Constitution Test

1.     Which of the following is an Antifederalist argument?

 

• a.    The Constitution is incomplete without a bill of rights.

• b. A strong national government can work if it has checks and balances.

• c. The Articles of Confederation are ineffective.

• d. The Constitution may not be perfect, but it is the best that we can create. 

2. Which article of the Constitution explains the Executive Branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 3

• Article 4

3. Which of the following is a power shared by both the federal and state governments?

• Coin Money

• Conduct Elections

• Tax Citizens

• Declare War

4. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Virginia Plan?

• Written by James Madison.

• Three branches of government

• Bicameral legislature with an upper house and a lower house

• Same number of votes foe each state in congress

5. Which of the following is one of the Reconstruction Amendments which was passed after the Civil War?

• a. 8th Amendment (outlaws cruel and unusual punishment)

• b. 14th Amendment (grants citizens equal protection under the law)

• c. 19th Amendment (grants women votibg rights

• d. 24th Amendment (outlaws poll taxes)

Matching: Match each key concept to the correct definition. Each key concept may be used once or not at all.

• Popular Sovereignty

• ____ 7. A government’s power is restricted by a Constitution in order to protect individual rights.

• Separation of Powers

• ____8. A form of government where citizens are represented by elected officials.

• Limited Government

• __10. The government is divided into branches. Each branch has distinct powers.

• Checks and Balances

• ____ 6. The government’s power comes from the consent of the people.

• Republicanism

• _____9. Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

11. Explain one weakness and one strength of the Articles of Confederation

Identify one section of the Constitution which permitted slavery to exist in the United States and the effects it had on the nation.

13. Read the preamble below and explain its purpose.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

14. Explain how power is separated between the three branches of government. Give an example of at least one power held by each branch.