Questions and Answers
1.
Which of the following statements is FALSE?
A.
A constitution is a nation's basic law.
B.
A constitution is an unwritten accumulation of traditions and precedents.
C.
A constitution allocates power within government.
D.
A constitution sets neutral rules of the game of politics.
Correct Answer
D. A constitution sets neutral rules of the game of politics.
Explanation
This statement is false because a constitution does not necessarily set neutral rules of the game of
politics. A constitution can reflect the values and interests of the individuals or groups who wrote
it, and can therefore be biased or favor certain political actors or ideologies.
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2.
During the colonial period, the British king and Parliament
A.
Were involved in nearly every aspect of colonial life.
B.
Confined themselves to governing America's foreign policy and trade.
C.
Allowed the colonists a limited number of representatives in Parliament.
D.
Put strict limits on American freedom.
Correct Answer
C. Allowed the colonists a limited number of representatives in Parliament.
Explanation
During the colonial period, the British king and Parliament allowed the colonists a limited number
of representatives in Parliament. This means that the colonists had some level of participation in
the decision-making process of the British government. While the British still had significant control
over colonial affairs, this limited representation in Parliament provided the colonists with a voice
and some influence in shaping policies that affected their lives.
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3.
The motion for declaring the United STates as free and independent was made by
A.
Thomas Jefferson
B.
Benjamin Franklin
C.
Richard Henry Lee
D.
John Adams
Correct Answer
C. Richard Henry Lee
Explanation
Richard Henry Lee made the motion for declaring the United States as free and independent. Lee
was a prominent statesman from Virginia and a member of the Continental Congress. On June 7,
1776, he presented a resolution to the Congress stating that "these United Colonies are, and of
right ought to be, free and independent States." This motion paved the way for the drafting and
adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
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4.
Which of the following concepts is inconsistent with the political phiosophy associated with John
Locke?
A.
Natural Rights
B.
The divine right of kings
C.
Limited government
D.
The sanctity of property
Correct Answer
B. The divine right of kings
Explanation
John Locke's political philosophy is based on the idea of individual rights and limited government.
He believed in the concept of natural rights, which are inherent to every individual and cannot be
taken away by any external authority. Additionally, Locke emphasized the importance of limited
government, where the power of the state is restricted to protect these natural rights. The divine
right of kings, on the other hand, asserts that monarchs derive their authority directly from God,
which contradicts Locke's belief in the sovereignty of the people and the consent of the governed.
Therefore, the divine right of kings is inconsistent with Locke's political philosophy.
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5.
John Locke held that people should revolt when
A.
Injustices become deeply felt
B.
Transient issues emerge
C.
Government no longer has their consent
D.
Both A and C.
Correct Answer
D. Both A and C.
Explanation
John Locke believed that people should revolt when injustices become deeply felt and when the
government no longer has their consent. These two factors are crucial in his philosophy because
he argued that individuals have the right to rebel against a government that fails to protect their
natural rights and abuses its power. When people feel deeply affected by injustices and no longer
consent to the government's authority, Locke believed that it is their right and duty to revolt and
establish a new government that better protects their rights.
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6.
Which of the following Lockean concepts of government does not have a direct parallel in Thomas
Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence?
A.
Natural rights
B.
Limited government
C.
The sanctity of property
D.
The right to revolt
Correct Answer
C. The sanctity of property
Explanation
The concept of "the sanctity of property" does not have a direct parallel in Thomas Jefferson's draft
of the Declaration of Independence. While Jefferson emphasized the protection of natural rights,
limited government, and the right to revolt against oppressive rulers, he did not specifically address
the sanctity of property. This concept, which emphasizes the inviolability and sacredness of
personal and private property, is not explicitly mentioned in Jefferson's draft.
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7.
The American Revolution drastically altered the colonists' way of life
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The American Revolution brought about significant changes in the lives of the colonists. It marked
the end of British rule and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. The
revolution led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the colonists'
desire for self-governance and individual rights. It also resulted in the formation of a new
government and the drafting of the Constitution. Additionally, the revolution brought about social
and economic changes, such as increased opportunities for social mobility and the expansion of
trade. Overall, the American Revolution had a profound impact on the colonists' way of life.
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8.
Our first constitution was the Articles of Confederation
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the Articles of Confederation were indeed the first constitution of
the United States. It was adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, serving as the governing document
for the newly formed nation during the Revolutionary War. However, the Articles of Confederation
had several weaknesses, leading to the creation of the current Constitution in 1787.
