U.S. Constitution and Historical Context Quiz

Which historic document had the greatest influence on the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

• The Articles of Confederation

Why did the Constitutional Convention agree to the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• To settle debates over the issue of counting the enslaved population for representation

• To settle debates over the issue of abolishing the importation of enslaved people

• To create a government based on the principle of federalism

• To create a government with a bicameral legislature

The Great Compromise addressed disagreements over federal representation by —

• creating a bicameral legislature

• enumerating the powers of the central government

• giving veto power to the executive

• establishing three branches of government

Representation in the U.S. Senate: Equal number of seats for all states. Representation in the U.S. House of Representatives: Number of seats based on state population. Why was this congressional structure created by the framers of the Constitution?

• To follow the plan outlined in the Articles of Confederation

• To reach a compromise between large and small states

• To reach a compromise between slave states and non-slave states

• To implement the outcome of a popular vote

“Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:” — Declaration of Independence How was this grievance addressed in the U.S. Constitution?

• Only states have the power to tax citizens.

• Only the courts can decide the legality of taxation.

• Only Congress can pass laws on taxation.

• Only the president can determine to tax citizens.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the —

• Articles of Confederation

• Bill of Rights

• Great Compromise

• Three-Fifths Compromise

Which issue caused conflict between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during ratification of the Constitution?

• Whether the country should declare independence

• Whether a strong central government would threaten individual rights

• Whether slavery should be abolished immediately

• Whether the Senate or House should have more power

Which political idea was influenced by this provision of the Magna Carta?

• Federalism

• Due process

• A bicameral legislature

• The Social Contract

The US Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments of the Constitution) was influenced from this document... 

• Magna Carta
• English Bill of Rights
• Mayflower Compact

Which Founding Father's views were used when writing the Constitution, particularly regarding the separation of political power among a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary?

• John Locke

• Baron De Montesquieu

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

Answer explanation

Baron De Montesquieu's views were used when writing the Constitution, particularly regarding the separation of political power among a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary.