American Politics and the US Constitution

Question 1

What is it called when people make an agreement between themselves and the government?

• Balance of power
• Natural rights
• A social contract
• The state of nature

Answer 1

A social contract

In general, a contract is an agreement between two parties. The terms of the agreement between a government and its people are an ongoing negotiation.

Question 2

According to the social contract theory, what is the origin of society?

• Society is mandated by the will of God.
• Society is a hypothetical state of human existence, useful for developing philosophical arguments.
• Society is the product of human desire and effort.
• Society is a natural expression of human existence.

Answer 2

Society is the product of human desire and effort.

Correct! Social contract theory argues that we create society to meet particular needs we individually possess and share with others.

Question 3

Which of the following did John Locke view as the most important protection(s) under the social contract?

• Life
• The general will
• Liberty and property
• Security

Answer 3

Liberty and property

Correct. John Locke believed that liberty and property are both natural rights and it is the government’s job to protect them.

Question 4

Which of these accurately describes John Locke’s view of the state of nature?

• The state of nature creates insecurity among the people.
• The state of nature was a war against all.
• The state of nature was peaceful and consisted of rational human beings.
• The state of nature is better than organized society.

Answer 4

The state of nature was peaceful and consisted of rational human beings.

Correct. Even though this was John Locke’s belief, he also argued that life in the state of nature was “inconvenient.”

Question 5

According to John Locke, how much authority should society have over its citizens under the social contract?

• No authority
• Limited authority
• Total authority
• Locke did not believe in the social contract.

Answer 5

Limited authority

Correct. Locke believed that the social contract should provide a society in which the society has no more power than is necessary to regulate the natural rights and co-existence of its citizens.

Question 6

Which statement describes characteristics of a social contract? Select the three correct answers.

• A definition of human nature
• A manifestation of the will of God
• A collective expression of a collectively shared interest
• A specification of natural rights

Answer 6

• A definition of human nature
• A collective expression of a collectively shared interest
• A specification of natural rights

Correct. Social contacts reflect who we are, the rights we possess, and the interests we share. Social contracts define us as human.

Question 7

In what way is the state of nature important for constructing a social contract? Select the two correct answers.

• The state of nature gives definition to what it means to be human.
• The state of nature offers an ideal in which a social contract should seek to emulate.
• The state of nature is fictional and offers nothing meaningful for constructing a social contract.
• The state of nature gives definition to natural rights.

Answer 7

• The state of nature gives definition to what it means to be human.
• The state of nature gives definition to natural rights.

Correct. Society should be a reflection of what it means to be human, and natural rights must be acknowledged and protected in a social contract.

Question 8

Why is it important to know what the quality of life is like in the state of nature? Select the two correct answers.

• It explains the incentive for working cooperatively with others.
• It provides the basis for a measure of human progress.
• It helps to frame the type of social contract that is needed to make individual life better.
• It provides a utopian goal for society to try and realize.

Answer 8

• It explains the incentive for working cooperatively with others.
• It helps to frame the type of social contract that is needed to make individual life better.

Correct. How bad or good life is in the state of nature will guide the need to cooperate with others, and the subsequent social contract will help overcome the drawbacks experienced in the state of nature.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a social contract? Select the one correct answer

• To create natural rights
• To realize the will of God
• To acknowledge and protect natural rights

Answer 9

To acknowledge and protect natural rights

Correct. Social contracts are created to acknowledge and protect natural rights.

Question 10

What is an important weakness of a social contract? Select the one correct answer.

• Social contracts require consensus.
• Social contracts don’t aspire to create a perfect moral order.
• All social contracts eventually fail
• Social contracts are fixed.

Answer 10

Social contracts require consensus.

Correct. Consensus is difficult to obtain in any society, which makes social contracts difficult to implement.

Question 11

Which statements are true about natural rights? (Choose the two correct answers.)

• They are given by the government and not God.
• They compel the creation of democratic government.
• They impart an equality of being among all people.
• They let you do what you need to survive and be secure.

Answer 11

• They impart an equality of being among all people.
• They let you do what you need to survive and be secure.

Correct! Since all people share the same set of natural rights given by God, they cannot be interfered with by a government.

Question 12

Which statements are true concerning the state of nature? Select the two correct answers.

• Is a thought experiment upon which a definition of proper society and government are built
• Suggests that human beings are naturally social
• Describes the relationship between human beings and animals.
• Permits a philosophical definition of human nature.

Answer 12

• Is a thought experiment upon which a definition of proper society and government are built
• Permits a philosophical definition of human nature.

Correct. Enlightenment philosophers used the state of nature to define human nature and argued for a proper society and government based on that nature.

Question 13

What conditions are required for a social contract to work? Select the two correct answers.

• A commitment to toleration
• Consensus among those whom the social contract applies to
• Uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to the social contract
• The desire for a utopian society among those who want the social contract

Answer 13

• Consensus among those whom the social contract applies to
• Uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to the social contract

Correct. The conditions needed for a social contract to work include consensus among those involved in the social contract and a uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to it.

Question 14

Which of these describes the theory of the social contract? Select the one correct answer.

• Society is not natural, but created by the people.
• Society was created by God.
• The people do not control society, but society controls the people.
• We must accept society as it is since it was naturally created.

Answer 14

• Society is not natural, but created by the people.

Correct. The social contract acknowledges that the people are in relationship with the government and there are obligations the citizens have to a society.

Question 15

What are social contracts constructed to be compatible with? Select the one correct answer.

• Ordinary Rights and Government Rights
• Direct and Representative Democracies
• Human Nature and Natural Rights
• Nature and God

Answer 15

• Human Nature and Natural Rights

Correct. The social contract recognizes both human nature and natural rights and when constructed, natural rights are a central part because they are too important to our individual lives.

Question 16

Which natural right was explicitly protected in the Declaration of Independence? Select the one correct answer.

• Property
• Wealth
• Voting
• Liberty

Answer 16

Liberty

Correct. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence based on the ideas of John Locke who argued that one of our most important natural rights is liberty.

Question 17

Which Constitutional principle, suggested by Montesquieu, lessens the potential harm of the national government over the people? Select the one correct answer.

• Natural Rights
• A bicameral legislature
• Separation of powers
• Checks and balances

Answer 17

Separation of powers

Correct. By separating the legislative, executive, and judicial power and placing each branch into the control of different political actors this would prevent government tyranny over the people by limiting the harm any one branch of government might do on its own.

Question 18

Which Constitutional mechanism, suggested by Montesquieu, balances the national government and prevents any one section of government from having sole/complete power? Select the one correct answer.

• Natural rights
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
• A bicameral legislature

Answer 18

Checks and balances

Correct. The Constitutional principle of checks and balances is meant to prevent any one branch of government from gaining complete power and control over the government by allowing each branch to monitor and influence what happens in other branches of government.

Question 19

Which of the following protects Locke’s idea of natural rights and provides Montesquieu’s protections known as due process of law? Select the one correct answer.

• The Constitution
• The Bill of Rights
• The Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Confederation

Answer 19

The Bill of Rights

Correct. This addition to the Constitution focuses on protecting the liberties or freedoms by protecting such rights as freedom of speech and providing due process of law when citizens must interact with the government over legal matters.

Question 20

Which was designed with a concern for the tyranny of factional majority?

• The Bill of Rights
• The Constitution
• The Social Contract
• The Declaration of Independence

Answer 20

The Constitution

Correct! The potential for the tyranny of factional majority was a key consideration at the time of the drafting of the Constitution. The framers drew upon Montesquieu’s principles in an effort to offset factions.

Question 21

What is the Enlightenment? Select the two correct answers.

• Where democratic government is invented.
• The source of our ideas about natural rights.
• A revival of Roman Catholicism.
• A period of Western European history following the Middle Ages.

Answer 21

• The source of our ideas about natural rights.
• A period of Western European history following the Middle Ages.

Correct. The Enlightenment, which took place after the Middle Ages, 1650-1800, occurred mainly in Great Britain, France, and Germany and its philosophy produced the idea of natural rights.

