2: The Constitution – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
What was the connection between the Three-Fifths Compromise and taxes?
answer
Three-fifths of all slaves were counted to figure how much states owed the federal government in taxes.
question
Why were southern states concerned about Congress controlling foreign trade?
answer
They relied heavily on foreign exports of rice and tobacco.
question
Who was the leader of the Constitutional Convention?
answer
George Washington
question
Which statement is TRUE about the Constitutional Convention?
answer
Not all of the delegates were willing to sign the Constitution.
question
The convention delegates, who came from different states, _____.
answer
had similar ideas about the new government
question
The northern states wanted all foreign trade controlled by _____.
answer
the Congress
question
Why did Thomas Jefferson NOT attend the Constitution Convention in 1787?
answer
He was serving as minister to France
question
Which is a TRUE statement about the Federalists?
answer
They believed in a system of checks and balances
question
In which state did ratification win only by a small margin after a long struggle?
answer
Virginia
question
What was an important argument against the proposed Constitution?
answer
It did not guarantee basic rights.
question
How can the executive branch check the power of the legislative branch?
answer
by vetoing legislation
question
What is outlined in the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution?
answer
the federal government structure
question
How did the courts get the power of judicial review?
answer
through the Marbury v. Madison decision
question
In 1804, the 12th Amendment changed the way the United States _____.
answer
elects the President and Vice President
question
Passed in 1992, the 27th Amendment prevents Congress from raising its pay during the same term. What is unusual about this amendment?
answer
It was first proposed more than 200 years before it was ratified.
question
In addition to proposing amendments, Congress can _____.
answer
set time limits for ratification
question
What was one important factor that helped pass the 26th Amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18?
answer
The Vietnam War
question
How have political parties changed the electoral college?
answer
The electoral college now reflects each state's popular vote
question
Why did Congress create an expanded federal court system?
answer
Because the Constitution only established the Supreme Court
question
The nomination of candidates for President is an example of the influence of which group or entity in the interpretation of the Constitution?
answer
political parties
question
What is one way that Congress used normal legislation to affect the executive branch of the government?
answer
Congress set up agencies, departments, and offices.
question
Which action represents a President fulfilling the basic outline of executive power as described in the Constitution?
answer
giving a State of the Union address
question
Which President established the custom of not seeking a third term?
answer
George Washington
question
Why do some people prefer ratifying conventions, rather than state legislatures, for the ratification of amendments?
answer
Convention delegates better represent the people's will.
question
Northern and southern states compromised on the slave trade by _____.
answer
agreeing not to end the slave trade for at least 20 years
question
The term popular sovereignty means that _____.
answer
the government gets its power from the people
question
What delayed the inauguration of the new government under the U.S. Constitution?
answer
Congress lacked a quorum, so it could not finish counting the votes for President.
question
Why is James Madison known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
answer
He contributed more ideas to the Constitution than any other delegate.
question
Which principle expresses the idea that government is bound by the rule of law?
answer
limited government
question
Which statement is true about the U.S. Constitution?
answer
It explains the organization of the federal government.
question
The 19th Amendment was an important step for equal rights because it gave _____.
answer
voting rights to women
question
What is one way that Congress has clarified the meaning of the Constitution?
answer
by passing laws to regulate commerce
question
Convention delegates from smaller states were in favor of _____.
answer
a federal executive of more than one person
question
The power of judicial review is one example of _____.
answer
courts interpreting the Constitution
question
Which is one example of a President expanding the executive powers outlined in the Constitution?
answer
the Louisiana Purchase
question
What was the connection between the Three-Fifths Compromise and taxes?
answer
Three-fifths of all slaves were counted to figure how much states owed the federal government in taxes.
question
Why did some people feel it was important to add the Bill of Rights to the Constitution?
answer
They wanted to protect individual rights.
question
Which is a true statement about the Anti-Federalists?
answer
They favored strong state governments.
question
Who was elected the first Vice President?
answer
John Adams
question
Gaining the support of _____ was important in getting Virginia to ratify the Constitution.
answer
George Washington
question
In addition to proposing amendments, Congress can _____.
answer
set time limits for ratification
question
One of the well-known leaders of the Anti-Federalists was _____.
answer
Patrick Henry
question
Which is outlined in Article V of the Constitution?
answer
the amendment process
question
What did the delegates finally agree to about how much power Congress would have over trade?
answer
Congress was given control over trade between the states.
question
Which group received the right to vote in 1870 when the 15th Amendment was ratified?
answer
African American men
question
After the Preamble, the rest of the U.S. Constitution is divided into seven sections called _____.
answer
articles
question
What is one way that Congress used normal legislation to affect the executive branch of government?
answer
Congress set up agencies, departments, and offices.
