Chapter Two The Founding and the Constitution Multiple Choice 1. In Federalist no. 55, James Madison argues, “...had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would have been a mob.” This statement illustrates a. Madison’s prejudice against Greeks. b. Madison’s fear and distrust of direct democracy. c. Madison’s belief that representative government encouraged barbaric behavior. d. Madison’s belief that violence is a legitimate form of protest. e. Madison’s disgust with the Magna Carta. Answer: b. Madison’s fear and distrust of direct democracy. 2. Democracy first emerged in the a. Greek city-state of Athens. b. early years of the Roman Emperor. c. right after the emergence of the Bible. d. colonists attempt to bring freedom to the New World. e. United States Answer: a. Greek city-state of Athens. 3. Most of the New England colonies based their first governments on the idea of a(n) a. monarchy. b. aristocracy. c. confederation. d. republic. e. compact. Answer: e. compact. 4. The social contract theory underlying our founding documents is a. the people must always agree to create a government. b. the government cannot act until the people have voted. c. the government is created from popular sovereignty to act in the people’s interest. d. the government is disbanded whenever the people disagree. e. the people never have the right to revolt regardless of what government does. Answer: c. the government is created from popular sovereignty to act in the people’s interest. 5. One of the points on which Thomas Hobbes and John Locke agreed was a. that an effective democracy needed an absolute sovereign. b. that some individuals possessed a divine right to rule. c. that people had the right to rid themselves of bad government. d. that every society needed a strong representative assembly. e. that human nature is basically evil. Answer: c. that people had the right to rid themselves of bad government. 6. Which of the following are not social contract theorists? a. Thomas Hobbes b. John Locke c. Charles de Montesquieu d. All of them are social contract theorists. e. None of them are social contact theorists. Answer: c. Charles de Montesquieu 7. Social contract theorist Thomas Hobbes is the author of which preeminent text: a. Leviathan b. Two Treatises on Government c. Second Treatise d. On Liberty e. Mayflower Compact Answer: a. Leviathan 8. The Boston Tea Party a. was supported by the King of England. b. had no effect. c. was an act of civil disobedience. d. was carried out by British soldiers. e. led to the French and Indian War. Answer: c. was an act of civil disobedience. 9. How many delegates attended the First Continental Congress? a. twenty-two b. thirty-five c. forty d. fifty-five e. sixty-two Answer: d. fifty-five 10. The original purpose of the First Continental Congress was to persuade the British to a. open Boston harbors for the purpose of increasing British trade. b. encourage the British to leave the Americas. c. provided more personal freedom to the colonists. d. persuade the colonists of their need for organized resistance. e. establish more cordial relations with the British. Answer: e. establish more cordial relations with the British. 11. The Second Continental Congress a. was firm in their resolve to break with England. b. took on the role of coordinating the war effort. c. was poorly attended. d. ratified the Articles of Confederation. e. issued the Declaration of American Rights. Answer: b. took on the role of coordinating the war effort. 12. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argued for a. the death of King George III. b. a complete separation from England. c. the abolition of slavery. d. a strong, national American government. e. a resolution to oppose British acts. Answer: b. a complete separation from England. 13. The Declaration of Independence severed the relationship between the colonies and the British government, justified the revolution, and provided a philosophical basis for limited government based on popular consent. Therefore, it a. serves as a national constitution. b. repudiated the idea of rule by divine right. c. stands as a testament to the natural superiority of property owners. d. was a formal declaration of war by the Second Continental Congress. e. transferred powers on selected issues to a central government. Answer: b. repudiated the idea of rule by divine right. 14. The Articles of Confederation a. were never ratified. b. reflected the distrust most Americans felt towards a strong central government. c. allowed all of the states to prosper financially. d. allowed the central government to preserve public peace and order. e. provided for the centralization of power in the federal government. Answer: b. reflected the distrust most Americans felt towards a strong central government. 15. The Articles of Confederation made it clear that a. a confederation was not the type of political system America wanted. b. its authors wished to remain loyal to the British Crown. c. outbreaks, such as Shays’s Rebellion, were perfectly understandable as they were rooted in the spirit of revolution inspired by the document. d. ultimate political authority rested with the people. e. the central government reigned supreme. Answer: a. a confederation was not the type of political system America wanted. 16. The Shay’s Rebellion of 1786 consisted of farmers who were seeking a. freedom of speech. b. the right to assemble. c. freedom of the press. d. government office e. economic independence. Answer: e. economic independence. 17. The Virginia Plan a. called for three branches of government. b. called for a federal system of government. c. called for a unicameral legislature. d. called for equal representation for all states. e. called for the protection of the interests of small states. Answer: a. called for three branches of government. 18. The delegates attending the constitutional convention in 1787 would best be described as a. political philosophers. b. representing a good cross section of contemporary American society. c. farmers and laborers. d. revolutionaries. e. skilled politicians. Answer: e. skilled politicians. 19. According to the text, there were two philosophical camps at the Convention: a. the urbanites and the suburbanites. b. the Federalists and the Antifederalists. c. the loyalists and the revolutionaries. d. the slaveowners and the abolitionists. e. the democrats and the republicans. Answer: b. the Federalists and the Antifederalists. 20. The “Great Compromise” was also called the a. Three-Fifths Compromise. b. Massachusetts Compromise. c. Virginia Compromise. d. Connecticut Compromise. e. Washington Compromise. Answer: d. Connecticut Compromise. 