American History Articles of Confederation Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason the government under the Articles of Confederation was considered deficient?

  • The government had too much control over states.
  • The government wasn't able to collect taxes effectively. (correct)
  • The government was too powerful.
  • The government was not able to regulate foreign trade effectively. (correct)

According to Hobbes, what would life be like without a strong central authority?

  • A time of peace and prosperity
  • A time of constant conflict and violence (correct)
  • A time of cooperation and harmony
  • A time of complete chaos and anarchy

Which of the following was NOT a reason why the Articles of Confederation were replaced by the U.S. Constitution?

  • Lack of power to regulate trade
  • Lack of a strong central authority
  • Lack of power to tax
  • Lack of a Bill of Rights
  • Lack of a national currency (correct)

According to Hobbes, what should people sacrifice in exchange for protection and security provided by a strong government?

<p>Their freedom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did John Locke believe was a fundamental natural right?

<p>The right to property (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority did Hobbes believe was necessary to maintain peace and order?

<p>An absolute ruler (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key problem with the Articles of Confederation's lack of power to tax?

<p>It made it difficult to finance national defense and other essential services. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social contract theorist believed that individuals should give up some of their freedom in exchange for protection and security?

<p>Thomas Hobbes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Supremacy Clause?

<p>To ensure that federal law overrides conflicting state laws (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem did the Articles of Confederation fail to address that the Constitution successfully resolved?

<p>The need for a strong executive branch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a key point about Article VI of the US Constitution?

<p>State laws can override federal laws when they conflict. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Article VII of the Constitution?

<p>It outlined the processes for approving and amending the Constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One major advantage of the Constitution over the Articles of Confederation was its ability to:

<p>Adapt to future challenges through amendments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the author believe was the main purpose of government?

<p>To protect the natural rights of its citizens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a government violates the natural rights of its citizens?

<p>The people have the right to overthrow it. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "elastic clause" refer to?

<p>A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress broad power to make laws necessary to carry out its duties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the elastic clause?

<p>To ensure that the government can respond to unexpected challenges and changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of a direct democracy?

<p>Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

<p>The way in which citizens participate in decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of federalism?

<p>A system of government where power is divided between a central government and smaller political units. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of federalism?

<p>It allows for local control of certain issues while maintaining national unity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Article I of the Constitution?

<p>Creates Congress and its powers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which power is NOT granted to Congress under Article I?

<p>Appoint federal judges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Article II of the Constitution primarily establish?

<p>The presidency and its powers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of the executive branch as outlined in Article II?

<p>Making treaties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Article III?

<p>It establishes the Supreme Court and judicial powers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding Article IV?

<p>It discusses inter-state relationships and federal protection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the amendment process outlined in Article V?

<p>Amendments must be ratified by three-fourths of the states (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the checks and balances system provided by Article III?

<p>The interpretation of laws and their constitutionality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen, often with absolute power.

Constitutional Amendment

The process of changing or adding to the Constitution.

Article I

The part of the Constitution that establishes the legislative branch (Congress).

Article II

The part of the Constitution that establishes the executive branch (President).

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Article III

The part of the Constitution that establishes the judicial branch (Courts).

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Article IV

The part of the Constitution that outlines how states should interact with each other and the federal government.

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Legislative Branch

The body of government responsible for making laws.

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Executive Branch

The body of government responsible for enforcing laws.

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Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which was ultimately replaced by the Constitution due to its weaknesses.

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Lack Of Central Authority (Articles Weakness)

The central government lacked the power to enforce laws, creating a weak and ineffective system.

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Inability to Tax (Articles Weakness)

The government couldn't collect taxes from the states, making it impossible to fund even basic services like defense or infrastructure.

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No Power to Regulate Trade (Articles Weakness)

Individual states could make their own trade deals with other states and countries, leading to conflicts and inconsistency.

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Social Contract

An agreement between individuals and the government where individuals give up some liberties in exchange for protection and security.

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Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who believed in a strong central authority to prevent chaos and ensure security. He argued that humans are naturally selfish and would lead to conflict without a powerful leader.

