Foundations of Early American Government

What was one of the main causes of the American Revolution?

• The invention of the steam engine

• Taxation without representation

• The discovery of gold in California

• The signing of the Magna Carta

Which document announced the American colonies' independence from Britain?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence

• The U.S. Constitution

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

An agreement by which people give up freedoms to a leader who can ensure protection of their rights

• Social Contract

• Natural Laws

• Checks and Balances

Which of the following is a main idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

• The need for a strong central government

• The right to bear arms

• The equality of all men

• The importance of a balanced budget

According to the Declaration,  what causes a government to be just? 

• powerful institutions
• a Bill of Rights 
• ease of altering 
• Consent of the people being governed

The Declaration of Independence states, “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it.” Which Enlightened idea do these words describe?

• need to ensure a representative government.
• social contract between government and the people.
• revolutionary intent to overthrow the current government.
• return to a society that has no central authority.

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To establish a monarchy in America

• To create a strong federal government

• To serve as the first constitution of the United States

• To declare war on France

Under the Articles of Confederation, how many branches of government were there?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Which of the following was a strength of the Articles of Confederation?

• Strong central government

• Ability to declare war and make peace

• Power to tax citizens directly

• Control over interstate commerce