1)
one reason why the constitution was adopted over the articles of confederation was
a) the articles gave too much power to the national government.
b) the states were not free to trade among themselves under the articles.
c) small states were underrepresented under the articles of confederation.
d) shay's rebellion revealed the weaknesses of the articles of confederation.
2)
the new jersey and virginia plans of the 1780s were each meant to
a) draft a peace treaty with the british.
b) draft a plan for independence from britain.
c) create a compromise on the issue of slavery.
d) settle issues regarding the power of states in the national government.
3)
it has been said that the constitution is the "supreme law of the land." by this we mean
a) it is the highest form of law in the united states.
b) it is a document bathed in truth and wrapped in wisdom.
c) it has allowed for the strength of a federal union, while allowing for local administration to be handled locally.
d) it is a time-honored document that has been flexible enough to withstand change, yet rigid enough to maintain its integrity.
4)
separation of powers means that
a) the house and senate may never pass joint resolutions on foreign policy issues.
b) the national government and state governments have differing amounts and types of power.
c) powers assigned to the national government are distinct from those assigned to the states.
d) the legislative, executive and judicial functions of government are held by separate people and groups.
5)
how did the constitutional convention delegates resolve the issue of southern representation in congress?
a) the legislative branch was organized into two separate houses.
b) every five enslaved persons would count as three free persons.
c) the senate and house of representatives were given special powers.
d) the electoral college would select the president and vice-president.
6)
why did the second continental congress establish a weak central government under the articles of confederation?
a) to model the government after that of great britain
b) to provide the independent states with unlimited power
c) to increase the taxation powers of the central government
d) to prevent abuse of power and tyranny by the central government
7)
which is the best example of checks and balances?
a) congress may override a president’s vetoing of a bill.
b) the supreme court bases its judgments on constitutional law.
c) the president works to ensure that existing laws are enforced.
d) the constitution may be amended to fit changing circumstances.
8)

us constitution

the congress shall have the power money [article i, section 8]

the president shall be commander in chief of the army and navy [article ii, section 2]

the judicial power shall extend laws of the united states [article iii, section 2]
why might the us constitution separate the powers of the three branches of government?
a) so each branch makes laws.
b) so each branch prints money.
c) so each branch has to share power.
d) so each branch can have a military.
9)
the mayflower compact, new england town meetings, and the virginia house of burgesses are examples of
a) early colonial efforts in self-government.
b) colonial protests against british taxation.
c) governments imposed by parliament.
d) attempts to limit democracy.
10)
although the three-fifths compromise northern and southern states reach an agreement that allowed for ratification of the constitution, in the long run it had a negative effect on the nation because
a) it gave too much power to the executive branch of the government.
b) it forced the founding fathers to add the bill of rights to the constitution.
c) it was only a temporary solution to the argument between "free" and "slave" states.
d) it gave too much power to state governments and not enough to the federal government.
11)
which best describes why present u. s. leaders are allowed to make changes to the u. s. constitution that was written in 1788?
a) the founding fathers allowed for the amendment process.
b) the constitution is property of the united states, so no permission is necessary.
c) the constitution states it must be amended each time a new president is elected.
d) any u. s. documents written at any time can be edited by current u. s. elected officials.