Founding Documents
Which founding document announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain?
The Declaration of Independence
What did it mean for a state to ratify the Constitution?
To formally approve it.
What principle is expressed by the idea that government gets its authority from the people?
Popular sovereignty.
Name the two chambers of Congress
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Which amendment protects the free exercise of religion?
The First Amendment.
Which early national plan left most governing authority with the states?
The Articles of Confederation.
Which group worried that the proposed national government might become too powerful and threaten liberties?
Anti-Federalists.
What is the name for the formal process used to change the Constitution?
The amendment process.
Which branch carries out and enforces federal laws?
The executive branch.
Which amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The Fourth Amendment.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia?
Delegates met to address problems with the national government and create a new framework of government.
What did Anti-Federalists want added to protect individual liberties?
A bill of rights
Which principle divides power between the national government and state governments?
Federalism.
Which branch interprets laws and resolves legal disputes?
The judicial branch.
Which amendment protects a person from being forced to testify against themselves?
The Fifth Amendment.
Put these in chronological order, earliest to latest: Bill of Rights adopted; Declaration of Independence; Articles of Confederation adopted; Constitution written
Declaration of Independence; Articles of Confederation adopted; Constitution written; Bill of Rights adopted.
What was the main purpose of the Federalist Papers?
To persuade people to support ratification and explain how the proposed Constitution would work.
Which principle assigns different responsibilities to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Separation of powers.
Under the Great Compromise, how is representation in the House different from representation in the Senate?
House representation is based on state population; each state has equal representation in the Senate.
Which amendment includes protections such as a speedy public trial and assistance of counsel for people accused of crimes?
The Sixth Amendment.
A historian says a document listed grievances against the king and argued that the colonies had the right to separate. Which document is being described?
The Declaration of Independence.
A writer argues that the country needs a national government capable of solving shared problems, with its powers divided and limited. Which ratification side would most likely agree?
Federalists.
A branch uses a constitutional power to limit the action of another branch. What principle does this illustrate?
Checks and balances.
Congress passes a bill, the president signs it, and a court later rules on how the law applies in a dispute. Name the branch responsible for each action, in order.
Legislative, executive, judicial.
A person is punished with an unusually harsh penalty. Which amendment’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment is relevant?
The Eighth Amendment.