Constitution Test 2024 HACKBARTH

Front

What was a major strength of the Articles of Confederation? A) Strong central government, B) Established a national army, C) Provided for the admission of new states, D) Allowed for easy tax collection

Back

Provided for the admission of new states

Answer explanation

A major strength of the Articles of Confederation was that it provided for the admission of new states, allowing for westward expansion and the growth of the nation, which was a significant achievement at the time.

Front

Shay's Rebellion highlighted the need for what?

Back

A stronger central government

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly in handling civil unrest, highlighting the need for a stronger central government to maintain order and enforce laws.

Front

What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention? A) To revise the Articles of Confederation, B) To draft the Declaration of Independence, C) To form state governments, D) To elect a new President

Back

To revise the Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, which were found to be ineffective in governing the new nation. This led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Front

The Virginia Plan proposed what kind of legislative structure? A) Unicameral based on equal representation, B) Bicameral based on population, C) Unicameral based on population, D) Bicameral with one house based on population and one on equal representation

Back

Bicameral based on population

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature where representation in both houses would be based on population, favoring larger states. Thus, the correct answer is B) Bicameral based on population.

Front

The New Jersey Plan favored which type of representation?

Back

Equal representation for all states

Answer explanation

The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation for all states, regardless of their population size. This was in contrast to the Virginia Plan, which favored representation based on population.

Front

What was the Great Compromise?

Back

A bicameral Congress with one house based on population and one on equal representation.

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral Congress, balancing representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate, addressing the concerns of both large and small states.

Front

What did the 3/5 Compromise decide?

Back

Each slave would count as 3/5 of a person for taxation and representation.

Answer explanation

The 3/5 Compromise determined that each slave would count as 3/5 of a person for purposes of taxation and representation in Congress, balancing the interests of slaveholding and non-slaveholding states.

Front

Define federalism.

Back

Division of power between national and state governments.

Answer explanation

Federalism is defined as the division of power between national and state governments, allowing both levels to govern concurrently. This distinguishes it from a strong centralized government or complete state sovereignty.

Front

What is the purpose of the separation of powers?

Back

To divide governmental roles into three branches.

Answer explanation

The purpose of the separation of powers is to divide governmental roles into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This structure prevents any one branch from gaining too much power, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

Front

What are checks and balances?

Back

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Answer explanation

Checks and balances refer to a system where each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) can limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.