U1 Ch.2 SS Quiz

Which document organized the first version of the United States government? (3.7)

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation was the first document to organize the United States government, establishing a framework for its operation. The Constitution later replaced it, but the Articles were the initial governing document.

According to James Madison, what was the main flaw with the original U.S. central government? (3.10)

• It did not protect people’s rights.

• Congress did not have enough power.

• It could not protect the country from outsiders.

• The states could not make their own decisions.

Answer explanation

According to James Madison, the main flaw of the original U.S. central government was that Congress did not have enough power to effectively govern, leading to weaknesses in decision-making and enforcement.

What document is James Madison given most credit for? (3.2)

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

James Madison is often referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in its drafting and promotion. While he also contributed to the Bill of Rights, his most significant credit is for the Constitution.

What did the Virginia Plan propose? Select the three correct answers. (3.10, 3.11)

• The central government should protect against foreign enemies.

• The central government’s powers should be divided among three branches.

• States should be responsible for funding the military.

• The central government should have more power than under the Articles of Confederation.

• The new constitution should include a bill of rights.

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan proposed a strong central government with powers divided among three branches, greater authority than the Articles of Confederation, and the responsibility to protect against foreign enemies.

Which describes a federal system of government? (3.10.c)

• Power is divided between the central government and the states.

• Power is held by the voting public and government leaders.

• Power is held only by the central government.

• Power is held only by individual states.

Answer explanation

A federal system of government is characterized by the division of power between the central government and the states, allowing both levels to govern simultaneously. This distinguishes it from unitary or confederate systems.

Which are specified by the Constitution drafted at the Constitutional Convention? Select the two correct answers.

• the process of electing leaders

• that all people are created equal

• the structure of the state governments

• the structure of the central government

• the rights held by citizens of the United States

Answer explanation

The Constitution specifies the structure of the central government, outlining its branches and powers. It also includes the Bill of Rights, which details the rights held by citizens of the United States.

Use the image to answer the question.

Which Amendment gives you the right to say what you think without the government interfering?

• Fifth Amendment

• First Amendment

• Eighth Amendment

• Tenth Amendment

Answer explanation

The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, allowing individuals to express their thoughts without government interference. This is why the correct answer is the First Amendment.

Why does the Constitution call for separation of powers? (3.10, 3.11)

• to balance work evenly among branches of government

• to keep government leaders from staying in their positions too long

• to prevent a single branch of the government from becoming too powerful

• to keep state governments and the central government from sharing duties

Answer explanation

The Constitution calls for separation of powers to prevent a single branch of the government from becoming too powerful, ensuring a system of checks and balances that protects against tyranny.

What happens if a state law disagrees with the Constitution? (3.10.c, 3.11)

• A new law is created.

• The state law is followed.

• The Constitution is followed.

• The Constitution is amended.

Answer explanation

When a state law conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution prevails as the supreme law of the land. Therefore, the correct choice is that the Constitution is followed.

Use the following passage from the preamble to the Constitution to answer the question. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility [peace], provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity [descendants], do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Which phrase from the preamble tells the reader that the government gets its power to make laws from the people? (3.10.d, 3.11)

• “provide for the common defense”

• “We the People of the United States”

• “in Order to form a more perfect Union”

• “do ordain and establish this Constitution”

Answer explanation

The phrase "We the People of the United States" indicates that the government's power to make laws comes from the people, emphasizing the principle of popular sovereignty.