favored small states

• The Virginia Plan favored small states, while the New Jersey Plan favored large states

• The Virginia Plan called for a strong central government, while the New Jersey Plan called for a weak central government

• The Virginia Plan called for a weak central government, while the New Jersey Plan called for a strong central government

What compromise was reached regarding representation in Congress?

• Each state would have equal representation

• Representation would be based on a state's population

• Representation would be based on a state's wealth

• Representation would be determined by a popular vote

What did the Constitution require states to do?

• Treat citizens from other states differently

• Treat citizens from other states the same as their own citizens

• Ignore federal laws

• Create their own court systems

What fraction of states must agree to change the Constitution?

• 1/2

• 2/3

• 3/4

• All of them

What was one fear that some people had about a strong central government?

• Losing their freedom

• Losing their wealth

• Losing their land

• Losing their power

What did the Articles of Confederation not have that the Constitution did?

• A court system

• A president

• A system of checks and balances

• A military

What did the new Constitution say about federal laws and state laws?

• Federal laws are superior to state laws

• State laws are superior to federal laws

• Federal laws and state laws are equal

• Federal laws can only be enforced by state governments