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John Locke

A philosopher who believed in natural rights - life, liberty and property. He argued that individuals should have the power to overthrow oppressive governments.

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Jean Jacques Rousseau

A philosopher who believed that government should be based on the consent of the governed, with each person possessing equal rights.

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What does Article VI, the Supremacy Clause, establish?

The Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, meaning federal law takes precedence over state laws when they conflict.

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What did Article VII, Ratification, require?

Nine out of thirteen states had to agree to adopt the Constitution.

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What were some of the major problems under the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government couldn't enforce laws, collect taxes, or maintain a strong military.

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How did the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The Constitution created a stronger, more effective system of governance by establishing three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) with distinct powers.

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How does the Constitution adapt to change over time?

The Constitution allows for flexibility through amendments, which adapt to future challenges.

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Natural Rights

The belief that individuals possess inherent rights that should be protected by the government.

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Social Contract Theory

The idea that a government's authority derives from the consent of the governed, and that citizens have a right to overthrow a government that violates their natural rights.

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Direct Democracy

A system of government where all eligible citizens directly participate in decision-making and voting on laws and policies, without representatives.

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Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

A part of the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the power to make laws that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution, but are necessary to carry out its duties.

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Federalism

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and smaller political units like states.

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Representative Democracy (Republic)

Citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf.

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Framers

The founding leaders of the US who drafted the Constitution.

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Flexibility of the Constitution

The ability of the Constitution to adapt to new challenges and changes that were not foreseen when it was initially created.

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Study Notes

Quiz 1

  • Articles of Confederation Deficiencies:
    • Lack of central authority: No president or executive branch to enforce laws.
    • Inability to tax: The federal government couldn't tax the states, hindering funding for defense, infrastructure, and essential services. Reliance on voluntary contributions from the states made funding difficult.
    • Inability to regulate foreign trade: States could independently create trade agreements with other states and foreign countries, and this led to economic instability and hindered the growth of a national economy. States imposed conflicting tariffs, making trade relations difficult and creating inconsistencies.

Social Contract Theorists

  • Thomas Hobbes:
    • Believed in the necessity of strong central authority to prevent a state of nature (constant conflict) and that humans need a ruler to avoid conflict.
  • John Locke:
    • Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property).
    • Believed people consent to be governed in exchange for the government protecting their rights.

Social Contract

  • direct democracy: all citizens participate in decision-making (voting). All eligible citizens are involved in making decisions (voting for laws and policies). There is no representative body. The people rule directly.
  • Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. (Ex: The United States).
  • Monarchy: Ruled by a king or queen with absolute power. (Ex: Britain under King George III).

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

  • Definition: A part of the U.S. Constitution giving Congress the power to make laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers even if not specifically listed in the Constitution.
  • Importance: Allows the Constitution to adapt to new circumstances and challenges. It makes the Constitution adaptable to new situations by covering things not explicitly mentioned in the original Constitution. This flexibility allows the government to act decisively in response to evolving needs.

Federalism

  • Definition: A system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and smaller political units (like states or provinces) or other levels of government.
  • Purpose: Distributes power locally and nationally to address issues impacting the entire country and individual states.

Articles of the Constitution

  • Article I (Legislative Branch): Creates Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) with the power to make laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and collect taxes.
  • Article II (Executive Branch): Establishes the presidency and outlines the president's powers and responsibilities (e.g., enforcing laws, commander-in-chief of the military, making treaties).
  • Article III (Judicial Branch): Establishes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Interprets laws, decides on their constitutionality, and resolves disputes between states and the federal government.
  • Article IV (State Relationships): Defines how states should interact with each other and the federal government, including mutual respect for laws. Federal guarantee of protection for states. Establishes unity among states.
  • Article V (Amendments): Outlines the process for amending the Constitution (proposed by Congress or a convention).
  • Article VI (Supremacy Clause): Establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land (federal law overrules state laws).
  • Article VII (Ratification): Explains how the Constitution was to be approved.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation and the perspectives of key social contract theorists like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. This quiz will challenge your understanding of the foundational issues that shaped early American government. Assess your grasp of significant historical concepts and their implications.

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