Understanding the US Constitution

What was the main challenge faced by the 13 states in forming a government?

• Deciding on a national language

• Creating a government that was just and controlled by the people

• Choosing a national bird

• Establishing a national currency

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It was too strong and centralized

• It was never ratified by the states

• It was written in a foreign language

• It lacked key powers for the federal government

Who were some of the key figures involved in solving the puzzle of a stronger central government?

• Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant

• Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

• James Madison and George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia?

• To draft the Declaration of Independence

• To elect the first President of the United States

• To create a new kind of government

• To declare independence from Britain

What was the Great Compromise?

• A treaty with Native American tribes

• A decision to abolish slavery

• A plan to balance representation in Congress

• An agreement to end the Civil War

How were enslaved individuals counted for representation purposes in the Great Compromise?

• Every five enslaved individuals were counted as three people

• They were not counted at all

• As two-thirds of a person

• As full citizens

What are the two houses of the legislative branch?

• The Parliament and the Congress

• The Assembly and the Council

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

• The Executive and the Judicial

What is the main role of the executive branch?

• To amend the Constitution

• To interpret laws

• To enforce laws

• To make laws

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• To ensure no branch becomes too powerful

• To create a national bank

• To establish a state religion

• To regulate trade between states

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the law?

• The Federal Reserve

• The Judicial Branch

• The Executive Branch

• The Legislative Branch