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9.
Most governmental authority in the early American experience rested with
A.
State legislatures
B.
Local townships
C.
The Continental Congress
D.
Voluntary alliances
Correct Answer
A. State legislatures
Explanation
In the early American experience, the primary source of governmental authority was vested in
state legislatures. These legislatures were responsible for making laws and governing their
respective states. They had the power to pass legislation, levy taxes, and make decisions on behalf
of the state. The state legislatures played a crucial role in shaping the early American political
system and were seen as the representatives of the people at the state level. Their authority was
essential in establishing the framework for governance and setting the stage for the development
of the United States as a nation.
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10.
The Articles of Confederaton established the
A.
Presidency
B.
Senate and the house of representatives
C.
Supreme court
D.
Continental congress
Correct Answer
D. Continental congress
Explanation
The correct answer is continental congress. The Articles of Confederation, which was the first
constitution of the United States, established the continental congress as the governing body. The
continental congress consisted of delegates from each state and had the power to make decisions
on behalf of the states, such as declaring war and negotiating treaties. It did not establish the
presidency, senate and the house of representatives, or the supreme court, as these institutions
were created later under the United States Constitution.
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11.
The continental congress did not have the power to
A.
Tax
B.
Issue securities
C.
Maintain a military
D.
Print money
Correct Answer
A. Tax
Explanation
During the time of the Continental Congress, they did not have the authority to impose taxes. This
lack of power hindered their ability to generate revenue and fund various initiatives. As a result,
they struggled to maintain a functioning government and finance their operations effectively. This
limitation on taxation was one of the factors that led to the creation of a stronger central
government under the Constitution, which granted the authority to levy taxes to support national
interests.
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12.
Which of the following did not occur under the articles of confederation?
A.
Shay's Rebellion
B.
A power shift in the states away from the elite
C.
An aborted meeting at Annapolis
D.
Sweeping policies favoring creditors over debtors
Correct Answer
D. Sweeping policies favoring creditors over debtors
Explanation
The articles of confederation did not include sweeping policies favoring creditors over debtors. The
articles of confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, had several
weaknesses, including the inability to regulate commerce and the lack of a strong central
government. However, it did not specifically address or implement policies favoring creditors over
debtors.
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13.
Shays' Rebellion was
A.
A battle in the Revolutionary War
B.
An attack on courthouses to prevent foreclosure proceedings
C.
A constitutional debate
D.
A colonial newspaper
Correct Answer
B. An attack on courthouses to prevent foreclosure proceedings
Explanation
Shays' Rebellion refers to a series of attacks on courthouses in Massachusetts in the late 18th
century. It was led by Daniel Shays and other farmers who were facing financial difficulties and
foreclosure on their properties. The rebellion was a response to the economic hardships faced by
farmers due to high taxes and debt. They believed that the courts were biased towards the wealthy
and sought to prevent foreclosure proceedings by disrupting the legal system. It was not a battle
in the Revolutionary War, a constitutional debate, or a colonial newspaper.
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14.
Which of the followig does not in general describe the "Gentelmen in Piladelplhia?"
A.
College educated
B.
Wealthy
C.
Western
D.
Successful
Correct Answer
C. Western
Explanation
The correct answer is Western. This means that the description "Western" does not generally apply
to the "Gentlemen in Philadelphia." This suggests that the gentlemen in Philadelphia are not
typically associated with the Western region of the country.
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15.
james Madison believed that factions would check themselves
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
James Madison did not believe that factions would check themselves. In fact, he believed that
factions were inevitable in a democratic society and that they needed to be controlled and
balanced through a system of checks and balances. Madison argued in Federalist No. 10 that a
large republic with a diverse population would help to prevent any one faction from gaining too
much power and oppressing the minority. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
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16.
The philosophy of the Founders was based in part on
A.
The faith that self-restraint was part of human nature
B.
A belief that political conflict is unrelated to the distribution of wealth in society.
C.
A view that the principal object of government is the preservation of property.
D.
The idea that the separation of power is not needed in balanced government.
Correct Answer
C. A view that the principal object of government is the preservation of property.
Explanation
The correct answer is "A view that the principal object of government is the preservation of
property." This answer aligns with the philosophy of the Founders, who believed that the main
purpose of government was to protect and preserve the rights of individuals, including the right to
property. They saw property rights as essential to individual liberty and believed that a
government's primary role should be to safeguard these rights. This perspective is reflected in the
Constitution and the emphasis placed on protecting property rights through various provisions and
limitations on government power.
