Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

Accepted Answer

A)   The creation of a nationwide postal service
B)   The federal government's lack of authority to raise troops
C)   The executive branch's lack of authority to enforce laws
D)   The sovereignty of states in relations with the federal government
E)   The inability of Congress to raise an army by its own power A

Question 2

The original stated purpose of the Annapolis Convention in September 1786 was

Accepted Answer

A)   to abolish the Articles of Confederation and form a new government.
B)   to discuss interstate commerce that was a weakness under the Articles of Confederation.
C)   to declare independence from England and King George III.
D)   to declare war on England.
E)   to elect the first president of the United States. B

Question 3

Economic reasons for the Constitutional Convention included

Accepted Answer

A)   weakening of foreign trade because of the poor reputation internationally of the United States.
B)   spreading domestic radical economic movements.
C)   expanding post-Revolution economic depression.
D)   Options A, B, and C are true.
E)   None of the above is true. D

Question 4

In the debates during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Virginia Plan called for a two-chamber legislature. In allocating the number of representatives for each of the chambers, the Virginia delegation recommended

Accepted Answer

A)   that the president should determine the number of representatives.
B)   that the same number of representatives from each state serves lifetime appointments.
C)   that the number of representatives in each chamber should be based on the population of the state.
D)   that the courts should determine the number of representatives.
E)   that each state should receive one vote regardless of delegation size.

Question 5

For the purpose of determining representation in the new Congress the slave-holding southern states

Accepted Answer

A)   were opposed to any enumeration of slaves.
B)   wanted to count each slave as a whole person.
C)   refused to ratify the new constitution if slavery was acknowledged.
D)   demanded extra representation to protect them from slave uprisings.
E)   wanted additional representation to protect their interests from northern intrusion.

Question 6

Describe the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances. How have they evolved? How have they been incorporated into the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the principles of separation of powers...

Question 7

What is the difference between enumerated and implied powers? How do these different concepts of political power impact the balance of power within the federal system of governance?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between enumerated and...

Question 8

In 1776, delegates to the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft a document that would state their list of grievances and articulate their intention to seek independence. List the writers of the Declaration of Independence, and name the primary writer and the reasons for (and objections to) his prominence. Discuss the philosophies and theories embodied in this revolutionary document.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 1776, delegates to the Second Continental...

Question 9

In the years immediately preceding the American Revolution and the creation of our Constitution, the king and the Parliament of England

Accepted Answer

A)   had never considered the possibility of revolutionary fervor in the colonies.
B)   feared that the colonies would attempt to overthrow their governments and had the resources and the capability to do so.
C)   feared that other European powers would attempt to encroach on their American holdings far more than they feared any form of colonial uprising.
D)   entered into agreements with other European powers to share the resources of their colonial holdings in exchange for shared protection.
E)   actually sought to sell the colonies.

Question 10

Which of the 13 original states was so opposed to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 that it refused to send a delegate, so the U.S. Constitution was written without its participation?

Accepted Answer

A)   New York
B)   Virginia
C)   Pennsylvania
D)   Rhode Island
E)   California

Question 11

Hamilton expressed the view that the judiciary was the weakest branch because it "only possessed the power of judgment." In light of the power of the judiciary to determine constitutionality of federal statutes established in Marbury v. Madison, indicate whether Hamilton's apposition is valid or invalid.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hamilton expressed the view that the judiciary...

Question 12

Which of the following rules governing ratification did NOT give a tactical advantage to the Federalists?

Accepted Answer

A)   Requirement that ratification require approval of nine states
B)   Requirement that ratification take place through special state conventions
C)   Requirement that at least two-thirds of the states approve the Constitution
D)   Requirement prohibiting disclosure of day-to-day proceedings in the Constitutional Convention
E)   Requirement that ratification decisions be made during the winter

Question 13

Describe the ways in which Madison's view that a "multiplicity of interests" could significantly reduce the possibility of a majority emerging to oppress individual rights. Explain the reasons both in favor of and opposed to his analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the ways in which Madison's view...

Question 14

Why would the writers of the Constitution have created such a difficult amendment process?

Accepted Answer

A)   They distrusted the motives of the people to make rational choices.
B)   They protected the Constitution from short-lived or temporary passions.
C)   They did not want any person or institution to tamper with their original work.
D)   They ensured that the branches of government work together.
E)   They distrusted the motives and abuses of powers by state governments.

Question 15

Which of the following was NOT part of the colonial government?

Accepted Answer

A)   Royal governors
B)   Governor's council
C)   Colonial general assembly
D)   Colonial archbishop
E)   Both options B and C are true.

Question 16

Madison explains how the many different parts of the government and its attendant "multiplicity of interests" significantly reduces the chance of a majority coalition to oppress an individual or minority in

Accepted Answer

A)   Federalist No. 15.
B)   Federalist No. 46.
C)   Federalist No. 51.
D)   Federalist No. 70.
E)   Federalist No. 78.

Question 17

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Federalists

Accepted Answer

A)   strongly objected to ratification and enactment of the new constitution.
B)   were opposed to a strong central government.
C)   were in favor of a strong central government and for ratification of the new constitution.
D)   favored states' rights and were opposed to any form of national government.
E)   favored a central government only if the states were given veto powers over the central government.

Question 18

Which of the following is a check by the legislative branch on the powers of the executive branch?

Accepted Answer

A)   Congress may rule that a presidential action is unconstitutional.
B)   The Supreme Court may veto presidential orders.
C)   The Supreme Court recommends legislation to the judicial branch that is assured to pass constitutional muster.
D)   The president may veto a law passed by the legislative branch.
E)   The Senate must consent to all presidential appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Question 19

Who believed in a loose construction or interpretation of the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

A)   Thomas Jefferson
B)   James Madison
C)   John Marshall
D)   Alexander Hamilton
E)   John Jay

Question 20

Describe the Constitutional process for impeachment and removal of the president and include a discussion about the impeachment of President Clinton in 1998. Did the constitutional process work in this particular case? Why would the writers of the Constitution make this process so difficult?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the Constitutional process for impeachment and...

Exam 2: The Founding and the Constitution