Understanding the U.S. Constitution

In what year did Rhode Island ratify the Constitution?

• 1800

• 1776

• 1790

• 1788

What does 'popular sovereignty' mean?

• Power is divided among states.

• Power is held by the monarch.

• Power comes from the national government.

• Power comes from the people.

What is a republic?

• A government where officials are appointed.

• A government where the king makes all decisions.

• A government where people elect representatives.

• A government ruled directly by the people.

What type of government does the United States have?

• Absolute monarchy

• Representative democracy

• Direct democracy

• Oligarchy

Who could vote in the U.S. elections in 1788?

• All adults over the age of 18.

• Only white landowning men.

• All men, regardless of race.

• Women and men equally.

Which branch of government makes the laws?

• The Executive Branch

• The Judicial Branch

• The Legislative Branch

• The Federal Branch

What principle ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful?

• Popular sovereignty

• Republicanism

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

What is federalism?

• The power to declare war

• The division of power between national and state governments

• A system of checks and balances

• The right to vote

Which powers are reserved for the states?

• Declaring war

• Printing money

• Establishing schools

• Regulating trade between states

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

• The authority of the national government

• The president's powers

• Individual freedoms

• The power of the states