So long as any individual state has power to defeat the measures of the other twelve, our pretended union is but a name, and our confederation, a cobweb.
—Noah Webster
Question
What fundamental problem did Noah Webster see in the Articles of Confederation?
(1 point)
Responses
that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole
that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole
that the central government would always favor large states over the smaller states when disputes broke out
that the central government would always favor large states over the smaller states when disputes broke out
that small states would have just as much say in the government as larger states
that small states would have just as much say in the government as larger states
that the states would have no way to stop the central government from imposing harsh taxes on them
that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole
What did the Northwest Ordinance outlaw in the Northwest Territory?
(1 point)
Responses
religious freedom
religious freedom
slavery
slavery
trial by jury
trial by jury
admission of new states
admission of new states
slavery
Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
—Articles of Confederation, Article II
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
According to the excerpt, who had more power under the Articles of Confederation?
(1 point)
Responses
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the Congress, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
What are some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that caused the need for a new and stronger federal government that the framers outlined in the Constitution? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
how to resolve disputes between states over land
how to resolve disputes between states over land
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
confusion over different state currency
confusion over different state currency
how to set up reserved land for Native Americans
how to resolve disputes between states over land
confusion over different state currency
Which of the following was one important contribution made by Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention?
(1 point)
Responses
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He was the mastermind behind the Great Compromise.
He was the mastermind behind the Great Compromise.
What effect did the Three-Fifths Compromise have on Southern states?
(1 point)
Responses
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It gave those states more representation in Congress.
It gave those states more representation in Congress.
What was a similarity between the Bill of Rights and the Magna Carta?
(1 point)
Responses
Both outlined a structure that gave the government the right to tax its citizens.
Both outlined a structure that gave the government the right to tax its citizens.
Both established a detailed justice system.
Both established a detailed justice system.
Both provided guidelines for ensuring basic citizen rights.
Both provided guidelines for ensuring basic citizen rights.
Both were based on the premise that the states should have more power.
Both provided guidelines for ensuring basic citizen rights.
What presidential power under the Constitution led the Antifederalists to urge for a Bill of Rights?
(1 point)
Responses
veto power over acts of Congress
veto power over acts of Congress
military power, as commander-in-chief
military power, as commander-in-chief
the power to carry out the laws passed by Congress
the power to carry out the laws passed by Congress
the power to declare states of emergency without consulting Congress
veto power over acts of Congress
Who was responsible for writing the amendments that later became the Bill of Rights?
(1 point)
Responses
George Washington
George Washington
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry
George Mason
George Mason
James Madison
James Madison
Question
What was the importance of the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution?
(1 point)
Responses
It limited the power and controls of the government.
It limited the power and controls of the government.
It guaranteed the protection of basic rights.
It guaranteed the protection of basic rights.
It improved U.S. relations with the British monarchy.
It improved U.S. relations with the British monarchy.
It proposed a system of checks and balances.
It guaranteed the protection of basic rights.
Explain how the civic virtues of the ancient Romans inspired the Founding Fathers’ vision of how citizens should conduct themselves in the United States.
The civic virtues of the ancient Romans had a significant influence on the Founding Fathers' vision of citizen conduct in the United States. The Romans valued virtues such as republicanism, civic duty, and the common good, which emphasized the importance of selfless service and active participation in the affairs of the state. These virtues were reflected in the Roman Republic's system of government, where citizens were expected to contribute to the well-being of the society as a whole.
The Founding Fathers, particularly those with a classical education and knowledge of Roman history, admired these civic virtues and sought to incorporate them into the framework of the newly formed United States. They believed that the success and stability of the republic depended on the virtue and active involvement of its citizens. In their vision, citizens were seen as active participants in the democratic process, exercising their rights and responsibilities, and working towards the betterment of the nation.
The Founding Fathers emphasized the importance of republicanism, which called for citizen participation in governance through elections, representative bodies, and public debate. They sought to establish a system of government that encouraged citizens to engage in public affairs, stay informed, and hold their elected officials accountable.