Question 22

Why does the Enlightenment influence American politics and government? Select the three correct answers.

• The colonists have a long history of self-government, consistent with the Enlightenment’s ideas about government by consent.
• The colonists are attracted to the idea of the divine right of kings.
• Ideas of the Enlightenment frame the colonists’ response to British violations of natural rights.
• Those immigrating to the American colonies are attracted to the Enlightenment’s ideas of liberty and property.

Answer 22

• The colonists have a long history of self-government, consistent with the Enlightenment’s ideas about government by consent.
• Ideas of the Enlightenment frame the colonists’ response to British violations of natural rights.
• Those immigrating to the American colonies are attracted to the Enlightenment’s ideas of liberty and property.

Correct. Those who settled the American colonies were seeking freedom and opportunity, and Locke’s ideas about the consent to be governed and the right to rebellion had a major influence in the establishment of American government. Early Americans were not drawn to the idea of the divine right of kings.

Question 23

How do conflicting ideas of the Enlightenment influence American government and politics? Select the two correct answers.

• The Constitution sets up a system of government that isn’t favorable to the democratic expression of the popular will.
• The conflict between popular government and the separation of powers creates an ideal balance of interests.
• The conflict among ideas leads to an increasingly undemocratic system of government.
• The protection of private property can interfere with the government’s dealing with important social needs.

Answer 23

• The Constitution sets up a system of government that isn’t favorable to the democratic expression of the popular will.
• The protection of private property can interfere with the government’s dealing with important social needs.

Correct. The separation of powers in the Constitution works to undermine popular democratic input and control, but even when dealing with important social needs, protection of private property limits the government’s actions.

Question 24

Which ideas are embodied in the Declaration of Independence? Select the two correct answers.

• The purpose of government is to secure justice for all people
• The natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
• The idea that governments are created by people to protect their natural rights
• The ideas of Thomas Hobbes

Answer 24

• The natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
• The idea that governments are created by people to protect their natural rights

Correct. The Declaration specifically mentions life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as well as the idea that people have the right to create or abolish governments if their natural rights are at risk.

Question 25

In what key ways does the Constitution differ from the Declaration of Independence? Select the two correct answers.

• The Constitution makes justice more important than liberty.
• The Constitution elevates the rights of property.
• The Constitution expands the list of natural rights.
• The Constitution is more concerned with controlling rather than expressing the popular will.

Answer 25

• The Constitution makes justice more important than liberty.
• The Constitution is more concerned with controlling rather than expressing the popular will.

Correct. While the Declaration emphasized liberty and expressing the popular will, the Constitution was designed to control popular will and support justice.

Question 26

What type of rights are contained in the Bill of Rights? Select the two correct answers.

• The Bill of Rights contains consensus rights.
• The Bill of Rights contains procedural rights.
• The Bill of Rights contains objective rights.
• The Bill of Rights contains natural rights.

Answer 26

• The Bill of Rights contains procedural rights.
• The Bill of Rights contains natural rights.

Correct. The Bill of Rights contains both natural rights and procedural rights.

Question 27

Select the one correct answer.

The Constitution’s first three articles create separate legislative, executive and judicial branches, is consistent with:

• John Locke’s views about the nature of liberty and how it fits into the social contract
• Montesquieu’s theory for the separation of political power.
• Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that those without property would attempt to take it from those who do have it
• The framers’ overall distrust in government

Answer 27

Montesquieu’s theory for the separation of political power.

Correct. Yes, the first three articles divide government power, consistent with Montesquieu’s theory

Question 28

Select the one correct answer.

The Constitution’s demotion of liberty, and lack of protections for natural rights, suggests the framers were what?

• Fearful the new national government would be subject to insurrection by disgruntled Anti-federalists.
• Worried that expressing certain rights would serve to legitimize the institution of slavery.
• More interested in the practicalities of government.
• Hostile towards the interests of individuals.

Answer 28

More interested in the practicalities of government.

Question 29

Select the one correct answer.

The Constitution’s demotion of liberty, and lack of protections for natural rights, suggests the framers were what?

• Fearful the new national government would be subject to insurrection by disgruntled Anti-federalists.
• Worried that expressing certain rights would serve to legitimize the institution of slavery.
• More interested in the practicalities of government.
• Hostile towards the interests of individuals.

Answer 29

More interested in the practicalities of government.

Correct! The Framers were interested in creating a national government that worked.

Question 30

How is the unicameral Congress different from a bicameral Congress? Select the one correct answer.

• A unicameral Congress has one chamber while a bicameral Congress has two.
• A unicameral congress does not have the power to make treaties with foreign countries but a bicameral congress has treaty-making power.
• The unicameral Congress had very limited powers and authority while a bicameral Congress has more power and authority.
• A unicameral Congress is structured to limit states’ power while a bicameral Congress is structured to expand states’ powers.

Answer 30

A unicameral Congress has one chamber while a bicameral Congress has two.

Correct. Under the Articles of Confederation there was a unicameral Congress, which consisted of one chamber known as the Confederation. Today, Congress is bicameral and consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 31

What was the basis of representation in Congress under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• Each state had one vote in the Congress.
• States were given representation based on population.
• States had equal representation in the upper house and representation based on population in the lower house.
• Each state was allowed only two members.

Answer 31

Each state had one vote in the Congress.

Correct. All the states were considered to be equal.

Question 32

Why were the powers of the national government severely limited under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• To create a government that would only have the ability to function for a limited amount of time.
• To prevent the states from feeling alienated from the national government.
• To give the national government a layer of protection against the desires of the citizens.
• To prevent the national government from becoming too powerful or abusing the rights of individual citizens and states.

Answer 32

To prevent the national government from becoming too powerful or abusing the rights of individual citizens and states.

Correct. This was a concern when creating the Articles of Confederation as the U.S. government did not want to create a government similar to the oppressive British government they had just declared independence from.

Question 33

Why was limiting the powers of the national government under the Articles of Confederation a major concern? Select the one correct answer.

• It maintained the sovereignty of state governments.
• It guaranteed that the Articles of Confederation would only be a temporary document.
• It did not create an institution to print money.

Answer 33

It maintained the sovereignty of state governments.

Correct. Limiting the powers of the national government meant that the power of the states remained protected and would serve to prevent the national government from becoming too powerful.

Question 34

Which power did the national government have under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• To enforce laws
• To manage relationships with Indian tribes
• To have national courts practice judicial review
• To create an army and a navy

Answer 34

To manage relationships with Indian tribes

Correct. The new government was given the power to manage affairs with Indian tribes.

Question 35

Although the national government had the power to declare war under the Articles of Confederation, how was this specific power limited? Select the one correct answer.

• The national government needed approval from the states in order to declare war.
• There was no President to serve as commander in chief of the national military.
• The national government could not appoint military officials.
• There was no national military from which to draw soldiers.

Answer 35

There was no national military from which to draw soldiers.

Correct. Although the national government had the power to declare war under the Articles of Confederation, there was no national army from which to pull soldiers. The national government had to ask the individual states to send soldiers from their state militias to fight in any war.

Question 36

Why was the national government given power to regulate trade with the Native Americans under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• Because Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States and were treated as foreign nations.
• Because Native American territories were considered states so any boundary disputes had to be settled by the national government.
• Because Native Americans used the national currency, they had to negotiate all trade agreements directly with the national government.
• The national government did not have the power to regulate trade with Native Americans, only state governments had this power.

Answer 36

Because Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States and were treated as foreign nations.

Correct. Native Americans were not granted citizenship in the United States until the 1920s, so under the Articles of Confederation, they were considered foreign nations.

Question 37

Which system of government allows states to retain most of their power and authority while delegating few defined powers to the national government? Select the one correct answer.

• A monarchy
• A confederation
• An oligarchy
• A federal system

Answer 37

A confederation

Correct. Under a confederation, the national government derives its power solely through what the states allow it to do.

Question 38

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Select the two correct answers.

• The Articles created a republican form of government.
• The Articles created a bicameral legislature
• The Articles gave the states too much authority.
• The Articles limited the powers of the national government too much, making it weak and ineffective.

