US Constitution Benchmark Review

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose for amending the Constitution?

• to revise the original wording of the Constitution

• to clarify specific laws passed by Congress

• to ensure the Constitution adapts to changing times

• to grant additional powers to the President

Which principle of government gives the American people the right to elect their leadership every four years?

• Popular sovereignty

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

Why would slave states be in favor of counting slaves as part of their total population?

• to be required to pay less in taxes

• to have more representation in the Legislative Branch

• to gain more military presence in their areas

• to charge lower prices for their goods

Select the correct answer in each row.

• Virginia Plan

• Representatives work together to pass laws

• New Jersey Plan

• Representatives chosen solely on one vote per state

• Great Compromise

• Representatives chosen solely on state population

The Northwest Ordinance was an act that provided rules for governing the Northwest Territory and paved the way for -

• admission of new states to the Union

• ratification of the U.S. Constitution

• expansion of slavery to northern states

• industrialization of the northern U.S.

How did the Articles of Confederation ensure that state governments would have more power over the national government?

• States would partner with local Native tribes to defend their land.

• Congress needed the approval of all states to pass amendments.

• Executive actions required judicial approval.

• The president advised state leaders regarding foreign trade.

How did the Founding Fathers address these colonial grievances and protect the rights of American citizens?

• Article III of the Constitution, which establishes the court system.

• They are listed in the Declaration of Independence.

• The problems are corrected in the Bill of Rights.

• Article I of the Constitution, which allows Congress to tax.

The bulleted actions above are identified as

• instances of civil disobedience

• requirements of U.S. citizens once they turn 16

• examples of responsible citizenship

• unalienable rights granted to all humans

During the Revolutionary War era, the British recognized that the colonists would use their weapons to defend themselves, so the British made efforts to confiscate as many weapons as they could without obtaining a writ of assistance. Which constitutional amendment would have protected colonists against the British?

• Second Amendment

• Fourth Amendment

• Sixth Amendment

• Tenth Amendment

The above are important provisions outlined in which historical document?

• Virginia Plan

• Declaration of Independence

• New Jersey Plan

• Northwest Ordinance