Multiple Choice
How did Shay's Rebellion prove the Articles of Confederation were too weak?
A) it showed the government couldn't respond well to a rebellion
B) it showed the states had no power on their own
C) it showed the country was stable
D) it showed Washington was a weak leader
A) it showed the government couldn't respond well to a rebellion
What was the biggest weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
A) it gave the states too much power
B) it gave the national government too much power
C) it created three branches of government
D) it was too similar to England's government
A) it gave the states too much power
Which amendment protects your right to bear arms?
2nd Amendment
Which amendment prohibits the housing of soldiers in people's homes?
3rd Amendment
The Preamble starts with "We the People...", but in 1787, who was that referring to? In other words, did "we" mean everyone? Explain.
In 1787, voting rights were only given to white, property-owning men. Women, African Americans, Native Americans, and poor white men were excluded.
The Great Compromise was an agreement between what two groups?
A) national and state governments
B) British and colonists
C) Northern and Southern states
D) large and small states
D) large and small states
Which two groups argued over slavery being included in the Constitution?
A) northerners and southerners
B) large and small states
C) national and state governments
D) British and colonists
A) northerners and southerners
Which amendment protects the right to due process, prohibits self-incrimination, and double jeopardy?
5th Amendment
Which amendment forbids cruel and unusual punishment, including excessive fines?
8th Amendment
What are the three branches of government?
legislative
executive
judicial
A) how small states should be represented
B) what the state borders should be
C) how slaves should be represented
D) how Loyalists should be reimbursed
C) how slaves should be represented
The creation of three branches of government in meant to ensure that...
A) no part of the government has too much power
B) all people have a say in government
C) the president holds most of the power in government
D) government leaders cannot serve for life
A) no part of the government has too much power
Which amendment guarantees your right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury, the right to be told what you are being charged for, and the right to an attorney?
6th Amendment
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th Amendment
Which amendment do you think is most important? Why? Explain your reasoning. (Hint: think about what could happen if that amendment didn't exist)
Answers will vary
What was originally left out of the Constitution?
A) the Preamble
B) the Bill of Rights
C) the duties of the President
D) the creation of the Supreme Court
B) the Bill of Rights
What does the principle of checks and balances ensure?
A) that Congress has most of the power in government
B) that the national government can limit the power of state governments
C) that each branch can limit the power of the other branches
D) that the President can only serve 2 terms
C) that each branch can limit the power of the other branches
Which amendment protects your right to a trial by jury in civil cases of more than $20?
7th Amendment
Which amendment states that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states?
10th Amendment
Finish the claim with an accurate reason:
The biggest weakness of the Articles of Confederation was...
- it gave the states too much power
- it couldn't supply an army/respond to rebellion
- it couldn't collect taxes
- it could create laws but not enforce them
- it created a weak central government
Why are amendments to the Constitution necessary?
A) to allow changes that address new issues and improve laws
B) to ensure everyone can understand it
C) to limit the power of the states
D) to make sure no one is able to change the Constitution
A) to allow changes that address new issues and improve laws
Congress is called a bicameral legislature because it has two...
A) senators
B) houses
C) parties
D) leaders
B) houses
What are 3 of the 5 freedoms protected by the 1st Amendment?
speech, religion, press, assembly, petition
Which amendment says that citizens have other rights even if they are not listed in the Constitution?
9th Amendment
The 3rd Amendment was written in response to an act from the American Revolution where Britain forced colonists to house British soldiers.
What was the name of that act/law?
The ___________ Act
The Quartering Act