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17.
Which of the following was NOT one of the key equality issues debated at the COnstitutional
Convention?
A.
Representation of the states in Congress
B.
Equal opportunity for women
C.
Slavery
D.
Political equality
Correct Answer
B. Equal opportunity for women
Explanation
The question asks for the key equality issues debated at the Constitutional Convention that were
NOT discussed, and the correct answer is "equal opportunity for women." This means that the
issue of equal opportunity for women was not a topic of debate during the Constitutional
Convention. The Convention primarily focused on issues such as representation of states in
Congress, slavery, and political equality.
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18.
Representation of the states in Congress was settled at the Constitutional Convention with the
A.
Connecticut Compromise
B.
Three-fifths compromise
C.
New Jersey Plan
D.
Virginia Plan
Correct Answer
A. Connecticut Compromise
Explanation
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was a solution reached at the
Constitutional Convention in 1787 to settle the issue of representation in Congress. It proposed a
bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with
equal representation for each state. This compromise balanced the interests of both large and
small states, ensuring that both had a say in the legislative process and ultimately helped to secure
the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
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19.
Regarding the issue of slavery, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention agreed
A.
To abolish slavery
B.
Not to count slaves in determining representation in Congress
C.
To sanction slaver officially
D.
To limit future importing of slaves
Correct Answer
D. To limit future importing of slaves
Explanation
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention agreed to limit future importing of slaves. This
means that they decided to put restrictions on the importation of enslaved individuals into the
country. This decision indicates that they were not in favor of perpetuating the institution of slavery
by allowing more slaves to be brought into the country. By limiting the importation of slaves, they
were taking a step towards eventually ending the practice altogether.
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20.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention left it up to the states to decide who could vote in
national elections
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention decided to leave the decision of who could vote in
national elections up to the states. This means that each state had the power to determine its own
voting requirements and eligibility criteria for its citizens. Therefore, the statement "Delegates to
the Constitutional Convention left it up to the states to decide who could vote in national elections"
is true.
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21.
One of the major economic issues that the writers of the COnstitution felt they needed to address
was
A.
Tariffs erected by the states
B.
Virtually worthless paper money forced on creditors in some states
C.
The inability of the Continental Congress to raise needed money
D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the Above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the Above." The writers of the Constitution recognized multiple
economic issues that needed to be addressed. One of these issues was the tariffs erected by the
states, which created barriers to trade and hindered economic growth. Another issue was the use
of virtually worthless paper money forced on creditors in some states, which undermined the
stability of the economy. Additionally, the inability of the Continental Congress to raise needed
money was a concern, as it limited the government's ability to fund necessary programs and
initiatives. Therefore, all of these issues were considered important and were addressed in the
Constitution.
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22.
Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.
The writers of the COnstitution believed that the national economy was in good shape
B.
Economic issues were nonexistent at the writing of the Constitution
C.
The power of COngress to make economic policy is carefully spelled out in the Constitution
D.
The Constitution writers were men of little wealth
Correct Answer
C. The power of COngress to make economic policy is carefully spelled out in the Constitution
Explanation
The answer is "The power of Congress to make economic policy is carefully spelled out in the
Constitution." This statement is true because the Constitution grants Congress specific powers
related to economic policy. For example, Congress has the power to regulate commerce, levy taxes,
and coin money. These powers are outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
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23.
The original Constitution says very little about personal freedoms.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the original Constitution of a country typically focuses more on
establishing the framework of government and outlining the powers and responsibilities of
different branches, rather than explicitly enumerating personal freedoms. Personal freedoms are
often addressed in subsequent amendments or through judicial interpretations of the Constitution.
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24.
A writ of habeas corpus
A.
Enables persons detained by authorities to secure an immediate inquiry into the causes of their
detention
B.
Allows for the punishment of people without a judicial trial
C.
Allows for people to be punished or have their penalties increased for acts that were not illegal or
not punishable when committed.
D.
Narrowly defines and outlines strict rules of evidence for conviction of treason.
Correct Answer
A. Enables persons detained by authorities to secure an immediate inquiry into the causes of their
detention
Explanation
A writ of habeas corpus enables persons detained by authorities to secure an immediate inquiry
into the causes of their detention. This means that individuals who are being held against their will
have the right to challenge the legality of their detention and have a court determine whether
there are valid reasons for their confinement. This writ serves as a safeguard against arbitrary or
unlawful detention, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to seek justice and protect their
rights.
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25.
