Quiz on the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Our new nation under the Articles of Confederation (AOC) was experiencing many difficulties. Name at least two problems experienced under the AOC.

• Did not have power over states, no taxes

• Strong central government, high taxes

• Too much power over states, no debt

• No representation, high tariffs

Why did so many people originally support the Articles of Confederation?

• It promised a strong central government

• It was similar to having a king

• It allowed for state independence

• It was easy to amend

For what purpose were the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created?

• To establish a national bank

• To raise money for the new government

• To create a federal army

• To build new roads

Why were the Federalist Papers written?

• To oppose the US Constitution

• To support the ratification of the US Constitution

• To create a new form of government

• To declare independence from Britain

What does the US Constitution describe?

• The history of the United States

• The structure and purpose of government

• The rights of British citizens

• The laws of the state of New York

Name two features of the United States House of Representatives.

• Equal representation for each state

• Representation based on population

• Six-year terms

• Two-year terms

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the US Constitution?

• To increase federal power

• To protect individual liberties

• To establish a monarchy

• To create a new currency

Define Federalism.

• A system where power is divided between national and state governments

• A system where the national government has all the power

• A system where state governments have all the power

• A system where power is divided between three branches

What is a Veto and how does it work?

• A power to pass laws

• A power to reject a decision or proposal

• A power to declare war

• A power to appoint judges

Why was the Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) important?

• It established the power of the President

• It gave the Supreme Court power to declare laws unconstitutional

• It created the Bill of Rights

• It ended the Revolutionary War