Foundational Documents of American Government Review

What document served as a model for subsequent state constitutions and the federal Constitution?

• The Constitution of Virginia

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution of the United States

Which document articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and asserted their right to self-governance?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Constitution of Virginia

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution of the United States

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Lack of centralized authority to enforce laws

• Too much power in the executive branch

• Excessive taxation

• Lack of a legislative branch

Which document established a robust federal government with a system of checks and balances?

• The Constitution of the United States

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Constitution of Virginia

What principle did Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom establish?

• Religious liberty

• Freedom of speech

• Right to bear arms

• Right to a fair trial

Who played a significant role in the adoption of the Bill of Rights?

• James Madison

• George Mason

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

What did George Mason’s Virginia Declaration of Rights articulate?

• Fundamental rights such as freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial

• The need for a strong executive branch

• The importance of a centralized government

• The necessity of a national bank