Understanding the Constitution and Confederation

Which of the following was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• The federal government had too much power over the states.

• The federal government could not levy taxes.

• The federal government could easily amend the Articles.

• The federal government had a strong executive branch.

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.15.B.

What principle of the U.S. Constitution is illustrated by the system of checks and balances?

• Popular sovereignty

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Individual rights

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.15.D.

What was one of the purposes for amending the U.S. Constitution?

• To increase the power of the executive branch

• To address issues not foreseen by the original framers

• To eliminate the system of checks and balances

• To reduce the number of states in the union

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.16.A.

Which argument did the Federalists support during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

• A strong central government is necessary for the nation's survival.

• The Bill of Rights is essential to protect individual liberties.

• States should have more power than the federal government.

• The Articles of Confederation should remain in place.

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.17.A.

Which of the following best summarizes a strength of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed for a strong national military.

• It provided a framework for the admission of new states.

• It established a strong executive branch.

• It allowed the federal government to regulate interstate commerce.

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.15.B.

How does the principle of checks and balances work in the U.S. Constitution?

• It allows the president to make laws without Congress.

• It ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

• It gives the states the power to override federal laws.

• It allows the judicial branch to create laws.

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.15.D.

What is one reason the U.S. Constitution can be amended?

• To allow the president to serve more than two terms

• To adapt to changing societal needs and values

• To eliminate the legislative branch

• To reduce the number of Supreme Court justices

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.16.A.

Which of the following was a concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the U.S. Constitution?

• It did not provide enough power to the federal government.

• It lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

• It allowed states to have too much power.

• It created a weak executive branch.

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.17.A.

Which principle of the U.S. Constitution is reflected by the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed?

• Limited government

• Popular sovereignty

• Federalism

• Republicanism

Tags

TX.§113.20.B.15.D.

Strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Groups:

(a) Strength

,

(b) Weakness

• amendments must be approved by all 13 states

• ran country during the Revolutionary War

• couldn't enforce federal laws

• no chief executive

• no court system to solve disputes

• passed the Northwest Ordinance

• Could declare war

• sign treaties with other countries

• couldn't tax