Answer 38

• The Articles gave the states too much authority.
• The Articles limited the powers of the national government too much, making it weak and ineffective.

Correct. In protecting state sovereignty, the states had more power than the national government, which served to weaken the national government and prevent it from making effective decisions that could be enforced.

Question 39

How did creating a republican form of government in the United States ease the fears of the national government becoming too powerful? Select one correct answer.

• Republican government rested political power in the hands of the people.
• Republican government permitted little authority for the states.
• Republican government gave a majority of the power to the national government.
• Republican government allowed for one political party to control the laws and policies.

Answer 39

Republican government rested political power in the hands of the people.

Correct. A republican form of government gave the power to the people while still allowing the states to have their own elected officials to enforce laws and policies within each state.

Question 40

Why was it so difficult to change the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• The Articles of Confederation were only an experiment so changing them would ruin the results.
• The Articles of Confederation specifically stated that they were not to be changed.
• The Articles of Confederation required two-thirds of the states to approve changes.
• The Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent by all the states for any changes.

Answer 40

The Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent by all the states for any changes.

Correct: The Articles of Confederation required that 13 out of 13 states approve of any changes. This was a nearly impossible level of agreement to reach.

Question 41

Which of these are powers of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? Select one correct answer.

• The power to declare laws passed by other states as invalid
• The power to declare war
• The power to enforce laws
• The power to tax

Answer 41

The power to declare war

Correct. Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had the power to declare war with other nations. It did not have the power to tax or to declare states’ laws invalid or enforce their own laws.

Question 42

Even though the national government had the power to declare war under the Articles of Confederation, why was the power limited and ultimately ineffective? Select the one correct answer.

• Individual states had the power to disagree with the national government and overrule their decision to go to war.
• There was no national army, so the national government had to rely on the individual states to allow their soldiers to participate.
• There was no chief executive who could determine a strategy for fighting wars.
• There was no money to cover the costs of war.

Answer 42

There was no national army, so the national government had to rely on the individual states to allow their soldiers to participate.

Correct. Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government could only request for states to send their soldiers to fight, but states did not have to honor that request.

Question 43

Why did the United States have currency problems under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• The new government could not create a currency.
• There was no paper currency.
• The new government could not borrow money.
• The new government had to rely on states to provide funds for backing a currency and paying back loans.

Answer 43

The new government had to rely on states to provide funds for backing a currency and paying back loans.

Correct. The government could only request contributions from the states, and the states frequently did not provide funds.

Question 44

Why was the inability to regulate trade among the states a weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• It prevented lower priced international goods from being sold in the United States.
• It allowed foreign nations to undermine the national government by encouraging the individual states to declare independence and become their own countries.
• The inability to regulate trade among the states was not weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.
• It allowed the states to make their own agreements with countries without the national government knowing.

Answer 44

It allowed the states to make their own agreements with countries without the national government knowing.

Correct. Because the national government had no authority to regulate trade, countries would make agreements directly with the states without informing the national government.

Question 45

Why were foreign governments reluctant to loan money to the United States during the time of the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• Foreign governments were not reluctant to loan money to the United States and embraced forming monetary agreements with the national government.
• Foreign governments feared the perception of “taxation without representation.”
• Foreign governments feared that they would be attacked by the British government for loaning money to the United States after the American Revolution.
• Since the national government lacked the ability to tax its citizens, foreign governments feared that the national government would not be able to repay the loans.

Answer 45

• Since the national government lacked the ability to tax its citizens, foreign governments feared that the national government would not be able to repay the loans.

Correct. Due to the inability to tax its citizens, the national government had no money to pay any potential loans and they had no way to back up the value of its currency which increasingly became worthless.

Question 46

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• Congress could not establish departments within the institution.
• Only the states could sign treaties.
• Congress could not enlist men for a national army.
• Congress could not declare war without the approval of the state governments.

Answer 46

Congress could not enlist men for a national army.

Correct. The national government had to rely on the states for military personnel.

Question 47

Why did the Articles of Confederation provide for such a weak national government? Select the one correct answer.

• The colonists/citizens of the United States were afraid of a strong central government.
• The writers of the Articles wanted a government as strong as Britain.
• The country was destitute after winning the American Revolution.
• Foreign powers provided money for those opposing a strong national government so the new country would be weak.

Answer 47

The colonists/citizens of the United States were afraid of a strong central government.

Correct. The experience of the colonies with a strong government under Parliament and King George III led them to fear a strong national government.

Question 48

What was one reason why it was necessary to replace the Articles of Confederation? Select the one correct answer.

• Countries refused to trade with the new country since the government was so weak.
• The states did not have enough power.
• The United States lacked the military forces to defend the new country.
• The national government was so strong that it threatened the rights of citizens.

Answer 48

The United States lacked the military forces to defend the new country.

Correct. The United States was unable to create a national army to defend the country.

Question 49

What powers did the national government have under the Articles of Confederation? Select the three correct answers.

• The power to declare laws passed by other states as invalid
• The power to settle disputes among different states
• The power to declare war
• The power to borrow and coin money

Answer 49

• The power to settle disputes among different states
• The power to declare war
• The power to borrow and coin money

Correct: The national government under the Articles of Confederation was able to borrow money from other nations and print money on behalf of the United States, declare war with other nations, and act as a mediator between disputing states.

Question 50

After the Articles of Confederation went into effect, how was the British government able to continue impacting what would happen in the United States? Select the three correct answers.

• The British government did not seek to interact with the United States government after it gained independence.
• The British government could refuse to accept the currency of the United States as a means to pay off any lingering debts.
• The British government was able to form individual relationships with the states.
• The British government was able to put pressure on the states through its occupation of land west of the United States.

Answer 50

• The British government could refuse to accept the currency of the United States as a means to pay off any lingering debts.
• The British government was able to form individual relationships with the states.
• The British government was able to put pressure on the states through its occupation of land west of the United States.

Correct. The British government was able to form individual relationships with the states, pressure states by occupying in the land west of the United States, and deem its currency as valueless.

Question 51

Ultimately, why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Select the three correct answers.

• It harmed the international reputation of the United States.
• It gave too much power to the national government and not enough power to the states.
• It weakened the economy of the United States.
• It weakened the powers of the national government too much.

Answer 51

• It harmed the international reputation of the United States.
• It weakened the economy of the United States.
• It weakened the powers of the national government too much.

Correct. The Articles ultimately failed because, with only five specific powers, everything else was left to the states, leaving the government underfunded and without a strong national army. The United States was also viewed as weak by other powers.

Question 52

The power to draft soldiers under the Articles of Confederation required the national government to do which of the following? Select the two correct answers.

• Ask each state to send troops any time they wanted to engage in war
• Create a system of sharing troops with the individual states
• Appoint senior officials
• Set entry requirements of the national army

Answer 52

• Ask each state to send troops any time they wanted to engage in war
• Appoint senior officials

Correct. The national government was given the power to appoint senior military officials; however, there was no national military in which they could serve. Each state had its own militia. Every time the national government needed soldiers, it had to request that each state send troops.

Question 53

How did the inability to regulate trade among the states prove to be a weakness for the United States? Select the three correct answers.

• Many local farmers and business owners could not survive in the economy under the Articles of Confederation.
• Too many officials became caught up in trade regulation and didn’t fulfill their assigned duties.
• The inability to regulate trade allowed the states to make their own agreements with other countries without the national government’s knowing.
• The national government had no power to regulate the price of goods.

Answer 53

• Many local farmers and business owners could not survive in the economy under the Articles of Confederation.
• The inability to regulate trade allowed the states to make their own agreements with other countries without the national government’s knowing.
• The national government had no power to regulate the price of goods.

Correct. Because the national government had no authority to regulate trade, countries would make agreements directly with the states without the national government’s knowledge. Also, imported goods became cheaper than local and small business could not stay afloat.

Question 54

Why was the inability of the national government to tax a weakness of the Articles of Confederation? Select the three correct answers.

