Unit 6: Constitution and Bill of Rights

Front

Which crisis under the Articles of Confederation led many people to believe the United States needed a new constitution? Options: Pontiac's Rebellion, Shays' Rebellion, French & Indian War, Boston Tea Party

Back

Shays' Rebellion

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion was a significant uprising in 1786-1787 where farmers protested economic injustices. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading many to believe a stronger federal constitution was necessary.

Front

What was the purpose of the Magna Carta (1215) in English history?

Back

to limit the power of the British monarch

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta (1215) was primarily aimed at limiting the power of the British monarch, establishing the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

Front

At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, one major disagreement concerned representation in the new national legislature. What settled the dispute between states with large populations and states with small populations?

Back

The Great Compromise

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the conflict between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Front

What part of the Three-fifths Compromise pleased Southern States?

Back

Every 3 out of 5 of the slave population would be counted for representation in the House.

Answer explanation

The Three-fifths Compromise allowed Southern states to count 3 out of every 5 slaves for representation in the House, increasing their political power without granting them full rights.

Front

Where was the Constitutional Convention held?

Back

Philadephia, PA

Answer explanation

The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, PA, in 1787. This city was chosen for its central location and its historical significance, making it the ideal venue for the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Front

What do we call the form of government in which citizens vote for representatives to govern for them and make the laws?

Back

republic

Answer explanation

The form of government where citizens elect representatives to create laws is called a republic. In a republic, elected officials represent the interests of the people, unlike direct democracy where citizens vote on laws directly.

Front

Which plan, proposed at the Constitutional Convention, is shown by the House of Representatives and proposed a bicameral legislature?

Back

Virginia Plan

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature, which influenced the structure of the House of Representatives. It called for representation based on population, contrasting with the New Jersey Plan's equal representation.

Front

In which part of our Congress were the concerns of the small states addressed by the writers of the Constitution?

Back

Senate

Answer explanation

The concerns of small states were addressed in the Senate, where each state, regardless of size, has equal representation with two senators. This structure was part of the Great Compromise to balance power between large and small states.

Front

Which people were against the ratification of the Constitution, because they wanted more power to stay in the states and thought individual rights needed more protection?

Back

Anti-federalists

Answer explanation

The Anti-federalists opposed the Constitution because they believed it concentrated too much power in the federal government and did not adequately protect individual rights, preferring more power to remain with the states.

Front

Which of these demonstrates a bicameral legislature established in 1787? Mayflower Compact, U.S. Congress, Second Continental Congress, House of Burgesses

Back

U.S. Congress

Answer explanation

The U.S. Congress, established in 1787, is a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The other options do not represent a bicameral system or were established at different times.