67 Questions
What is the tone of the speaker in the passage?
Pessimistic
According to the passage, the speaker believes that liberties are well-protected in America.
False
What is the speaker's concern about the government?
The speaker is concerned that the government may become tyrannical and oppress the people.
The speaker mentions that bribery is practiced in the _________ of Commons in England.
House
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
American spirit = Patriotism and national pride Liberty = Freedom from oppression
What is the speaker's opinion about the amendment process?
It is flawed and can be manipulated.
The speaker believes that the English system of government is more reliable than the American system.
True
What is the speaker's main concern about the government's ability to abuse power?
The speaker is concerned that the government may abuse its power and oppress the people, and that there is no reliable way to prevent or punish such abuses.
What is the speaker's main concern about the plan being discussed?
It destroys the great rights of freemen.
According to the speaker, liberty is often destroyed by the licentiousness of the people.
False
What is the speaker's warning to those who neglect to resist their oppressors or negligently suffer their liberty to be wrested from them?
They will groan under intolerable despotism.
The speaker states that most of the human race are now in a ______________________ condition.
deplorable
What is the consequence of nations that have gone in search of grandeur, power, and splendor?
They have lost their freedom.
The speaker believes that those in power will not abuse the powers given to them.
False
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Licentiousness = Freedom to do as one pleases Tyranny = Tyranny of rulers Liberty = Freedom from oppressive rule Freedom = Freedom from oppressive rule
What is the speaker's fear about the plan being discussed?
The speaker fears that the plan will destroy the great rights of freemen and lead to despotism.
What is the ultimate goal of the government according to the passage?
To secure liberties
The passage suggests that the adoption of the system is necessary for liberty.
False
What are the 'great rights' mentioned in the passage that are being considered for relinquishment?
The trial by jury and the liberty of the press
The passage suggests that the security of liberty ought to be the direct end of your _______.
Government
Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:
Liberty = The ultimate goal of the government Rights = Things that are being considered for relinquishment Government = An institution that should secure liberties Trade = A means to increase power
What is the required majority for proposing amendments?
Two-thirds of the Congress or State Legislatures
The speaker believes that the amendment process is easily achievable.
False
What is the speaker's concern about the holders of power?
That they may prevent the introduction of amendments
To propose amendments, a ______________ of the Congress or State Legislatures is necessary.
Two-thirds
What is the speaker's main concern about the system?
That it is prone to abuse of power
The speaker believes that the State Legislatures are more likely to concur on amendments.
False
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
Three-fourths of the State Legislatures or Conventions = Required majority for amending the system Two-thirds of the Congress or State Legislatures = Required majority for proposing amendments One-third of the Congress or State Legislatures = Sufficient to block the introduction of amendments
What is the speaker's attitude towards the possibility of achieving amendments?
Skeptical
What is the main concern of the speaker in the passage?
The liberties of the people
The speaker believes that the plan being discussed is a confederation of states.
False
What is the significance of the phrase 'We, the people' in the passage?
It suggests a consolidated government rather than a confederation of states.
The speaker compares the plan being discussed to a monarchy, like ____________________.
England
Match the following systems of government with their descriptions:
Monarchy = A system of government where a prince or king has power Confederacy = A system of government where independent states retain their sovereignty Consolidated government = A system of government where power is held by a single, unified government
The speaker is confident in the ability of the government to protect the liberties of the people.
False
What is the speaker's main concern about the plan being discussed?
The plan threatens the liberties of the people
What does the speaker mean by 'this poor little thing—the expression, We, the people'?
The phrase 'We, the people' that implies a consolidated government rather than a confederation of states.
What is the speaker concerned about in the passage?
The security of liberty
The speaker believes that a small minority can prevent the adoption of amendments.
True
What is the speaker's main concern about the government's ability to abuse power?
The speaker is concerned that a small minority can prevent the adoption of amendments and hinder the removal of grievances, leading to an oppressive government.
According to the speaker, ________________ part of the American people may prevent the removal of grievances.
one-twentieth
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
Salutary amendments = beneficial or positive changes Grievous inconveniencies = serious problems or troubles Contemptible minority = a small group of people who are unpopular or disliked
What is the speaker's concern about the amendment process?
That a small minority can prevent the adoption of amendments
The speaker believes that the current system is reliable and efficient.
False
What is the speaker's main concern about the amendment process?
That it is too difficult to propose amendments
According to the passage, the speaker believes that three-fourths of the State Legislatures are necessary to concur in amendments.
True
What is the minimum number of Congress or State Legislatures required to propose amendments, according to the passage?
Two-thirds
To propose amendments, a ______ of the Congress or State Legislatures is necessary.
two-thirds
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
unworthy characters = People who are not fit to hold power designing bad men = People who intentionally do harm licentiousness of the people = Excessive freedom or lack of self-control
What is the minimum number of State Legislatures or State Conventions required to concur in amendments, according to the passage?
Three-fourths
According to the passage, the speaker believes that the amendment process is easily achievable.
False
What is the speaker's concern about the holders of power, according to the passage?
That they may prevent the introduction of amendments and retain their power.
What is the minimum percentage of people required to agree on amendments according to the passage?
Three-fourths
According to the passage, a small minority can prevent the adoption of amendments.