• People who used other countries’ currency instead of U.S. currency began to feel less “American.”
• The currency of the United States became worthless.
• Foreign countries did not want to lend or trade with the national government.
• Being unable to tax often left the national government underfunded.

Answer 54

• The currency of the United States became worthless.
• Foreign countries did not want to lend or trade with the national government.
• Being unable to tax often left the national government underfunded.
• Correct. The national government had to request money from the states, who often failed to send money to the government, leading to underfunding. In turn, foreign countries discredited U. S. currency and refused trade, and the value of U. S. currency dropped.

Question 55

During the Constitutional Convention, how did the Virginia Plan differ from the New Jersey Plan? Select the one correct answer.

• The Virginia Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the New Jersey plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population.
• The Virginia Plan wanted a unicameral legislature, while the New Jersey Plan wanted a bicameral legislature.
• The New Jersey Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the Virginia plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population.
• The New Jersey Plan wanted to abolish slavery, while the Virginia Plan wanted to keep it.

Answer 55

The Virginia Plan wanted a legislature in which states received representation in proportion to the size of their population, while the New Jersey plan wanted a legislature that gave each state equal representation, regardless of the size of its population.

Correct. The Virginia Plan provided for greater representation, but only for some states, while the New Jersey Plan provided for equal representation for all states.

Question 56

The New Jersey Plan

Answer 56

A unicameral legislature.

A legislature that gave each state one vote regardless of the size of their population.

Smaller states would be given the same amount of power as larger states in the national legislature.

Question 57

The Virginia Plan

Answer 57

A legislature in which states receive representation based on their population.

Larger states would have more power than smaller states in the national legislature.

A bicameral legislature.

Question 58

What best describes the differences between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans in the role of federal and state sovereignty? Select the three correct answers.

• The Virginia and New Jersey Plans only differed in their ideas for appropriate representation in the national legislature; they agreed on the ideas of appropriate federal and state sovereignty.
• The Virginia Plan advocated for more powers for the central government.
• Supporters of the New Jersey Plan believed that the states were best suited to represent the needs of the citizens while supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that effective representation could happen at the national level.
• Supporters of the New Jersey Plan advocated for states to retain power over the national government while supporters of the Virginia Plan wanted the national government to legislate for the states and even veto laws passed by state legislatures.

Answer 58

• The Virginia Plan advocated for more powers for the central government.
• Supporters of the New Jersey Plan believed that the states were best suited to represent the needs of the citizens while supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that effective representation could happen at the national level.
• Supporters of the New Jersey Plan advocated for states to retain power over the national government while supporters of the Virginia Plan wanted the national government to legislate for the states and even veto laws passed by state legislatures.

Correct. The Virginia Plan advocated for a strong national government with the power to legislate for states and veto their laws, and supporters believed in effective national representation. In contrast, supporters of the New Jersey Plan were afraid of a strong national government, believed that states were a better place to address citizens’ needs, and wanted the states to retain power over the national government.

Question 59

Which plan for representation in the national legislature advocated for the voice of less populous states? Select the one correct answer.

• The Connecticut Plan
• The Virginia Plan
• The New Jersey Plan
• The New York Plan

Answer 59

The New Jersey Plan

Correct. The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation in the national legislature regardless of the size of a state’s population in order to ensure that smaller states still had a voice in the government.

Question 60

Which plan for representation argued for greater representation for the more populous states? Select the one correct answer.

• The New York Plan
• The Virginia Plan
• The New Jersey Plan
• The Connecticut Plan

Answer 60

The Virginia Plan

Correct. The Virginia Plan advocated for states with a larger population to have greater representation in the national legislature.

Question 61

What best describes the ideas and beliefs of federal and state sovereignty in the Virginia Plan? Select the two correct answers.

• The Virginia Plan not only sought to give more representation to populous states, it also advocated for a national government that would legislate for the states.
• The Virginia Plan argued for a national government that had less sovereignty than state governments.
• Although the Virginia Plan differed from the New Jersey Plan in its idea of state representation, these plans had similar ideas for federal and state sovereignty.
• Supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that a strong national government was vital to the success of the United States.

Answer 61

• The Virginia Plan not only sought to give more representation to populous states, it also advocated for a national government that would legislate for the states.
• Supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that a strong national government was vital to the success of the United States.

Correct. Supporters of the Virginia Plan believed that a strong national government was necessary to protect the United States from outside threats and that it needed to make laws for the states to create a more efficient government.

Question 62

Select the one correct answer.

The motivation for those who introduced and promoted the Virginia Plan was:

• To shift more power to the national government.
• To protect the institution of slavery.
• To more firmly entrench the confederal nature of the national government
• To assert a need for greater state cooperation in the face of foreign threats.

Answer 62

To shift more power to the national government.

Correct. This plan would give more power to the national government and favor the more populous states.

Question 63

Select the one correct answer.

In proposing the New Jersey Plan, its proponents were interested in what?

• The protection of individual rights and privileges
• Securing a stable basis for domestic economic activity
• Maintaining the structure of the Articles of Confederation and basing representation on the states
• Preventing small population states from exercising too much power in the national government

Answer 63

Maintaining the structure of the Articles of Confederation and basing representation on the states

Correct. The New Jersey Plan provided for only one house of Congress, with each state having equal representation.

Question 64

Select the one correct answer.

Resting at the heart of the debate over the Virginia and New Jersey plans was:

• The possibility that new states would be created, thus shifting political power within the system westward.
• A concern over the adequacy of the new nation’s ability to fend off foreign invasion.
• A disagreement over the national government being representative of the people or of the states.
• An argument over the desirability of westward expansion.

Answer 64

A disagreement over the national government being representative of the people or of the states.

Correct. The key distinction between these plans was whether the people or the states would be represented in the national government.

Question 65

Which of the following accurately describes the outcome of the Great Compromise? Select the one correct answer.

• The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature.
• The Great Compromise created a compromise over the issue of slavery.
• The Great Compromise created a confederation.
• The Great Compromise created a unicameral legislature.

Answer 65

The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature.

Correct. The Great Compromise created a legislative branch with two chambers: The House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 66

Select the one correct answer. The Great Compromise sought to balance:

• The ideological differences over representation of the people or of the states.
• The differing interests between a minority of economic elites and a majority of people with middle- and low-incomes.
• Competing economic interests of an urban industrial sector and a rural agricultural sector.
• The sectional interests of Northern and Southern states.

Answer 66

The ideological differences over representation of the people or of the states.

Correct. The basic debate here is over whether the people or the states are to be represented in the national government.

Question 67

Under the terms of the original Constitution, what would happen to a slave who escaped and fled to another state? Select the one correct answer.

• Runaway slaves that cross state lines would be assigned to a new owner in the state in which they were apprehended.
• Runaway slaves would be put to death if they fled across state lines.
• Runaway slaves could be reclaimed by their owners and taken back.
• Runaway slaves would be free unless they ever returned to the state from which they had escaped.

Answer 67

Runaway slaves could be reclaimed by their owners and taken back.

Correct. The Fugitive Slave Clause (Article IV, Clause 3) allows slave owners to reclaim their human property in the states where slaves had fled.

Question 68

Which of these compromises were struck during the Constitutional Convention over how slaves would be counted in a state’s population? Select the one correct answer.

• The Fugitive Slave Clause
• The Virginia Plan
• The Great Compromise
• The Three-Fifths Compromise

Answer 68

The Three-Fifths Compromise

Correct. This compromise, made after the Great Compromise, determined that the House of Representatives would be based on a state’s population. This compromise allowed for each slave to be counted as 3/5 of a person for the purpose of calculating a state’s population.

Question 69

What effect did the Fugitive Slave Clause (Clause 3, Article IV of the Constitution) have? Select the one correct answer.

• It limited the ability of slave owners to retrieve slaves who had left the United States.
• It limited the ability of slave owners to retrieve slaves who had left their state to flee to another state.
• It allowed runaway slaves to apply for amnesty if they reached states that were North of Virginia.
• It allowed slave owners to reclaim their slaves even if they fled to other states.

