Gov Unit 2 IA Review

What was the primary weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It created too strong of a federal government

• It gave too much power to the judicial branch

• It established a weak national government

• It gave too much power to the president

Answer explanation

The primary weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that it established a weak national government, lacking the power to tax or regulate commerce effectively, which hindered its ability to govern the states cohesively.

The Great Compromise resolved a dispute between states by:

• Abolishing slavery in all states

• Creating a two-house legislature system

• Establishing the electoral college

• Giving equal power to all states regardless of size

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise created a two-house legislature system, balancing the needs of both large and small states by allowing representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.

According to the Three-Fifths Compromise, how were enslaved persons counted for representation?

• They were counted as full persons

• They were not counted at all

• They were counted as three-fifths of a person

• They were counted as half a person

Answer explanation

The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved persons as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. This was a compromise between Northern and Southern states during the Constitutional Convention.

Which statement best describes the system of checks and balances?

• Each state checks the power of other states

• The Supreme Court has ultimate power over all branches

• Each branch can limit the actions of other branches

• The president has authority over Congress

Answer explanation

The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) can limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

• People who supported a strong national government

• People who opposed the Constitution

• People who supported the British monarchy

• People who wanted to abolish state governments

Answer explanation

The Anti-Federalists were individuals who opposed the Constitution, fearing it would create a strong central government that could threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.

Enumerated powers are:

• Powers specifically granted to Congress

• Powers reserved for the states

• Powers held by the president

• Powers of the Supreme Court

Answer explanation

Enumerated powers refer to those specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution, allowing it to legislate on various matters. This distinguishes them from powers reserved for states, held by the president, or the Supreme Court.

The Supremacy Clause establishes that:

• States have ultimate authority

• Federal laws override conflicting state laws

• The president is supreme commander

• The Supreme Court has unlimited power

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws when there is a conflict, making the correct answer "Federal laws override conflicting state laws."

What is required to add an amendment to the Constitution?

• Presidential approval only

• Supreme Court majority vote

• A specific ratification process

• Simple majority in Congress

Answer explanation

To add an amendment to the Constitution, a specific ratification process is required, which involves approval by three-fourths of the states after Congress proposes the amendment.

The Fifth Amendment protects against:

• Unreasonable searches

• Cruel punishment

• Self-incrimination

• Freedom of speech

Answer explanation

The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination, meaning individuals cannot be compelled to testify against themselves in criminal cases. This is a fundamental right in the legal system.

Which freedom is NOT protected by the First Amendment?

• Freedom of speech

• Freedom of religion

• Right to bear arms

• Freedom of assembly

Answer explanation

The First Amendment protects freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly. However, the right to bear arms is not included in the First Amendment; it is addressed in the Second Amendment.