Topic 4 A Constitution for the U.S.

What was the main objective of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. To form a new national government

• B. To establish a system for territorial disputes

• C. To outline a set of fundamental rights

• D. To create a government for the Northwest Territory

What was the primary purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

• A. Divided public western lands into square townships.

• B. Guaranteed basic rights to settlers

What event led to the realization of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. The Shays' Rebellion and the economic crisis in Massachusetts.

• B. The establishment of the Land Ordinance of 1785.

• C. The formation of new states in the Northwest Territory.

• D. The inefficiency of the national government.

What is the main function of a constitution?

• A. To list the punishments for breaking laws.

• B. To outline the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

• C. To define the powers and duties of the government.

• D. To decide the national bird and animal.

During that era, who were allowed to vote in most states?

• A. Property-owning white men aged 21 and above.

• B. Women and African Americans.

• C. White men aged 18 and above, regardless of property ownership.

• D. Minors and non-property owners.

Under the Articles of Confederation, what were the responsibilities of the national government?

• A. Enforce laws and maintain order within the states.

• B. Regulate interstate commerce and establish a national currency.

• C. Establish a national army and declare war.

• D. Pass laws, negotiate with foreign nations, sign treaties, mint money, and operate a postal service.

How many states sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention?

• A. 10

• B. 11

• C. 12

• D. 13

Which plan suggested a strong central government with three branches?

• A. Virginia Plan

• B. New Jersey Plan

• C. Great Compromise

• D. Three-Fifths Compromise

Which was the agreement that offered a solution to the representation problem?

• A. Virginia Plan

• B. New Jersey Plan

• C. Great Compromise

• D. Three-Fifths Compromise

What was the minimum number of states that had to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?

• A. 5

• B. 6

• C. 7

• D. 9