Answer 69

It allowed slave owners to reclaim their slaves even if they fled to other states.

Correct. The Fugitive Slave Clause allowed slave owners to reclaim their slaves even if they crossed state boundaries.

Question 70

What concern did “separation of powers” address during the Constitutional Convention? Select the one correct answer.

• The concern was that increasing the power of the national government would allow it to become too powerful.
• The concern was that the larger more populous states would not give smaller states a voice in the government.
• The concern was that the Southern states would not have enough representation in the national government.
• The concern was that the national government would engage in taxation without representation.

Answer 70

The concern was that increasing the power of the national government would allow it to become too powerful.

Correct. Separating the government into distinct branches of government and giving each branch its own function to perform limited the ability of the national government to gain too much power.

Question 71

Select the one correct answer. As a “check” on the power of Congress to pass laws, the president was given the power to:

• Veto legislation.
• Declare laws unconstitutional.
• Confirm justices to the Supreme Court.
• Declare war.

Answer 71

Veto legislation.

Correct. The veto power allows presidents to restrain Congress from passing legislation unless they have a large enough majority to override the president’s veto.

Question 72

Select the one correct answer. As a “check” on the power of the Supreme Court, Congress has the power to:

• Increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
• Grant pardons to people who members of Congress think are innocent.
• Nominate justices to the Supreme Court.
• Override a Supreme Court decision (with a 2/3 majority in the House and Senate).

Answer 72

Increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

Correct. Congress can add judges to the Supreme Court as a check on their power.

Question 73

What debate did the Great Compromise settle so that the Constitutional Convention could continue? Select the one correct answer.

• The Great Compromise settled the debate between the delegates who wanted to increase the powers of the national government and those who wanted to maintain state sovereignty.
• The Great Compromise settled the debate between northern and southern states over how slaves would be counted in regards to a state population for the purpose of representation in Congress.
• The Great Compromise settled the debate between northern and southern states over whether or not slavery would continue in the United States.
• The Great Compromise settled the debate between the large states and small states over state representation in the legislative branch.

Answer 73

The Great Compromise settled the debate between the large states and small states over state representation in the legislative branch.

Correct. The Great Compromise settled the debate between the New Jersey and Virginia Plans for state representation in the national legislature.

Question 74

How do checks and balances keep the branches of government from abusing its power? Select the two correct answers.

• Checks and balances allow each branch of government the ability to restrict other branches of government.
• Checks and balances require the different branches of government to work together.
• Checks and balances require the national government to run a balanced budget every year.

Answer 74

• Checks and balances allow each branch of government the ability to restrict other branches of government.
• Checks and balances require the different branches of government to work together.

Correct. Checks and balances require the different branches of government to work together, allowing each branch to restrict the others.

Question 75

Several mechanisms were put into place to satisfy the fears of those who felt that if the Constitution gave the national government more power, it would be able to abuse its power and the rights of the people. Which is not one of those mechanisms? Select the one correct answer.

• Checks and balances
• The Supremacy Clause
• Separation of powers
• The veto

Answer 75

The Supremacy Clause

Correct. This is the one option here that works to support the power of the national government, not limit it. The Supremacy Clause seeks to make the government more powerful than the states in several areas.

Question 76

New Jersey Plan

Answer 76

• The Senate has equal representation regardless of population of the state.
• State governments still given sovereignty over their individual states.

Question 77

Virginia Plan

Answer 77

• Bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers.
• Senators are appointed rather than popularly elected.
• The House of Representatives has state representation that varies based on the size of a state’s population.
• The National government given increased powers.

Question 78

In what ways does Article I of the Constitution prevent the national government from engaging in taxation without representation? Select the two correct answers.

• It gives Congress the ability to borrow and coin money.
• There are no mechanisms in place to limit taxation without representation.
• All bills to raise revenue must begin in the House of Representatives.
• Both the House and Senate must approve of all revenue bills.

Answer 78

• All bills to raise revenue must begin in the House of Representatives.
• Both the House and Senate must approve of all revenue bills.

Correct. Article I prevents the government from “taxation without representation” by requiring that all revenue bills begin in the House of Representatives, where the members are popularly elected by the people, and that both the House and the Senate must approve the bills.

Question 79

How was slavery involved in the Constitutional Convention? Select the one correct answer.

• The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery was passed so that all enslaved children in the United States would become indentured children to be set free at the age of 28.
• Representatives from the North were adamant that slaves not be counted towards a state’s population while Southerners insisted that they be counted.
• The North and South viewed slave inclusion in a state’s population similarly.

Answer 79

Representatives from the North were adamant that slaves not be counted towards a state’s population while Southerners insisted that they be counted.

Correct. Southern states understood that without slaves being counted as a part of their population, their representation in the House of Representatives would be severely diminished.

Question 80

Which is not an accurate example of checks and balances in the national government? Select the one correct answer.

• The president can veto laws he or she disapproves of, and Congress can override a presidential veto.
• Congress has the power to declare laws and actions by the executive branch as unconstitutional.
• Congress can refuse a request from the president for a declaration of war.
• The Supreme Court can rule laws passed by Congress as unconstitutional.

Answer 80

Congress has the power to declare laws and actions by the executive branch as unconstitutional.

Correct. What makes this an inaccurate “check and balance” example is that this power is held by the Judicial Branch of government, the Supreme Court, not Congress.

Question 81

What are specific powers given to Congress in Article I of the Constitution? Select the three correct answers.

• The power to declare war
• The power to regulate trade and commerce
• The power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional
• The power to tax

Answer 81

• The power to declare war
• The power to regulate trade and commerce
• The power to tax

Correct. Congress was given the power to collect taxes, regulate trade and commerce, and declare war.

Question 82

Which branch of government has the power to veto laws passed by Congress?

Answer 82

The Executive Branch

Question 83

Which branch of government has the power to lay and collect taxes, remove a president from office, and declare war?

Answer 83

The Legislative Branch

Question 84

Which branch of government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?

Answer 84

The Judicial Branch

Question 85

Select the one correct answer.

To reinforce the representational differences in the national bicameral legislature, the Great Compromise required that:

• Members of the House of Representatives be selected by the voters, and members of the Senate be selected by the state legislatures.
• No two representatives for a state come from the same city or township.
• No property qualifications be imposed for members of the House of Representatives, but significant property qualifications be imposed for Senators.
• One representative of one chamber be selected in odd-number years, and the other in even-numbered years.

Answer 85

Members of the House of Representatives be selected by the voters, and members of the Senate be selected by the state legislatures.

Correct. The Great Compromise called for members of the House to be selected by the voters, while Senators were selected by state legislatures.

Question 86

Select the one correct answer.

The most important structural outcome of the Great Compromise was:

• The concession to admit new states into the Union on terms equal to existing states.
• The creation of a bicameral national legislature, with each chamber representing a different type of political actor.
• The shifting of political authority from the large states to the small states.
• The establishment of a single, rather than a multiple, executive.

Answer 86

The creation of a bicameral national legislature, with each chamber representing a different type of political actor.

Correct. The two-chamber legislature represents both the people (House), and the states (Senate).

Question 87

Select the one correct answer.

The Three-Fifths Compromise worked to:

• Require a 60% majority vote to approve a bill in the Senate.
• Restrict the enumerated taxing power of the national government.
• Increase the representation of Southern states in the House of Representatives.
• Prohibit the further importation of slaves into the United States.

Answer 87

Increase the representation of Southern states in the House of Representatives.

Correct. The partial counting of slaves increased the number of representatives Southern states were given in the House of Representatives.

Question 88

Select the one correct answer. The Anti-Federalist insistence on a Bill of Rights resulted from:

• A belief that the slave-based economy of the Southern states was in jeopardy.
• The view that the Constitution offered little protection for liberty or natural rights.
• A concern that propertied elites would use government to suppress American’s middle and lower classes.
• A worry that state governments would act to restrict individual liberty and suppress natural rights.

Answer 88

The view that the Constitution offered little protection for liberty or natural rights.