The principle of separation of powers resulted from the fact that the Constitution writers feared
the possibility of a tyranny of the majority.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The principle of separation of powers was established because the Constitution writers were
concerned about the potential for a tyranny of the majority. They wanted to prevent any one
branch of government from becoming too powerful and potentially oppressing the rights and
freedoms of individuals. By separating the powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches, they aimed to create a system of checks and balances that would safeguard against any
abuse of power. This principle is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance and ensures that
no single group or individual can dominate the decision-making process.
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26.
The Madisonian model of government is based on the idea that
A.
As much of government as possible should be beyond the direct control of the Majority
B.
The power of government's different institutions should be separated.
C.
A system of checks and balances is needed in government
D.
All the Above.
Correct Answer
D. All the Above.
Explanation
The Madisonian model of government is based on the idea that as much of government as possible
should be beyond the direct control of the majority. This means that certain powers and decisions
should be placed in the hands of independent institutions, such as the judiciary, to prevent the
majority from abusing their power and infringing on the rights of minorities. Additionally, the
Madisonian model advocates for the separation of powers, where different branches of
government have distinct responsibilities and can check and balance each other's actions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "All the Above."
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27.
In the MAdisonian model of government, majority rule is accomplished by the election of the
A.
Senate
B.
House of Representatives
C.
President
D.
Supreme Court
Correct Answer
B. House of Representatives
Explanation
In the Madisonian model of government, majority rule is accomplished by the election of the
House of Representatives. This is because the House of Representatives is designed to directly
represent the people and their interests. Members of the House are elected by the people in their
respective districts, and the number of representatives from each state is determined by its
population. Therefore, the House of Representatives serves as a democratic institution where the
majority of the people's voices are heard and represented in the decision-making process.
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28.
The president's veto power is an example of
A.
Checks and balances
B.
Majority Rule
C.
Presidential supremacy
D.
Judicial review.
Correct Answer
A. Checks and balances
Explanation
The president's veto power is an example of checks and balances because it allows the president
to check the power of the legislative branch. The veto power gives the president the ability to reject
legislation passed by Congress, which prevents any one branch of government from becoming too
powerful. This system of checks and balances ensures that each branch has a level of control over
the others, promoting a balance of power and preventing any branch from becoming dominant.
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29.
The Madisonian system
A.
Created a form of direct democracy
B.
Had a liberal bias toward change
C.
Created a republic based on the consent of the governed.
D.
Made change virtually impossible.
Correct Answer
C. Created a republic based on the consent of the governed.
Explanation
The Madisonian system refers to the political framework established by James Madison, one of the
Founding Fathers of the United States. This system aimed to create a republic based on the consent
of the governed. It emphasized the importance of popular sovereignty and the participation of
citizens in the decision-making process. The Madisonian system sought to balance power between
different branches of government and establish a system of checks and balances to prevent any
one group from becoming too powerful. It did not create a form of direct democracy, have a liberal
bias toward change, or make change virtually impossible.
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30.
The final version of the Constitution was read aloud at a public meeting in Philadelphia.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The final version of the Constitution was not read aloud at a public meeting in Philadelphia.
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31.
Immediately after the Constitution was singed the delegates to the convention
A.
Returned to their rooms
B.
Adjourned to a tavern
C.
Attended religious services
D.
Composed the national anthem.
Correct Answer
B. Adjourned to a tavern
Explanation
After the Constitution was signed, the delegates to the convention adjourned to a tavern. This
means that they moved from the location of the signing to a nearby tavern. The reason for this
could be that they wanted to celebrate and socialize after the successful completion of their work
on the Constitution. It was common during that time for people to gather in taverns for socializing
and discussions, so it is likely that the delegates chose this venue to relax and enjoy each other's
company after their hard work.
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32.
The Federalist Papers were published under the name
A.
Philadelphiensis.
B.
Monteczuma
C.
Aggrippa
D.
Publius
Correct Answer
D. Publius
Explanation
The correct answer is Publius. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander
Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in support of the ratification of the United States
Constitution. To maintain anonymity, the authors published their essays under the pseudonym
Publius. This allowed them to freely express their ideas and arguments without facing personal
attacks or bias based on their individual reputations. The use of a single pen name also helped to
create a unified voice for the essays, presenting a cohesive argument for the adoption of the
Constitution.
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33.
