Creation of the Constitution: 10th Grade Vocabulary Assessment

What does it mean to "contradict" something?

• To agree with a statement

• To state the opposite of or challenge something

• To explain a concept in detail

• To summarize a complex idea

Answer explanation

To "contradict" something means to state the opposite of or challenge it. This directly opposes the idea or statement in question, making the correct choice "To state the opposite of or challenge something."

Which term refers to a basic truth or belief that guides actions?

• Assertion

• Contradiction

• Relevance

• Principle

Answer explanation

The term 'Principle' refers to a fundamental truth or belief that serves as a foundation for behavior and decision-making, making it the correct choice in this context.

What is the definition of "relevant"?

• Unimportant to the matter at hand

• Distantly related to the topic

• Closely connected to or important for the matter at hand

• Contradictory to the main idea

Answer explanation

The term "relevant" means something that is closely connected to or important for the matter at hand. The correct choice emphasizes its significance, while the other options describe unrelated or contradictory concepts.

To "assert" means to:

• Question uncertainly

• Suggest tentatively

• Avoid confrontation

• State or declare something confidently

Answer explanation

To "assert" means to state or declare something confidently. This definition aligns with the correct answer choice, as it emphasizes a strong and clear expression of belief or opinion.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

• America's current system of government

• The Declaration of Independence

• America's first government

• The Bill of Rights

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation were America's first government, established after independence. They created a loose alliance of states but were eventually replaced due to their weaknesses, leading to the current Constitution.

A "constitution" is best described as:

• A list of grievances against the government

• A plan that outlines the laws and structure of a government

• A declaration of war

• A religious document

Answer explanation

A constitution is fundamentally a plan that outlines the laws and structure of a government, establishing the framework for governance and the rights of citizens, making this the correct choice.

What was the Constitutional Convention?

• A meeting to draft the Declaration of Independence

• The 1787 meeting where delegates created the U.S. Constitution

• An annual gathering of state governors

• A conference to establish voting rights

Answer explanation

The Constitutional Convention was the 1787 meeting where delegates created the U.S. Constitution, addressing the need for a stronger federal government after the Articles of Confederation proved inadequate.

The "Enlightenment" was:

• A period of religious revival in Europe

• The Industrial Revolution

• An intellectual movement that emphasized reason and individualism

• The Renaissance period in art and literature

Answer explanation

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Europe that emphasized reason and individualism, contrasting with religious revival and artistic periods like the Renaissance. It focused on human thought and scientific inquiry.

"The Federalist Papers" were:

• Anti-government propaganda

• A collection of revolutionary war documents

• The first draft of the Constitution

• Essays written to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Answer explanation

"The Federalist Papers" were essays written to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, aiming to persuade states to adopt the new framework of government.

What was the "Great Compromise" during the Constitutional Convention?

• The agreement that ended the Revolutionary War

• A treaty between Native Americans and colonists

• The agreement that created a two-house legislature to balance power between big and small states

• The agreement that abolished slavery

Answer explanation

The "Great Compromise" established a two-house legislature, balancing power between larger states, which favored representation by population, and smaller states, which wanted equal representation. This was crucial for the Constitution's acceptance.