Unit 3 Common Summative Review

What did Shay's Rebellion reveal about the Articles of Confederation?

• The government was unable to respond effectively to a rebellion.

• The government could easily control uprisings.

• The country was financially strong and stable.

• The states had no independence or authority.

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, showing that the government could not effectively respond to uprisings, which indicated a lack of federal power and authority.

What was the main flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

• It granted excessive power to the states.

• It gave too much control to the federal government.

• It mimicked England's system of government.

• It established three separate branches of government.

Answer explanation

The main flaw of the Articles of Confederation was that it granted excessive power to the states, leading to a weak central government that struggled to address national issues effectively.

The Great Compromise resolved a disagreement between which two groups?

• States with large populations and those with small populations.

• The federal government and state governments.

• Colonists and British officials.

• Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise addressed the conflict between states with large populations, which wanted representation based on population, and small states, which preferred equal representation. This compromise established a bicameral legislature.

The 3/5ths Compromise addressed the issue of...

• Representation in the Senate.

• How states should be represented in Congress.

• How enslaved individuals would be counted for representation.

• State borders and territories.

Answer explanation

The 3/5ths Compromise specifically addressed how enslaved individuals would be counted for representation in Congress, allowing states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for legislative representation.

Who debated whether slavery should be included in the Constitution?

• States with large populations versus small populations.

• The national government and individual states.

• Colonists and British leaders.

• Delegates from Northern and Southern states.

Answer explanation

The debate over including slavery in the Constitution primarily involved delegates from Northern and Southern states, reflecting their differing economic interests and moral views on slavery.

Why were three branches of government established?

• To ensure that all citizens have a voice in the government.

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• To protect the Constitution from being changed.

• To limit the terms of government officials.

Answer explanation

The three branches of government were established to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a system of checks and balances that protects against tyranny.

What is the purpose of the system of Checks and Balances?

• To allow each branch to limit the power of the others.

• To ensure the national government can control state governments.

• To give all power to the President.

• To centralize power in Congress.

Answer explanation

The purpose of the system of Checks and Balances is to allow each branch of government to limit the power of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Why is Congress called a bicameral legislature?

• It consists of two separate houses.

• It has two dominant political parties.

• Each state has two senators.

• It is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Answer explanation

Congress is called a bicameral legislature because it is composed of two separate houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure allows for a division of responsibilities and representation.

What was one of the key reasons for the failure of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed the President to have too much power.

• It lacked a strong central government.

• It imposed high taxes on the states.

• It created a powerful national army.

Answer explanation

One of the key reasons for the failure of the Articles of Confederation was that it lacked a strong central government, which made it difficult to enforce laws and manage national issues effectively.

What was originally missing from the U.S. Constitution?

• The list of individual rights (Bill of Rights)

• The division of government into three branches

• The division of government into three branches

• The introductory statement (Preamble)

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution initially lacked a Bill of Rights, which lists individual rights. This omission was addressed later with the first ten amendments, ensuring protection of personal freedoms.