US Government and Constitution Quiz

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What clause establishes the federal government's superiority over state governments?

Supremacy Clause (correct)

State Clause

Constitutional Clause

Federal Clause

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

Sovereign Branch

Legislative Branch (correct)

What term best describes a government where citizens elect their representatives?

Oligarchy

Republic (correct)

Democracy

Monarchy

What process allowed the American people to accept or reject the Constitution?

Ratification Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the principle of shared power between the national and state governments?

Federalism Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation regarding taxation?

Congress did not have the power to enforce tax collection. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Americans to consider fixing or replacing the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

Which plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention favored larger states in terms of representation?

The Virginia Plan. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the new Constitution?

It created a strong central government. Signup and view all the answers

How did the New Jersey Plan propose to determine representation in Congress?

By equal representation for each state. Signup and view all the answers

What are reserved powers?

Powers retained by the states Signup and view all the answers

What is a Constitutional Convention?

A method for making a constitution superior to ordinary laws Signup and view all the answers

What structure did the U.S. Constitution create for the legislature?

A bicameral legislature Signup and view all the answers

What was one major argument by Anti-Federalists against the Constitution?

It lacked a Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the Elastic Clause in the Constitution?

A clause allowing Congress to make necessary and proper laws Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature that Americans wanted included in a proper constitution?

Checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 establish?

A standardized purchase system for farmland Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a major flaw in the Articles of Confederation?

Presence of an executive branch Signup and view all the answers

How did Madison believe constitutions could shape human nature?

By encouraging the best while restraining the worst Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

To establish governments in western territories Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the Great Compromise?

Formulation of a bicameral legislature with population-based and equal representation Signup and view all the answers

What did the 3/5 Compromise establish regarding representation?

Three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation and taxation Signup and view all the answers

Which criticism did the Anti-Federalists NOT raise about the Constitution?

Insufficient checks and balances within government Signup and view all the answers

Which agreement allowed the importation of enslaved people to continue until 1808?

The Slave Trade Compromise Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To defend and promote the ratification of the Constitution Signup and view all the answers