Correct. Anti-Federalists felt a more positive assertion of individual liberty and rights was necessary.

Question 89

Select the one correct answer. As a compromise to win support for ratification of the Constitution from the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists agreed to:

• To allow presidents to suspend habeas corpus rights in peacetime.
• Add a bill of rights to the Constitution.
• Appoint a slate of Anti-Federalist judges to the Supreme Court.
• Decrease the power of the judicial branch.

Answer 89

Add a bill of rights to the Constitution.

Correct. The Anti-Federalists worried that the Constitution didn’t do enough to protect individual rights, and the bill of rights was intended to fix that limitation.

Question 90

Which of these beliefs would have been least likely to be held by a Federalist at the time the Constitution was being developed? Select the one correct answer.

• A belief in the need for a strong centralized government
• A belief that the Constitution should not be ratified
• A belief that the national government should have its own court system
• A belief in a strong executive who could quickly make decisions

Answer 90

A belief that the Constitution should not be ratified

Correct. The Federalists supported ratification of the Constitution.

Question 91

Which of the following groups would have been least likely to support ratification of the Constitution? Select the one correct answer.

• Businessmen and merchants
• Small farmers and planters
• Former military commanders
• The wealthy

Answer 91

Small farmers and planters

Correct. Many small farmers and planters worried that taxes from the federal government could be difficult to pay, and that tariffs would make it harder for them to market their agricultural products overseas.

Question 92

Which of the following arguments would be more likely to be advanced by an Anti-Federalist? Select the one correct answer.

• In a large republic, factions would have a difficult time taking control of the government.
• Only the federal government could lay out roads and other infrastructure to facilitate trade across state lines.
• Effective governance requires a strong executive branch in the federal government.
• In small republics, similarities among members of the community lead them to similar issue positions, making it easier for elected officials to represent the views of their constituents.

Answer 92

In small republics, similarities among members of the community lead them to similar issue positions, making it easier for elected officials to represent the views of their constituents.

Correct. This argument for smaller republics (e.g. stronger powers to the states instead of the federal government) is a great example of an Anti-Federalist argument.

Question 93

Which Constitutional change was not advocated by the Federalists? Select the one correct answer.

• The addition of the Bill of Rights
• Senators elected by state legislatures
• The power of the national government to collect taxes
• One national currency

Answer 93

The addition of the Bill of Rights

Correct. This was a position advocated for by the Anti-Federalists who wanted the Constitution to explicitly protect individual rights.

Question 94

Why did the Anti-Federalists advocate for the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution? Select the two correct answers.

• To please the Federalists who wanted to make the government as strong as possible.
• To provide a way for the national government to take advantage of the people.
• To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government.
• To explicitly protect the rights of individuals.

Answer 94

• To prevent tyranny over the people by the national government.
• To explicitly protect the rights of individuals.

Correct. The Anti-Federalists believed that the language in the Bill of Rights would keep the government from taking away the rights of the people in a tyrannical fashion.

Question 95

Why did the Anti-Federalists want the government to remain closer to the people? Select the two correct answers.

• To keep the national government from realigning with the British government.
• To prevent the possibility of government tyranny.
• To keep the wealthy elites from having complete power.

Answer 95

• To prevent the possibility of government tyranny.
• To keep the wealthy elites from having complete power.

Correct. The Anti-Federalists feared that a strong national government run by elites would have the ability to take advantage of the people and turn the government into a tyrant.

Question 96

Why did the Federalists want to make the national government as strong as possible? Select the two correct answers.

• To provide more protection for the United States against potential threats.
• To build and maintain a strong economy.
• To give the government enough power to take away individual freedoms.
• To provide the potential for the people to overtake the government.

Answer 96

• To provide more protection for the United States against potential threats.
• To build and maintain a strong economy.

Correct. The Federalists thought that under the Articles of Confederation, there was no national army so there was no way for the national government to protect itself and the states from international and domestic threats. They were also worried about the need to build a strong national economy.

Question 97

Select the one correct answer.

The name of the series of essays published beginning in 1787 that argued in support of a strong federal government and the ratification of the Constitution was:

• The Federalist Papers
• The Brutus Papers
• The Pentagon Papers
• The Publius Papers

Answer 97

The Federalist Papers

Correct. The Federalist Papers, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, made a public case for the importance of ratifying the constitution.

Question 98

Which is not a reason James Madison found it necessary to write Federalist, no. 10? Select the one correct answer.

• To address the fears of the Anti-Federalists who were suspicious of a government run by elites
• To make states understand that factions did not have to exist under a strong national government
• To inform the states that factions could be contained by a representative government
• To get more states to support ratification of the Constitution

Answer 98

To make states understand that factions did not have to exist under a strong national government

Correct. Madison acknowledged that there was no way to stop factions from forming without taking away the liberty of citizens. Since they could not be stopped, he argued that their effects could be controlled through representative government.

Question 99

Which constitutional mechanism discussed in Federalist, no. 51 discusses the powers that each branches of government has in order to impact how the other branches of government operate? Select the one correct answer.

• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
• The Bill of Rights
• Representative government

Answer 99

Checks and balances

Correct. Checks and balances allow each branch of government to monitor and influence the other branches, making sure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Question 100

Which of these options helped the Federalists gain more support for their theories of a representative government with increased national powers? Select the one correct answer.

• The Federalist Papers
• The Anti-Federalist Decree
• The Second Treatise on Government
• The Declaration of Independence

Answer 100

The Federalist Papers

Correct. The Federalists put together and distributed this collection of 85 essays to gain support for their idea of a representative national government with increased powers.

Question 101

Which is not a reason James Madison found it necessary to write Federalist, no. 51? Select the one correct answer.

• Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to explain that each branch of government would be given its own degree of independence as a way to prevent tyranny.
• Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to address the fears of the Anti-Federalists who believed that increasing the powers of the national government would leave room for the government to abuse its power and people.
• Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to make states understand that there was no way to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical and abusing its people.
• Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to get more states to support the Constitution.

Answer 101

Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51 to make states understand that there was no way to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical and abusing its people.

Correct. This is not one of the reasons Madison wrote Federalist, no. 51. The Federalists believed that tyranny could be prevented through the system of checks and balances and the mechanism of separation of powers.

Question 102

Select the one correct answer.

In Federalist no. 51, Madison argues for the division of government authority to each branch of government. What is this known as?

• A mixed regime
• Non-eminent domains
• Equal protection
• Separation of powers

Answer 102

Separation of powers

Correct. The division of authority across branches of government is known as the separation of powers.

Question 103

What area of trade does Congress control? Select the one correct answer.

• Congress can only regulate international trade.
• Congress controls only domestic trade.
• Congress controls trade within the states.
• Congress controls all international and interstate trade.

Answer 103

Congress controls all international and interstate trade.

Correct. Only Congress can control international trade and trade among the states.

Question 104

What does the power of judicial review permit the courts to do? Select the one correct answer.

• Remove presidential appointees from office for wrongdoing
• Overturn an act of Congress if it is unpopular with the public
• Release individuals wrongly convicted of a crime
• Determine the constitutionality of a Congressional Act

Answer 104

Determine the constitutionality of a Congressional Act

Correct! Judicial review gives the judicial branch the power to invalidate an act of Congress if it violates the U.S. Constitution.

Question 105

Which statement is true concerning the powers of the president as chief diplomat? Select the one correct answer.

• The president is in charge of negotiating treaties.
• The president alone determines who will be U.S. ambassadors.
• The president has the power to approve treaties.
• Congress has more power in foreign policy than the president.

Answer 105

The president is in charge of negotiating treaties.

Correct. The president or his/her people negotiate the treaties, but they still must be approved by the Senate.

Question 106

• Power to approve treaties
• Power to deal with international trade

Answer 106

Legislative Branch

Question 107

Power to ensure that laws agree with the Constitution

Answer 107

Judicial Branch

Question 108

• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces
• Power to carry out the laws of the land
• Power to pardon

Answer 108

Executive Branch

Question 109

Who has the most important role in foreign policy? Select the one correct answer.

