Foundations of American Government Quiz

Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in its drafting and promoting its ratification?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Abraham Lincoln

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

• To draft the Declaration of Independence

• To amend the Articles of Confederation

• To draft the U.S. Constitution

• To address the British taxation policies

Which compromise during the Constitutional Convention resulted in the creation of a bicameral legislature?

• The Great Compromise

• The Three-Fifths Compromise

• The Commerce Compromise

• The Slave Trade Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise was related to which issue?

• Representation in Congress

• State's power

• Trade

• None of the above

Which principle of the Constitution divides the government into three branches?

• Federalism

• Separation of Powers

• Popular Sovereignty

• Judicial Review

What does the system of checks and balances ensure?

• That no branch of government becomes too powerful

• Equal representation of all states

• A direct democracy

• The supremacy of the federal government

Which Founding Father was a principal author of the Federalist Papers?

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

• Both A and B

• Thomas Jefferson

Which of the following was NOT a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Lack of a national army

• Inability to tax

• Too much power given to the national government

• No executive branch to enforce laws

Which document first established the principle of federalism in the United States?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Federalist Papers

How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

• 10

• 27

• 33

• 50