Origins of American Government

1775 - 1781 The war of the American colonists against Britain to gain its freedom

• Enlightenment

• Magna Carta

• American Revolution

• separation of powers

What is popular sovereignty?

• A government where the people have the power 
• A government that limits the power of the people 
• giving the most popular people power in society 

Which was NOT one of the four types of British colonies in America?

• Royal
• Official
• Proprietary
• Charter

Which is a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Congress couldn't collect taxes
• Weak central government
• Provided for no common currency
• All of the these

Which document from 1689 influenced the ideas about the rights of the citizens?

• Magna Carta

• Mayflower Compact

• English Bill of Rights

• Declaration of Independence

The Magna Carta of 1215 is important for establishing which of the following?

• the Virginia Company

• the principle of limited government

• the scientific discoveries of the Enlightenment

• an agreement for governing the colony of Plymouth

Why style of government was established under the Articles?

• democracy
• republic
• confederation
• monarchy

What plan called for a two house legislature with representation based on population?

• New York Plan
• New Jersey Plan
• Virginia Plan
• Georgia Plan

Why was it hard to get laws passed under the Articles of Confederation?

• To pass a law, all states needed to agree.
• To pass a law, 9 of 13 states needed to agree.
• The President could veto a law before it was passed.
• The Supreme Court could rule any law unconstitutional

What replaced the Articles of Confederation?

• Articles of Confederation
• Declaration of Independence
• United States Constitution
• The President of the United States