Constitutional Foundations

What was the "first constitution of the United States" known as?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution

What was a major weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation?

• It could levy taxes

• It had a strong executive branch

• It lacked the ability to regulate commerce

• It could enforce the Treaty of Paris

Which event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in 1786?

• The Boston Tea Party

• Shays' Rebellion

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The drafting of the Constitution

Under the Articles of Confederation, what power was given to Congress?

• To levy taxes

• To declare war

• To regulate commerce

• To enforce laws

What was one of the strengths of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Establishing a strong executive branch

• Making treaties and alliances

• Regulating interstate commerce

• Levying taxes

What was the structure of the National Government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Two branches of government: Congress and the President

• One branch of government: Congress (a unicameral or one house legislature)

• Three branches of government: Congress, President, and Judiciary

• No branches of government

What concept did the Articles of Confederation develop regarding government powers?

• Unlimited government

• Limited government

• Federal government

• Centralized government

What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

• To establish a national bank

• To create a new constitution

• To survey and sell western lands

• To declare independence from Britain

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 achieve?

• It allowed for the annexation of Canada

• It established a national currency

• It granted limited self-government to the developing territory

• It abolished the Congress

Who was asked to preside over the Constitutional Convention?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• John Adams