• The president and Congress equally
• Congress
• The president
• The Supreme Court

Answer 109

The president

Question 110

On which branch of government does the Constitution provide the most detail as it relates to powers? Select the one correct answer.

• The president
• The Electoral College
• The judiciary
• Congress

Answer 110

Congress

Correct. Article I is by far the longest with the greatest detail.

Question 111

Which entity has the power to execute laws passed by Congress? Select the one correct answer.

• The judiciary has the power to execute laws.
• Congress and the president jointly executive the laws that are passed.
• The president and officials in the executive branch are in charge of executing the laws passed by Congress.
• The states are always involved in the execution of laws.

Answer 111

The president and officials in the executive branch are in charge of executing the laws passed by Congress.

Correct. The Constitution requires that the president or officials in the executive branch carry out laws.

Question 112

Which of these powers does the president hold? Select the one correct answer.

• The power to select members of state legislatures
• The power to declare war
• The power to grant pardons
• The power to pass laws when Congress fails to do so

Answer 112

The power to grant pardons

Correct. The president has the near-absolute right to grant pardons.

Question 113

Why did the founding fathers provide so little detail for the judiciary? Select the one correct answer.

• The Founding Fathers provided little detail for the judiciary so that Congress could provide all the necessary details that were left out of the Constitution.
• The Founding Fathers provided little detail for the judiciary because they were uncertain about what a national court system would be.
• The Founding Fathers provided little detail for the judiciary because they wanted to keep the judiciary similar to that which existed under the Articles of Confederation.
• The Founding Fathers provided little detail for the judiciary because they understood the role of courts and the judicial system from the English system and the colonial period.

Answer 113

The Founding Fathers provided little detail for the judiciary because they understood the role of courts and the judicial system from the English system and the colonial period.

Correct. The legal system of England and the colonial courts provided the details that were accepted by the Founding Fathers.

Question 114

How long is the term for federal judges? Select the one correct answer.

• Judges serve during times of good behavior.
• Judges serve until the next national election.
• Judges remain in office until removed from office by the president.
• Judges serve for ten years, but reappointment can allow for additional terms.

Answer 114

Judges serve during times of good behavior.

Correct. Judges serve until they retire or are removed by Congress for poor performance, through impeachment and removal.

Question 115

Which check limits the power of Congressional law-making? Select the one correct answer.

• The need for approval by the states is a limitation to Congressional law-making.
• Pre-approval by federal courts is a limitation to Congressional law-making.
• The president’s power to veto is a limitation to Congressional law-making.
• The need for a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress is a limitation to Congressional law-making.

Answer 115

The president’s power to veto is a limitation to Congressional law-making.

Question 116

What powers does Congress possess? Select the two correct answers.

• The power to enforce laws
• The power to convict individuals of crimes
• The power (by the Senate) to pass treaties with a two-thirds majority vote
• The power to declare war

Answer 116

• The power (by the Senate) to pass treaties with a two-thirds majority vote
• The power to declare war

Correct. The two answers here are the powers to declare war and pass (or ratify) treaties. Note that only the Senate approves treaties and must do so by a two-thirds majority vote.

Question 117

Which power is a congressional check on the other branches? Select the one correct answer.

• The right to reverse decisions made by the courts
• Supporting executive privilege
• The ability to override a presidential veto
• The ability to reverse presidential pardons

Answer 117

The ability to override a presidential veto

Correct. This power increases the power of Congress.

Question 118

Which of these groups approve presidential nominees? Select the one correct answer.

• The House of Representatives
• Both the House of Representatives and the Senate
• The judiciary
• The Senate

Answer 118

The Senate

Correct! The Senate approves nominees by majority vote.

Question 119

Which statement is true regarding executive orders? Select the one correct answer.

• The Supreme Court has ruled all executive orders unconstitutional.
• Executive orders enable the president to balance Congress’s lawmaking power.
• Congress approves executive orders.
• Congress must fund the actions required by executive orders.

Answer 119

Executive orders enable the president to balance Congress’s lawmaking power.

Correct. Presidents can use executive orders to accomplish goals that Congress may not support.

Question 120

Who decides how the government budgets and spends money? Select the one correct answer.

• It is entirely up to the president.
• It is subject to approval by the Supreme Court.
• It is decided entirely by Congress.
• It is approved by both Congress and the president

Answer 120

It is approved by both Congress and the president

Correct. Congress passes budgetary bills and the president signs them.

Question 121

Checks On Executive Branch

Answer 121

By Congress

• Can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote in both chambers
• Must approve treaties by a two-thirds vote in the Senate
• Control of funding activities of the executive branch
• Presidential nominees must be approved by the Senate
• Only Congress can declare war
• House can impeach the president or vice president and the Senate can remove them by a two-thirds vote

By Judiciary

• Can overturn actions of the president with judicial review if the actions violate the Constitution
• Serve during good behavior to maintain independence of judiciary

Question 122

Checks On Congress

Answer 122

By President

• Can veto legislation
• Can use executive agreements
• Can use executive orders
• Negotiates treaties (not Congress)

By Judiciary

• Can overturn acts of Congress as unconstitutional if they violate the law
• Can influence laws by interpretation
• Serve during good behavior to maintain independence of judiciary

Question 123

Checks On Judiciary

Answer 123

By President

• Nominates judges
• Power of pardon

By Congress

• Senate must approve judges and justices
• Controls jurisdiction of the courts
• Determines size of Supreme Court
• House can impeach judges and Senate can remove them by two-thirds vote

Question 124

Why did the Founding Fathers develop the system of checks and balances? Select the one correct answer.

• The Founding Fathers wanted to create a powerful executive leader in the presidency.
• The Founding Fathers wanted to be able to provide taxes for governing without inferences.
• The Founding Fathers wanted a government with limited power like the Articles of Confederation.
• The Founding Fathers feared a government that would be too strong.

Answer 124

The Founding Fathers feared a government that would be too strong.

Correct. They wanted to avoid tyranny from the legislative and executive branches.

Question 125

Which of these was intended as part of the system of checks and balances? Select the one correct answer.

• The ability of Congress to pass laws was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.
• The ability of the president to veto acts of Congress was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.
• The ability of the president to issue executive orders was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.
• The creation of a national judiciary was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.

Answer 125

The ability of the president to veto acts of Congress was intended as part of the system of checks and balances.

Correct. This provision was designed to protect the president from a too-powerful Congress.

Question 126

Which is true concerning executive agreements with foreign countries? Select the one correct answer.

• Executive agreements are between two countries like treaties.
• Executive agreements must be approved by the Senate.
• Executive agreements are used to give direction to bureaucratic agencies.
• Executive agreements are valid only as long as the political leaders from both countries are in power.

Answer 126

Executive agreements are valid only as long as the political leaders from both countries are in power.

Correct. If either leader leaves power, the executive agreement is no longer valid.

Question 127

Which is true of the impeachment process? Select the one correct answer.

• The impeachment process involves a conviction in a federal court for a crime.
• The impeachment process involves a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a hearing in the Senate requiring a two-thirds vote to remove an individual.
• The impeachment process involves the House of Representatives’ removing someone from office.
• The impeachment process was designed as a check on the Congressional branch.

Answer 127

The impeachment process involves a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a hearing in the Senate requiring a two-thirds vote to remove an individual.

Correct. The House votes on articles of impeachment, but only the Senate can remove an individual.

Question 128

What is a federal system? Select the one correct answer.

• It is a political system where the states or provinces dominate in decision making.
• It is a political system in which popular assemblies make decision for the government.
• It is a division of power between national government and state governments with both levels have specific powers.
• It is a political system where the national government dominates in decision making.

Answer 128

It is a division of power between national government and state governments with both levels have specific powers.

Correct. Both levels have certain powers that are reserved to them.

Question 129

Which statement characterizes a unitary system of government? Select the one correct answer.

• The central government controls the allocation of funds spent at the local level.
• The Articles of Confederation formed a unitary government.
• Voters elect governors of local provinces or states.
• The central government cannot change boundaries of states/provinces

Answer 129

The central government controls the allocation of funds spent at the local level.

