Preamble of the Constitution Quiz

The Purpose of Government

• The purpose of government, as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, is to form a more perfect union.
• The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution, outlining the goals and objectives of the federal government.

The Great Compromise

• The Great Compromise was a solution to the issue of representation in the legislative branch, specifically the number of representatives each state would have.
• Large states wanted representation based on population, while small states wanted equal representation.
• The compromise created a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

The 3/5ths Compromise and Commerce and Slave Trade Compromises

• The 3/5ths Compromise allowed southern states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population towards their total population, thereby increasing their representation in the House of Representatives.
• The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromises allowed the slave trade to continue until 1808, but prohibited Congress from banning the slave trade for at least 20 years.
• These compromises created further problems, such as:
  • Disproportionate representation in the House of Representatives, favoring southern states.
  • The perpetuation of slavery and the slave trade.
  • Increasing tensions between northern and southern states over the issue of slavery.

Test your knowledge of the Preamble of the Constitution with this quiz! Challenge yourself to fill in the missing words and complete the phrases that outline the purpose of government according to this important document.