U.S. Constitution Quiz

The first governing document of the United States, formed after the Revolution. It created a weak central government with limited power and gave most authority to individual states.

A meeting of delegates from 12 of the original 13 states in 1787, where they drafted the U.S. Constitution to resolve the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

A process by which states officially approve a document, such as the Constitution. Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to become the law of the land.

The first seven articles of the U.S. Constitution, outlining the structure and functions of the federal government.

The process of formally changing the U.S. Constitution through amendments.

The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

A system where the House of Representatives has representation based on population, and the Senate has equal representation for each state, regardless of size.

The President's closest advisors, heads of the executive departments, who assist in carrying out governmental functions.

The power of the Judicial Branch to review laws and determine if they are constitutional.

The "Elastic Clause" gives Congress the power to make laws not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, as long as they are necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. It was added to protect individual liberties and address concerns about government power.

The process of impeachment starts with the House of Representatives accusing a government official (like the president) of wrongdoing. If impeached, the Senate then holds a trial to decide whether to remove the official from office.

The Whiskey Rebellion was a protest by farmers in Pennsylvania against a tax on whiskey, which they saw as unfair. They objected to the tax and the lack of representation in government. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, highlighting the importance of a strong central government in enforcing laws.

The Federalists and Democratic-Republicans were the first major political parties in the U.S. The Federalists favored a strong central government, while the Democratic-Republicans championed states' rights. They had opposing views on the role of government, economics, and the interpretation of the Constitution.

The "Elastic Clause" gives Congress the power to make laws not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, as long as they are necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

The Articles of Confederation gave states more power than the central government, making it difficult for Congress to enforce laws, collect taxes, or settle disputes between states.

It was a challenge to pass laws under the Articles because it required the approval of 9 out of 13 states, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

The Virginia Plan favored larger states with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan favored smaller states with equal representation.

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate offering equal representation for each state.

The 3/5 Compromise addressed the issue of counting enslaved people for both representation and taxation, ultimately counting them as 3/5 of a person. This was a temporary solution that didn't fully address the moral issue of slavery.

The Constitution aimed to create a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for common defense, promote general welfare, and secure liberty for generations to come.

The Constitutional Convention was a meeting in 1787 where delegates from 12 states gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, ultimately leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

The power of the Judicial Branch to review laws and determine if they are constitutional.

The process of officially approving the Constitution, which required nine states to agree.

The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, ensuring that no one branch becomes too powerful.

The President's closest advisors, who are also heads of the executive departments, that assist in carrying out governmental functions.

The group who supported the Constitution and a stronger federal government, arguing for balance and unity.

The group who opposed the Constitution, fearing a powerful central government and wanting strong state rights.

A series of essays written by prominent Federalists, like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, to persuade people to support the Constitution.

Jefferson's primary focus in foreign policy was on westward expansion, maintaining a neutral stance in European conflicts, promoting free trade, and aligning with France as a natural ally. This approach was most prominently seen in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The XYZ Affair involved a tense diplomatic situation between France and America. During the French Revolution, due to France's war with England, George Washington opted for neutrality and continued trade with both countries. This angered France, leading to the seizing of American ships. Adams sent envoys to France to resolve the dispute, but the French agents (X, Y, Z) demanded a bribe. This incident negatively impacted French-American relations, led to the suspension of trade with France, and effectively ended the US alliance with the country.

The Election of 1800 marked a significant turning point in American politics. Thomas Jefferson, representing the Democratic-Republican party, defeated John Adams, representing the Federalist party. This peaceful transfer of power was a critical moment, demonstrating the strength of American democracy and its ability to handle transitions without violence.

Marbury v. Madison was a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review. It involved a dispute over a judicial commission for William Marbury, appointed by President Adams and withheld by Jefferson. The Court determined that the Judiciary Act of 1789, which granted the Court the power to issue legal documents, was unconstitutional. This ruling solidified the Court's power to review and invalidate any law deemed incompatible with the Constitution.

The Louisiana Purchase was a pivotal event in American history, doubling the size of the United States. Driven by concerns about French control over the Louisiana Territory and the potential for trade disruptions, President Jefferson negotiated the purchase from France for $15 million in 1803. Although Jefferson initially had concerns about the constitutionality of the purchase, he ultimately believed it would benefit American expansion, trade, and the Mississippi River's access.