AP Government: Ratification of the Constitution

The video explores the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on key compromises made during the Constitutional Convention. It covers the Great Compromise, the Electoral College, and slavery-related compromises like the Three-Fifths Compromise. The video also discusses the process of amending the Constitution and highlights ongoing debates about central government power versus state authority and individual rights, using examples like the Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind Act.

What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787?

• To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• To draft the Bill of Rights

• To elect the first President of the United States

• To declare independence from Britain

Which plan proposed that representation in Congress should be based on state population?

• New Jersey Plan

• Virginia Plan

• Connecticut Plan

• Rhode Island Plan

What was the outcome of the Great Compromise?

• A unicameral legislature

• Equal representation for all states in both houses

• A bicameral legislature with different representation methods

• Direct election of the President by the people

How is the President of the United States elected according to the compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention?

• By popular vote

• By the Electoral College

• By Congress

• By state legislatures

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise about?

• Counting three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxation

• Abolishing slavery in the northern states

• Counting enslaved people as full citizens

• Allowing states to decide on slavery independently

What agreement was made regarding the importation of slaves?

• It was allowed indefinitely

• It would not be addressed for 20 years

• It was banned in northern states only

• It was immediately abolished

What is required for an amendment to be ratified according to the Constitution?

• Approval by three-quarters of the states

• A simple majority in Congress

• Unanimous agreement by all states

• Approval by the President

Which act was passed in response to the 9/11 attacks to enhance national security?

• The Homeland Security Act

• The Civil Rights Act

• The USA Patriot Act

• The No Child Left Behind Act

What was a major criticism of the No Child Left Behind Act?

• It provided too much funding to schools

• It eliminated state control over education

• It imposed unrealistic benchmarks on schools

• It focused too much on higher education

What ongoing debate is highlighted by the issues of government surveillance and education?

• The separation of church and state

• The influence of foreign policy on education

• The role of the military in domestic affairs

• The balance between state and federal power