Correct. In a unitary system, the central government controls virtually all spending directly or by how it delegates spending power to the local level.

Question 130

What is a power reserved to the states under the Constitution? Select the one correct answer.

• The power to structure state governments is reserved to the states.
• The power to levy taxes is reserved to the states.
• The power to regulate trade with neighboring states is reserved to the states.
• The power to permit slavery is reserved to the states

Answer 130

The power to structure state governments is reserved to the states.

Correct. State creates their own government systems; Nebraska only has a one house legislature by its own choice.

Question 131

Which power is a reserved power of the national government under the Constitution? Select the one correct answer.

• The power to regulate international trade is reserved to the national government.
• The power to regulate intrastate trade is reserved to the national government.
• The power to maintain a military force is reserved to the national government.
• The power to levy taxes directly on citizens is reserved to the national government.

Answer 131

The power to regulate international trade is reserved to the national government.

Correct. This power is reserved exclusively to the national government.

Question 132

What is a key role of supreme courts in a federal system? Select the one correct answer.

• A key role of supreme courts is to uphold the ideals of unwritten constitutions.
• A key role of supreme courts is to resolve disputes between the national government and the state governments.
• A key role of supreme courts is to make sure that the national government has all power.
• A key role of supreme courts is to prosecute citizens for violating state laws.

Answer 132

A key role of supreme courts is to resolve disputes between the national government and the state governments.

Correct. Courts have to play this role in a federal system.

Question 133

Advantages Of Federalism

Answer 133

There are a number of potential advantages for federalism:

1. One of the most obvious advantages is the ability of individual states to innovate in the ways that they deal with problems. When one state finds a solution that works better than others, other states will adopt the solution. The national government has even copied parts of state laws when creating a national version.
2. In many ways, states are better able to adapt to local conditions and design programs that work best for their citizens. New York, Texas, and California need legislation to deal with urban issues, while North Dakota and Vermont do not. Farming states need much more agricultural legislation than those with other dominant economic activities.
3. A third advantage for federalism is that the national government can pass a basic program that will cover the country (such as disability payments for those injured on the job), and states can add to the program if they decide to do so.
4. A fourth potential advantage is at the heart of federalism in that power is divided so that it is more difficult for any group or groups to take over control of the government and violate the rights of citizens or some groups of citizens. There is protection against oppression with divided power.
5. Finally, federalism at least provides the opportunity for individuals to participate more in the political system. An individual citizen can interact with both state elected officials and national officials. Elected politicians and other officials at the state level are often easier to contract in part because they are closer to the citizens of the state.

Question 134

Disadvantages Of Federalism

Answer 134

Federalism, as a form of government, also has some potential disadvantages. This explains why some countries prefer an alternate form of government.

1. There is no doubt that federalism can be inefficient since it requires coordination and cooperation between the national government and the state governments. Even when the governments are willing to cooperate, there will be costs involved. However, when one or the other is unwilling, the inefficiencies increase.
2. There can also be difficulties when actions in one state cause problems in neighboring states (as could happen if a river is polluted upstream). Voters are less willing to pay to avoid problems when the negative consequences occur in another state.
3. Inefficiency appears in another way. All 50 states have to have a department of education, a transportation department, a bureau to administer Medicaid and unemployment benefits, and a host of other jobs. This duplication of effort can be costly, especially in the smaller states. Unitary states can use regional offices for some of these programs.
4. Finally, in a federal system, not all U.S. citizens are treated the same. Some have access to better educational facilities. College tuition can be cheaper. Others have better highway systems or more public medical care. In addition, richer states can afford to provide more services to their citizens than poorer states. Since not everyone can move to another state, the inequalities among systems will persist.

Question 135

Which statement is true of unitary and federal systems? Select the one correct answer.

• Only the national government can tax individuals.
• Only state governments can charge someone with criminal actions.
• The state and national governments can tax individuals.
• Only the states can tax individuals.

Answer 135

The state and national governments can tax individuals.

Correct. Both state governments and the central government can levy taxes on individuals.

Question 136

Which statement is true regarding the federal system of government? Select the one correct answer.

• Federalist systems always include checks and balances.
• Federalist systems are best for all countries.
• Federalist systems have no significant disadvantages.
• Federalist systems work best In countries that are large and diverse.

Answer 136

Federalist systems work best In countries that are large and diverse.

Correct. Federalism allows state governments to adapt to local conditions and meet the needs of citizens.

Question 137

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate? Select the one correct answer.

• In a federal system, powers are divided between states and national governments. In a unitary system, all power is held within the national government.
• There are more countries today with federal systems than with unitary systems.
• The United States and Japan have federal systems while Great Britain and Canada have unitary systems.
• In a federal system, power is concentrated in the states. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the national government.

Answer 137

In a federal system, powers are divided between states and national governments. In a unitary system, all power is held within the national government.

Correct. Powers are divided in a federal system with both levels between assigned particular powers.

Question 138

Which concept is an Enlightenment idea that influenced the leaders of the American Revolution?

• Free press
• Trial by jury
• Social contract
• Universal suffrage

Answer 138

Social contract

Question 139

How does the Bill of Rights reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Constitution?

• The Bill of Rights eliminated the need for amendments.
• The Bill of Rights expanded the authority of the government.
• The Bill of Rights ensured that civil rights would not be violated.
• The Bill of Rights explicitly listed individual freedoms.

Answer 139

The Bill of Rights explicitly listed individual freedoms.

Question 140

What describes the general structure of the U.S. government under the Articles of Confederation?

• It was a direct democracy with limited state autonomy.
• It was an alliance of independent states under a limited central government.
• It was a confederation of states under a strong central government.
• It was a collection of independent states bound by a treaty.

Answer 140

It was an alliance of independent states under a limited central government.

Question 141

What was a major problem with the Articles of Confederation?

• The state government structures were given very limited powers.
• They were not approved by all of the states.
• Representatives from larger states wielded too much power.
• The national government did not have the power to impose taxes.

Answer 141

The national government did not have the power to impose taxes.

Question 142

What describes Clause 3 of Article IV, Section 2 in the Constitution?

• Slave owners could not sell slaves to owners in different states.
• Slave owners could import as many slaves as they wished.
• Slave owners could reclaim their slaves in states where they had fled.
• Slave owners could not represent the interests of the slave population.

Answer 142

Slave owners could reclaim their slaves in states where they had fled.

Question 143

Which major compromise was made at the Constitutional Convention?

• The proportional representation of enslaved persons
• The maintenance of an equal number of free and slave states
• The immediate prohibition on importing enslaved persons
• The right to recover enslaved persons from free states

Answer 143

The proportional representation of enslaved persons

Question 144

What describes the opposing views in the debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

• Federalists favored a strong central government while the Anti-Federalist favored strong state governments.
• Federalists promoted the interests of the lower classes while the Anti-Federalists favored the political elites.
• Federalists opposed regulation of foreign trades while the Anti-Federalists favored tariffs on foreign imports.
• Federalists favored religious restrictions in the Constitution while Anti-Federalists favored religious toleration.

Answer 144

Federalists favored a strong central government while the Anti-Federalist favored strong state governments.

Question 145

What is an argument outlined in Federalist, no. 10?

• The common interests of the people are determined by the government.
• The interests of the people must supersede state authority.
• The diverse interests of the people would prevent the development of powerful interests.
• The government was needed because individual citizens could not be trusted.

Answer 145

The diverse interests of the people would prevent the development of powerful interests.

Question 146

How do the branches of government operate under the concept of checks and balances?

• The branches of government must cooperate to function, but each branch has no authority over the other branches.
• The branches of government must cooperate to function, and each branch can restrict the others branches’ powers.
• Each branch of government functions independently but must cooperate with the other branches on issues of national concern.
• Each branch of government functions independently and does not require the cooperation of the other branches.

Answer 146

The branches of government must cooperate to function, and each branch can restrict the others branches’ powers.