Chapter 2 American Government Review

According to the description of the Articles of Confederation, which statement best explains the balance of power between the states and the national government?

• States retained independence and the national government had limited, enumerated powers.

• The national government controlled all state policies and could overrule state laws.

• Power was equally shared, with the national government and states each able to levy taxes.

• States surrendered sovereignty to a strong executive that coordinated national policy.

If two-thirds of both houses of Congress approve an amendment, what must occur next for it to become law?

• Ratification by three-fourths of the states

• Approval by the President

• Review by the Supreme Court

• Approval by a national referendum

What distinguishes the proposal method of a national convention from congressional proposal?

• A national convention is called by two-thirds of state legislatures; Congress proposes by two-thirds votes in both houses.

• Both methods require presidential initiation.

• A national convention needs a simple majority of states; Congress requires three-fourths votes.

• Congressional proposal automatically ratifies the amendment.

Which statement explains why the Bill of Rights was adopted shortly after the Constitution?

• To address concerns about individual liberties and limit federal power through explicit protections

• To create new branches of government

• To establish a national bank

• To set the voting age at 18

In the image of a broken chain linking the states, what concept does the broken link most clearly represent?

• Interstate unity under a powerful national government

• States bound by federal taxation

• Weak national cohesion due to state sovereignty

• Successful enforcement of national laws

A cartoon shows Congress holding an empty purse while soldiers stand nearby. What specific problem under the Articles is being emphasized?

• Congress could levy taxes effectively

• Congress lacked power to tax directly

• State militias were federally funded

• The national army was well supplied

An image depicts multiple ships with different state flags charging different tariffs at a harbor. What weakness does this illustrate?

• Uniform national trade policy

• Economic instability from inconsistent interstate commerce rules

• Centralized regulation of imports

• Coordinated foreign trade agreements

In a cartoon, a courtroom scene shows inconsistent laws between states causing confusion. What issue under the Articles is represented?

• National judiciary creates uniformity

• Lack of national judiciary leads to legal inconsistency

• Federal courts enforce common standards

• Supreme Court resolves interstate disputes

A cartoon of a weak rope labeled 'Articles' failing to pull together thirteen carts represents what core problem?

• Strong national union binds states effectively

• Loose confederation cannot coordinate action

• Central authority compels unified movement

• Efficient federal logistics

In the visual, state militias prioritize local defense over national threats. What weakness does this display?

• Unified national military strategy

• Federal command over militias

• Reliance on state militias without national control

• Effective coordination across states