Furthermore, the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of civic virtue in maintaining a just and harmonious society. They believed that citizens should prioritize the common good over personal interests and be willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of the nation. This notion is evident in their writings and in the principles embodied in the Constitution, such as the separation of powers, the establishment of a system of checks and balances, and the protection of individual rights.
In summary, the Founding Fathers drew inspiration from the civic virtues of the ancient Romans, incorporating them into the foundation of the United States. They believed that an informed, engaged, and virtuous citizenry was vital to the success of the republic, and their vision of citizen conduct was shaped by the ideals of republicanism, civic duty, and the common good.
Which statement best describes the framework of government established by the Constitution?
(1 point)
Responses
The three branches of government defer the majority of power to the states.
The three branches of government defer the majority of power to the states.
A system of checks and balances keeps each of the three branches from having too much power.
A system of checks and balances keeps each of the three branches from having too much power.
The Separation of Powers calls for the House and Senate to be equally divided.
The Separation of Powers calls for the House and Senate to be equally divided.
The president is elected by a direct vote of the people.
A system of checks and balances keeps each of the three branches from having too much power.
What is meant by the basic principle popular sovereignty?
(1 point)
Responses
The government is set up as a constitutional republic.
The government is set up as a constitutional republic.
The people have the right to alter their government.
The people have the right to alter their government.
Congress has the right to regulate trade.
Congress has the right to regulate trade.
The president has the right to veto any bill that Congress has passed.
The people have the right to alter their government.
How does someone become a member of the Supreme Court?
(1 point)
Responses
by popular election and Senate approval
by popular election and Senate approval
by judicial appointment and presidential approval
by judicial appointment and presidential approval
by presidential appointment and Senate approval
by presidential appointment and Senate approval
by senatorial appointment and judicial approval
by presidential appointment and Senate approval
What is one example of a service that local government provides?
(1 point)
Responses
establish rules for obtaining a driver’s license
establish rules for obtaining a driver’s license
build and maintain highway infrastructures
build and maintain highway infrastructures
run the public education system
run the public education system
establish licensing standards for professions such as lawyers and teachers
build and maintain highway infrastructures
Which of the following is necessary to propose a new amendment to the Constitution?
(1 point)
Responses
approval by a popular vote held in every state
approval by a popular vote held in every state
approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate
approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate
approval by three quarters of the House and Senate
approval by three quarters of the House and Senate
approval by the legislatures in at least three-fourths of the states
approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate
The First Amendment protects which rights? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
the right to own a gun
the right to own a gun
the right to a fair trial
the right to a fair trial
the right to practice a religion (or not)
the right to practice a religion (or not)
the right to criticize the government
the right to criticize the government
the right of owning property
the right to practice a religion (or not)
the right to criticize the government
What do the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments have in common?
(1 point)
Responses
voting rights
voting rights
religious rights
religious rights
African American rights
African American rights
women’s rights
voting rights
How does one become a citizen? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
A person is born in the United States.
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth is granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years.
A person of foreign birth is granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
A person marries someone who is already a U.S. citizen
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth is granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
A person marries someone who is already a U.S. citizen.
How does one become a citizen? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth is granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
A person marries someone who is already a U.S. citizen.
Only 2 answers are allowed.
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
Why is voting an important civic responsibility?
(1 point)
Responses
It is part of the Constitution.
It is part of the Constitution.
It is required by law.
It is required by law.
It determines the best-known members of a community.
It determines the best-known members of a community.
It ensures that government represents the people.
It ensures that government represents the people.
Of the following choices, which ones are considered democratic values? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
serving in the military
honesty
patriotism
voting in an election
voting in an election
Only 2 answers are allowed.
honesty
voting in an election
Which one of the following is an example of someone demonstrating a democratic value?
(1 point)
Responses
Mike receives a promotion at his job for his hard work and dedication.
Mike receives a promotion at his job for his hard work and dedication.
Lisa places a sign of a current political candidate in her front yard.
Lisa places a sign of a current political candidate in her front yard.
John receives a scholarship to his college of choice.
John receives a scholarship to his college of choice.
Angela refuses to appear when summoned for jury duty.