U.S. Constitution vs. Articles of Confederation

Questions and Answers

Match the following documents with their characteristics:

U.S. Constitution = Strengthened the power of the Federal Government Articles of Confederation = Provided limited federal power Bill of Rights = First ten amendments to the Constitution Declaration of Independence = Stresses individual liberty

Match the following groups with their beliefs:

Federalists = Supported ratification of the U.S. Constitution Anti-Federalists = Opposed a strong national government Federalist Papers = Encouraged ratification of the Constitution Bill of Rights = Protected individual civil liberties

Match the following amendments with their main protections:

1st Amendment = Freedom of Speech 4th Amendment = Protection against unreasonable searches 14th Amendment = Extends Bill of Rights to state actions 2nd Amendment = Right to bear arms

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Unreasonable Search and Seizure = Protects citizens from arbitrary searches Separation of church and state = Religion is independent of government Freedom of press = Right to publish without censorship Right to assemble = Right to gather peacefully Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical events with their significance:

John Peter Zenger trial = Strengthened freedom of press Ratification of the Constitution = Established a strong federal government Colonial/Revolutionary War = British used writs of assistance Addition of the Bill of Rights = Protected individual rights Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Federal Government = Controls interstate and foreign commerce National Legislature = Lawmaking body of the government State Governments = Must obey the Bill of Rights Civil Liberties = Rights protected from government interference Signup and view all the answers

Match the following protections of individual rights with their amendments:

Freedom of Speech = 1st Amendment Right to bear arms = 2nd Amendment Protection against double jeopardy = 5th Amendment Right to a speedy trial = 6th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ideas with the founding documents they are associated with:

Bill of Rights = Protects individual liberties U.S. Constitution = Framework for federal government Articles of Confederation = First governing document of the U.S. Declaration of Independence = Justified the colonies' break from Britain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences Between U.S. Constitution and Articles of Confederation

The U.S. Constitution strengthened the federal government's power, unlike the Articles of Confederation which provided limited national authority.
It granted Congress exclusive control over interstate and foreign commerce, enhancing economic regulation.
The Constitution established three separate branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, promoting checks and balances.
It empowered the federal government to collect taxes, a critical tool for generating revenue and ensuring government functionality.

Similarities Between U.S. Constitution and Articles of Confederation

Both documents included a national legislature responsible for lawmaking.
They provided frameworks for cooperation between states, fostering a sense of unity.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported the Constitution's ratification, advocating for a strong national government to maintain order.
They published the Federalist Papers to persuade others of the Constitution's necessity.
Anti-Federalists opposed ratification, fearing it undermined individual rights and concentrated too much power in the national government.
Their agreement to ratify only came after the promise to add the Bill of Rights, protecting individual liberties.

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, safeguarding civil liberties and preventing government overreach.
It parallels the Declaration of Independence in emphasizing individual liberty and rights.

Key Protections and Amendments

The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable search and seizure, a response to British abuses during colonial times.
The Fourteenth Amendment extends the Bill of Rights protections to state actions, ensuring states also uphold citizens' rights.
Major rights protected include the freedom to assemble, freedom of speech, and protections against unwarranted searches.

Church-State Separation and Freedom of Speech

The First Amendment establishes the separation of church and state, preventing government interference in religious practices.
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic rights, exemplified by the case of John Peter Zenger, who was acquitted for publishing factual critiques of government officials, thereby strengthening freedom of the press.

Description

This quiz explores the key differences and similarities between the U.S. Constitution and the Articles of Confederation. It highlights how the Constitution strengthened federal power, established Congress's role in commerce, and created separate branches of government. Test your knowledge on these foundational documents of American government.