True
What is the speaker's main concern about the amendment process?
The speaker's main concern is that a small minority can prevent the adoption of amendments, which can hinder the removal of grievances and oppressions.
In the passage, the speaker mentions that a _________ part of the American people may prevent the removal of grievances.
one-t twentieth
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
Salutary and necessary amendments = Refers to the adoption of amendments that are beneficial to the public Contemptible minority = A small group of people who can prevent the adoption of amendments Public liberty = Freedom from oppression and abuse of power Grievous inconveniencies and oppression = Inconveniences and hardships caused by the government
According to the passage, the speaker believes that the current system is reliable and efficient.
False
What is the consequence of a small minority rejecting amendments, according to the speaker?
It can prevent the removal of grievances and oppressions.
What is the speaker's attitude towards the amendment process?
Pessimistic
What is the main concern of the speaker in the passage?
The protection of liberties
The speaker believes that the plan being discussed is a confederation of states.
False
What does the speaker mean by 'this poor little thing—the expression, We, the people'?
The speaker is highlighting the significance of the phrase "We, the people" in the plan, which suggests a consolidated government rather than a confederation of states.
The speaker compares the plan being discussed to a monarchy, like ____________________.
England
What is the significance of the phrase 'We, the people' in the passage?
It suggests a consolidated government
Match the following systems of government with their descriptions:
Monarchy = A compact between Prince and people, with checks on the former to secure the liberty of the latter Confederacy = An association of a number of independent States, each retaining its individual sovereignty
What is the speaker's concern about the government's ability to abuse power?
The speaker is concerned that the government may abuse its power and threaten the liberties of the people.
Study Notes
Liberty and Government
- The speaker is concerned about the potential loss of liberty and the dangers of tyranny in the system of government being proposed.
- The goal of government should be to secure liberty, not to increase trade or make people powerful.
Threats to Liberty
- The speaker believes that the system being proposed endangers liberty by taking away the right to trial by jury and the liberty of the press.
- The abandonment of these sacred rights will not lead to security, but rather to the loss of liberty.
Importance of Trial by Jury
- Trial by jury is a fundamental right that is being taken away in civil cases and is not sufficiently secured in criminal cases.
- This right is essential to liberty and is being threatened by the proposed system.
Historical Precedent
- The majority of nations have lost their liberty due to the tyranny of rulers or the negligence of the people.
- The speaker cites the example of nations that have sought grandeur, power, and splendor but have lost their freedom in the process.
Bribery and Corruption
- The speaker mentions the practice of bribery in the English House of Commons, where members have risen to preferments by selling the rights of the people.
- The speaker notes that even a small group of corrupt individuals can oppress the rest of the people.
American Liberty
- American liberty is on a shakier foundation than English liberty, making it more vulnerable to loss.
- The speaker suggests that it is easy to procure opposition to any alteration, no matter how judicious, and that the people should be vigilant in protecting their liberty.
Concerns about the Government System
- The speaker expresses concerns about the government system, stating that it may lead to unworthy characters gaining power and preventing the introduction of amendments.
- Two-thirds of Congress or State Legislatures are necessary to propose amendments, but three-fourths of State Legislatures or State Conventions must concur in the amendments.
- This means that a small number of states or legislatures can obstruct the adoption of amendments, even if they are necessary and salutary.
Potential for Abuse of Power
- The speaker notes that a small minority can prevent the alteration of an oppressive government, which is contrary to the spirit of republicanism and democracy.
- One-twentieth of the American people may prevent the removal of grievous inconveniencies and oppression by refusing to accede to amendments.
Critique of the Compact
- The speaker questions whether the compact between states is a confederation or a consolidated government.
- The use of the phrase "We, the people" instead of "the States of America" implies a consolidated government, which the speaker argues is pernicious, impolitic, and dangerous.
Comparisons to Other Systems
- The speaker compares the government system to monarchies like England, where there are checks on the power of the prince to secure the liberty of the people.
- The speaker also compares it to confederacies like Holland, where independent states retain their individual sovereignty.
Concerns about the Government System
- The speaker expresses concerns about the government system, stating that it may lead to unworthy characters gaining power and preventing the introduction of amendments.
- Two-thirds of Congress or State Legislatures are necessary to propose amendments, but three-fourths of State Legislatures or State Conventions must concur in the amendments.
- This means that a small number of states or legislatures can obstruct the adoption of amendments, even if they are necessary and salutary.
Potential for Abuse of Power
- The speaker notes that a small minority can prevent the alteration of an oppressive government, which is contrary to the spirit of republicanism and democracy.
- One-twentieth of the American people may prevent the removal of grievous inconveniencies and oppression by refusing to accede to amendments.
Critique of the Compact
- The speaker questions whether the compact between states is a confederation or a consolidated government.
- The use of the phrase "We, the people" instead of "the States of America" implies a consolidated government, which the speaker argues is pernicious, impolitic, and dangerous.
Comparisons to Other Systems
- The speaker compares the government system to monarchies like England, where there are checks on the power of the prince to secure the liberty of the people.
- The speaker also compares it to confederacies like Holland, where independent states retain their individual sovereignty.
This quiz covers a passage about the role of government in securing individual liberties. It discusses the importance of prioritizing liberty in governance.
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