Social Studies Ch. 2

Which document organized the first version of the United States government?

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

According to James Madison, what was the main flaw (problem) with the original US central government?

• 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

What document is James Madison given most credit for?

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

What did the Virginia Plan propose? Pick 3

• The new constitution should include a bill of rights

• States should be responsible for funding the military

• The central government should provide for the people’s welfare

• The central government should protect against foreign enemies

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

What describes a federal system of government?

• Power is divided between the central government

• 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

Which are specified by the Constitutional Convention? Pick 2

• The process of electing leaders

• That all people are created equal

• The structure of the states governments

• The structure of the central government

• The rights held by citizens of the United States

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

• Fifth Amendment

• First Amendment

• Eighth Amendment

• Tenth Amendment

Why does the Constitution call for separation of powers?

• 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 government from becoming too powerful

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

What happens if a state law disagrees with the Constitution?

• A new law is created

• The state law is followed

• The Constitution is followed

• The Constitution is amended

Which phrase from the preamble tells the reader that the government gets its power to make laws from the people?

• “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”