Understanding the U.S. Constitution

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

• It provided too much power to the national government.

• It did not allow for the creation of new states.

• It lacked the ability to collect taxes.

• It prohibited the creation of an army.

What was the primary goal of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia?

• To declare independence from Britain

• To revise the Articles of Confederation

• To draft the Declaration of Independence

• To create a new form of government

Which compromise resulted in a bicameral legislature?

• The Great Compromise

• The 3/5ths Compromise

• The New Jersey Plan

• The Virginia Plan

What did the 3/5ths Compromise determine?

• The representation of slaves

• The election process

• The taxation system

• The number of states required for ratification

What principle prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• Checks and balances

• Electoral College

• Direct democracy

• Federalism

What does federalism in the U.S. Constitution refer to?

• The power of the federal courts

• The federal budget process

• The division of power between national and state governments

• The process of electing federal officials

Who were the authors of the Federalist Papers?

• John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington

• Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

• Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton

What was a key concern of the Anti-Federalists?

• The absence of a bill of rights

• The inclusion of the Electoral College

• The potential for a too powerful national government

• The lack of a strong national government

In order to change (amend) the Articles of Confederation,  __________ out of 13 states had to agree. 

• 9
• 10
• 13
• 15

What is the name of the first written plan of government in America?

• Constitution
• Treaty of Paris
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation