Question 1

An amendment may be proposed by Congress or the state legislatures.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 2

The idea that the provisions within the Constitution are broad and open to interpretation is characteristic of which school of thought?

Accepted Answer

A)  loose construction 
B)  elastic interpretation 
C)  strict construction 
D)  constitutionalism

Question 3

As a way to prevent the government from growing tyrannical, the Founders established a system of checks and balances.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 4

What was a result of the First Continental Congress?

Accepted Answer

A)  a rough draft of the Constitution 
B)  the buildup of an arsenal in Concord, Massachusetts 
C)  the Declaration of Independence 
D)  the Boston Tea Party

Question 5

How did the colonists respond to the Stamp Act?

Accepted Answer

A)  by throwing stamps overboard as they came into port 
B)  by paying the high rates with little protest 
C)  by boycotting British goods 
D)  by launching an attack on British soldiers

Question 6

Suppose you are a colonial leader in the late 1700s and are tired of Great Britain's oppressive taxation. You have suffered financially and have decided to meet with fellow colonists to denounce the British policies and organize a boycott of British goods. Which organization have you most likely joined?

Accepted Answer

A)  the Sons of Liberty 
B)  the Constitutional Convention 
C)  the Stamp Act Congress 
D)  the First Continental Congress

Question 7

What are enumerated powers?

Accepted Answer

A)  powers that are reserved for the states 
B)  powers that are granted to the president only 
C)  powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution 
D)  powers that are available only to the people

Question 8

Which was one feature of the New Jersey Plan?

Accepted Answer

A)  a one-house legislature 
B)  a single executive 
C)  representation based on population 
D)  a central government with extensive authority

Question 9

Under which framework of government is power divided between the state and national levels of government?

Accepted Answer

A)  separation of powers 
B)  checks and balances 
C)  federalism 
D)  popular sovereignty

Question 10

What motive is there for judges and Supreme Court justices to adopt a strict constructionist interpretation of the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

A)  Doing so allows the Constitution to adapt to the changes in society. 
B)  Strict constructionism gives the judicial branch more power. 
C)  It ensures the government does not overreach in its powers. 
D)  Doing so improves the public perception of the judicial branch.

Exam 2: The Founding and the Constitution