Quiz: Washington State Constitution: Early Debats

What does “suffrage” mean?

• The power to manage land

• The right to vote

• The authority to create laws

• The right to free speech

Why did some people oppose including women’s suffrage in the Washington State Constitution?

• They believed women would refuse to vote.

• They feared it would delay Washington’s statehood.

• They thought it would make the constitution unpopular.

• They wanted more time to debate.

What was a major issue people in Washington had with railroad companies?

• Railroads charged high prices.

• Railroads had too much power and influence over government.

• Railroads only operated in Eastern Washington.

• Railroads had limited land ownership.

What is the purpose of Washington’s three branches of government?

• To increase government spending

• To give one branch total power

• To separate powers and prevent any branch from becoming too powerful

• To make laws only for businesses

How does Washington's constitution handle public lands?

• It allows businesses to buy lands at any price.

• It prohibits public land from being sold below its value.

• It restricts public land only to farming.

• It bans all private uses of public lands.

Why did the writers of Washington’s constitution include elected officials in the executive branch?

• To reduce corruption by spreading out power

• To allow businesses to influence decisions

• To make sure only one official had control

• To give power to railroad companies

What is the “paramount duty” of the state according to Washington’s constitution?

• To promote business growth

• To provide education for all children

• To protect railroad interests

• To manage tidelands

What are tidelands, and why are they important in Washington?

• They are used only for farming and have little economic importance.

• They provide habitat and are valuable for industries like fishing and shipping.

• They are government-protected for public recreation only.

• They are private lands used exclusively for logging.