U.S. Constitutional Precedents and Arguments

What is Washington’s primary purpose in this excerpt?

• To establish a two-term limit for the president

• To express disdain for political parties

• To advise the US against involvement with foreign countries

• To enter into a war against Great Britain

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is C: To advise the US against involvement with foreign countries.
   Explanation: In this excerpt from Washington's Farewell Address, he emphasizes the importance of avoiding political connections with foreign nations. He advises that the US should focus on commercial relations while staying out of European political affairs.

An example of the United States straying from this precedent would be

• The Monroe Doctrine

• Impressment of US sailors

• Entering into the War of 1812

• The 22nd Amendment making a two-term presidential limit part of the Constitution

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is C: Entering into the War of 1812.
   Explanation: Washington advised against entangling alliances and involvement in foreign conflicts. Entering the War of 1812 went against this precedent as it involved the US in a conflict with Great Britain.

What development is discussed in the source above?

• The two-term limit

• The Continental Congress

• The Constitutional Convention

• The Cabinet

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is D: The Cabinet.
   Explanation: The source describes the President's power to appoint individuals to help run the government and lead departments in the Executive Branch, which refers to the Cabinet.

Which statement best explains the purpose of this precedent?

• Its purpose is to negotiate foreign treaties.

• Its purpose is to facilitate the economic operations of the country.

• Its purpose is to advise the president and help carry out the various operations of the executive branch.

• Its purpose is to advise the Congress on law-making.

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is C: Its purpose is to advise the president and help carry out the various operations of the executive branch.
   Explanation: The Cabinet's primary role is to advise the President and assist in managing the various departments of the executive branch.

This precedent most directly contributed to the development of which of the following?

• Political Parties

• Neutrality in foreign affairs

• The Embargo Act

• The War of 1812

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is A: Political Parties.
   Explanation: The development of the Cabinet system contributed to the growth of political parties, as presidents often chose Cabinet members from their own party.

Which of the following could be a possible author of the excerpt above?

• Alexander Hamilton

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is A: Alexander Hamilton.
   Explanation: The excerpt argues strongly in favor of a national bank, which was a key policy advocated by Alexander Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

What is the author's main argument in this excerpt?

• A national bank is unnecessary for the government's financial operations.

• A national bank is essential for effective government operations, including borrowing money and regulating trade.

• The Constitution explicitly prohibits the establishment of a national bank.

• A national bank could lead to economic instability and crisis.

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is B: A national bank is essential for effective government operations, including borrowing money and regulating trade.
   Explanation: The author argues that a national bank is necessary for borrowing money, regulating trade, and facilitating other government operations.

What excerpt from the Constitution might the author use to defend his argument?

• “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” (10th Amendment)

• “[The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.” (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18)

• “We the People, in order to form a more perfect union… do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.” (Preamble)

• “The Congress shall have the power to… establish post offices and roads.” (Article I, Section 8)

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is B: "[The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18)
   Explanation: This clause, known as the "Necessary and Proper Clause," was often used to justify the creation of a national bank as a means to carry out the government's enumerated powers.

Prior to 1803, what geographic feature was the boundary line between the United States and French Louisiana?

• Appalachian Mountains

• Mississippi River

• Great Lakes

• Rocky Mountains

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is B: Mississippi River.
   Explanation: Prior to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Mississippi River served as the western boundary between the United States and French Louisiana.

The Mississippi River system was an important economic resource during the 1800s because it was used to

• irrigate desert lands

• move immigrants to the Northeast

• transport goods to market

• produce hydroelectric power

Answer explanation

1. The correct answer is C: transport goods to market.
   Explanation: The Mississippi River system was crucial for economic development in the 1800s as it provided a means to transport goods from the interior to markets, particularly New Orleans and other port cities.