The Anti - Federalists were an unpatriotic and un-American group
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is subjective and biased. It labels the Anti-Federalists as unpatriotic and unAmerican without providing any evidence or context. The Anti-Federalists were a group of
individuals who opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution, believing it gave too
much power to the federal government and lacked protections for individual rights. Their concerns
were legitimate and rooted in a desire to protect the principles of the American Revolution.
Therefore, it would be incorrect to categorize them as unpatriotic or un-American.
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34.
Which of the following was NOT an Anti-Federalist argument against the ratification of the
COnstitution?
A.
A charge that it was a class-based document.
B.
A claim that it would weaken the power of the states
C.
A claim that the Bill of Rights was unnecessary
D.
A charge that it would benefit creditors?
Correct Answer
C. A claim that the Bill of Rights was unnecessary
Explanation
The Anti-Federalists argued against the ratification of the Constitution for various reasons. One of
their main concerns was the lack of a Bill of Rights, which they believed was necessary to protect
individual liberties and prevent potential abuse of power by the federal government. They feared
that without specific guarantees, the government could infringe upon people's rights. Therefore,
the claim that the Bill of Rights was unnecessary would not align with the Anti-Federalists'
arguments against ratification.
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35.
The COnstitution was ratified by
A.
State conventions
B.
A general election
C.
state legislatures
D.
A referendum
Correct Answer
A. State conventions
Explanation
The Constitution was ratified by state conventions, which were meetings held in each state where
delegates were elected to vote on whether to approve the Constitution. This method was chosen
as an alternative to having the state legislatures or a general election ratify the Constitution. State
conventions allowed for a more direct and democratic process, giving the power to the people
through their elected representatives to decide on the ratification of the Constitution.
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36.
An unwritten constitution
A.
Is a body of tradition, practice, and procedure
B.
Is represented by the Bill of Rights
C.
Does not affect the spirit of the Constitution
D.
Does not encompass political parties.
Correct Answer
A. Is a body of tradition, practice, and procedure
Explanation
An unwritten constitution refers to a system of government that relies on customs, traditions, and
established practices rather than a single written document. It is a body of tradition, practice, and
procedure that guides the functioning of the government and the rights and responsibilities of its
citizens. Unlike a written constitution, it is not represented by a specific document like the Bill of
Rights. It is important to note that an unwritten constitution does not affect the spirit of the
Constitution, as it upholds the fundamental principles and values of the governing system.
Additionally, it does not encompass political parties, as they are separate entities that operate
within the framework of the constitution.
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37.
An amendment to the Constitution can be ratified either by the legislature of 3/4ths the states or
by special conventions called in 3/4ths the states.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because according to Article V of the United States Constitution, an
amendment can be ratified by either the legislatures of three-fourths of the states or by special
conventions called in three-fourths of the states. This provision allows for flexibility in the
ratification process, giving states the option to choose the method that works best for them.
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38.
Taken as a whole, the amendments to teh Constitution make it
A.
More democratic
B.
Elite and class-oriented
C.
Less egalitarian
D.
More focused on economic issues
Correct Answer
A. More democratic
Explanation
The amendments to the Constitution, when considered as a whole, suggest that they aim to make
the system more democratic. This implies that these amendments are likely geared towards
ensuring that power is distributed more equally among the people and that there is greater
participation and representation in the political process. The amendments may include provisions
that protect individual rights, expand suffrage, or promote government accountability, all of which
contribute to a more democratic system.
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39.
The Equal Rights Amendment failed in part because of the system of checks and balances
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Equal Rights Amendment failed in part because of the system of checks and balances. This is
because the amendment needed to be ratified by three-fourths of the states in order to become
part of the Constitution. However, it fell short of the necessary number of ratifications by the
deadline. The system of checks and balances, which requires a significant level of consensus and
support, made it difficult for the amendment to be successfully ratified.
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40.
The Constitution does not formally provide for
A.
The two-party system
B.
The role of television in politics
C.
Binding members of the electoral college to the preference of voters.
D.
All of the Above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the Above.
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the Above" because the Constitution does not explicitly mention or
outline the establishment of a two-party system, the role of television in politics, or the
requirement for members of the electoral college to follow the voters' preference. While these
aspects have become integral to the political landscape, they are not directly addressed in the
Constitution.
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41.
The case of Marbury v. Madison
A.
Firmly established the power of judicial review
B.
Intended there to be no popular vote for the president
C.
Required presidential electors to pledge in advance to vote for the candidate that won their state's
popular vote.
D.
