What are the origins of the US constitution? Flashcards
What document served as the foundation for the US Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation.
True or False: The US Constitution was drafted in 1776.
False.
In what year was the US Constitution drafted?
1787.
Fill in the blank: The US Constitution was created during the _____ Convention.
Constitutional.
What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
Lack of a strong central government.
Who is often referred to as the ‘Father of the Constitution’?
James Madison.
What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To address the problems with the Articles of Confederation.
True or False: The Bill of Rights was included in the original Constitution.
False.
What compromise addressed the issue of representation in Congress?
The Great Compromise.
Multiple Choice: Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution? A) New York B) Delaware C) Virginia
B) Delaware.
What is the significance of the Federalist Papers?
They were written to support the ratification of the Constitution.
Fill in the blank: The US Constitution is the _____ written constitution still in use today.
oldest.
What branch of government was established by the Constitution?
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
True or False: The Constitution can be amended.
True.
What does the term ‘separation of powers’ refer to?
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments.
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Fill in the blank: The Constitution was ratified in _____ states by 1788.
nine.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in relation to the Constitution?
To interpret the Constitution and ensure laws comply with it.
What does the preamble of the Constitution outline?
The purpose and guiding principles of the Constitution.
Multiple Choice: What principle allows the government to be limited by law? A) Federalism B) Popular Sovereignty C) Rule of Law
C) Rule of Law.
What major event prompted the drafting of the Constitution?
Shays’ Rebellion.
True or False: The Constitution establishes a direct democracy.
False.
What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment?
It reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise related to?
Counting enslaved persons for representation and taxation.
What year was the Bill of Rights ratified?
1791.
Fill in the blank: The Constitution is divided into _____ articles.
seven.