Established the electoral college as a rubber stamp for the popular vote
Correct Answer
A. Firmly established the power of judicial review
Explanation
The case of Marbury v. Madison firmly established the power of judicial review. This landmark
Supreme Court case, decided in 1803, established the principle that the Court has the authority to
declare laws unconstitutional. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted that it is the duty
of the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws passed by Congress are
in line with it. This decision solidified the Court's role as the final arbiter of the constitutionality of
laws, and has had a lasting impact on the balance of power between the three branches of
government in the United States.
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42.
The writers of the COnstitution
A.
Favored the formation of a two party system
B.
Intended there to be no popular vote for the president
C.
Required presidential electors to pledge in advance to vote for the candidate that won their state's
popular vote.
D.
Established the electoral college as a rubber stamp for the popular vote.
Correct Answer
B. Intended there to be no popular vote for the president
43.
The roles of political parties and members of the electoral college are examples of constitutional
change through political practice.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because political parties and members of the electoral college play a crucial
role in the political process, which can lead to constitutional change. Political parties help shape
public opinion, mobilize voters, and advocate for policy changes, which can ultimately result in
amendments to the constitution. Similarly, members of the electoral college have the power to
elect the President, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the direction of the country
and potentially lead to constitutional changes. Therefore, both political parties and members of
the electoral college contribute to constitutional change through their political practices.
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44.
Which of the following statements regarding the US Constitution is FALSE?
A.
The US constitution if a very flexible document
B.
The US Constitution is the oldest functioning constitution
C.
The US Constitution is very long compared to other constitutions
D.
The only court provided for by the US COnstitution is the Supreme fourt
Correct Answer
C. The US Constitution is very long compared to other constitutions
Explanation
The given answer is correct because it states that the US Constitution is very long compared to
other constitutions. This is false because the US Constitution is actually relatively short compared
to many other constitutions around the world. It consists of only seven articles and 27 amendments,
making it a relatively concise document.
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45.
The Consittution is in many ways an undemocratic, even anti-democratic document.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement suggests that the Constitution, in several aspects, is undemocratic or even
against democracy. This implies that there are elements within the Constitution that may limit or
undermine the principles of democracy, possibly favoring certain groups or institutions over others.
Therefore, the correct answer is "True" as it acknowledges the presence of undemocratic aspects
within the Constitution.
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46.
Which of the following statements regarding the Constitution is FLASE?
A.
One of the central themes of American history has been the gradual democratization of the
COnstitution.
B.
The original Constitution was characterized by numerous restrictions on direct voter participation.
C.
The original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility.
D.
Five of the 17 constitutional amendments passed since the Bill of Rights have focused on the
expansion of the electorate.
Correct Answer
C. The original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility.
Explanation
The original Constitution does not offer numerous guidelines on voter eligibility. The Constitution
initially left the question of voter eligibility to the states, allowing them to set their own
requirements. It was not until the passage of the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th amendments that
voter eligibility was expanded and certain restrictions were abolished. Therefore, the statement
that the original Constitution offers numerous guidelines on voter eligibility is false.
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47.
During the early years of the civil rights movement, African Americans had the most luck getting
their interests on the political agenda through the
A.
President
B.
Congress
C.
Supreme Court
D.
State legislatures
Correct Answer
C. Supreme Court
Explanation
During the early years of the civil rights movement, African Americans had the most luck getting
their interests on the political agenda through the Supreme Court. This is because the Supreme
Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and make decisions that impact the entire
country. Through landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Loving v. Virginia, the
Supreme Court played a crucial role in ending racial segregation and promoting equal rights for
African Americans. By ruling against discriminatory laws and practices, the Supreme Court helped
shape the civil rights movement and bring about significant social change.
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48.
The separation of powers and the system of check and balances promote
A.
The politics of bargaining
B.
Compromise
C.
Playing one institution against another
D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the Above
Explanation
The separation of powers and the system of checks and balances promote the politics of bargaining
by allowing different branches of government to negotiate and compromise with each other. This
ensures that no single institution has too much power and prevents any one branch from becoming
too dominant. By playing one institution against another, this system encourages compromise and
collaboration, ultimately leading to a more balanced and effective governance.
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49.
The first constitution of the United States
Correct Answer
Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States. It was adopted
in 1777 and ratified in 1781. This document established a weak central government, giving most of
the power to the individual states. Under the Articles, the central government had limited authority
to tax, regulate trade, and enforce laws. It also lacked an executive branch and a national court
system. The weaknesses of the Articles eventually led to the drafting and adoption of the United
States Constitution in 1787, which created a stronger federal government.