21. The purpose of checks and balances is to ensure that a. the government remains solvent. b. national laws always supercede conflicting state laws. c. no branch of government becomes too powerful. d. large states never dominate small states. e. the executive branch dominates over the other branches. Answer: c. no branch of government becomes too powerful. 22. The New Jersey Plan a. was designed to refine and strengthen the Articles of Confederation. b. suggested a Council of Revision. c. was very popular. d. suggested a bicameral legislature. e. would allow states to tax imports. Answer: a. was designed to refine and strengthen the Articles of Confederation. 23. Which institution of our modern government can be traced back to the New Jersey Plan? a. The unitary executive. b. The Supreme Court. c. The bicameral legislature. d. The equal state membership in the Senate. e. The equal state membership in the House. Answer: d. The equal state membership in the Senate. 24. Which of the following illustrates the framers unwillingness to deal with the issue of slavery? a. Slaves count as three-fifths for census-taking purposes. b. Runaway slaves must be returned to the slave states. c. New states will vote whether to allow slavery. d. The slave trade would not end until 1808. e. The issue of slavery was not dealt with in the new Constitution. Answer: c. New states will vote whether to allow slavery. 25. The legislative branch of the United States government is a (n) a. unicameral legislature. b. bicameral legislature. c. confederation. d. aristocracy. e. oligarchy. Answer: b. bicameral legislature. 26. Which of the following statements best summarizes the effect of the Connecticut Compromise? a. Five slaves would equal three free people for purposes of representation. b. The Senate became the dominant house in Congress. c. Money bills could only be introduced by the executive. d. Provided life long tenure to the Supreme Court justices. e. It upheld the large-state position for the House of Representatives. Answer: e. It upheld the large-state position for the House of Representatives. 27. The three-fifths compromise a. gave slave states the 50 percent of the seats in the House of Representatives they were hoping for. b. dismantled the institution of slavery in the South. c. assured the ratification of the new constitution. d. assured that the new constitution would not be ratified. e. provided a final resolution for the issue of slavery. Answer: c. assured the ratification of the new constitution. 28. What did the Declaration of Independence say about the institution of slavery? a. Nothing. b. All slaves were to be freed immediately. c. George III was responsible for the slave trade. d. The writers of the document were freeing their slaves. e. All slaves would have input into the government. Answer: a. Nothing. 29. The electoral college system assures that a. only the wealthiest Americans have a chance to be elected president. b. only college graduates have an opportunity to be elected president. c. more than one person can serve as president. d. a presidential candidate would need support from large and small states around the country. e. voters would directly elect the president. Answer: d. a presidential candidate would need support from large and small states around the country. 30. Before they revised their decision and chose four-year terms for the president, with re-election possible, the Constitutional Convention narrowly voted for a. two-year terms. b. a single seven-year term. c. a limit of three six-year terms. d. a limit of four three-year terms. e. a limit of three four-year terms. Answer: b. a single seven-year term. 31. Which article set forth the powers of the legislative branch? a. Article I. b. Article II. c. Article III. d. Article IV. e. Article V. Answer: a. Article I. 32. Vertical powers refer to the relationship between the centralized national government and the state governments. This arrangement is commonly referred to as a. an associational system. b. a federal system. c. a unitary system. d. national supremacy. e. police powers. Answer: b. a federal system. 33. The powers belonging to the national government are called a. reserved powers. b. police powers. c. national powers. d. federal powers. e. delegated powers. Answer: e. delegated powers. 34. The powers belonging to the state governments are called a. reserved powers. b. delegated powers. c. regional powers. d. national powers. e. federal powers. Answer: a. reserved powers. 35. Powers expressly granted or enumerated in the Constitution and limited in nature are referred to as a. reserved powers. b. war powers. c. proper powers. d. delegated powers. e. police powers. Answer: d. delegated powers. 36. Reducing the size and authority of the federal government by returning programs to the states is referred to as a. devolution. b. centralization. c. mandating orders. d. political reversals. e. delegated powers. Answer: a. devolution. 37. Police powers a. are reserved to the states. b. do not relate to morality. c. can only be used against lawbreakers. d. are provided by the Fifth Amendment. e. are reserved to the federal government. Answer: a. are reserved to the states. 38. Empowering police forces and other government officials to check U.S. citizenship credentials is an example of a. delegated powers. b. enumerated powers. c. police powers. d. reserved powers. e. legislative powers. Answer: c. police powers. 39. Which of the three major branches does not have an “elastic clause” expanding its power within the Article creating that power? a. The judiciary. b. The executive. c. the Senate d. the House e. They all have “elastic clauses.” Answer: a. The judiciary. 40. The __________ gave itself the power to interpret and update the Constitution using judicial review. a. Constitutional founders b. American people c. Senate d. House of Representative e. Supreme Court Answer: e. Supreme Court 41. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress which of the following powers? a. the power to declare martial law b. the power to interpret the Constitution c. the power to declare war d. the power to regulate intrastate commerce e. the power of the executive. Answer: c. the power to declare war 42. The text notes that, for the framers, Article I of the Constitution was the most important because they intended that the new Congress have more legislative authority than the one which existed under the Articles of Confederation. This is evidenced by a. the necessary and proper clause. b. the delegated powers of Congress. c. the fact that there are two houses. d. the power of Congress to collect taxes. e. the power to declare war. Answer: a. the necessary and proper clause. 43. The text states that the first line in Article II, which reads, “The executive Power shall be vested in a president of the United States of America,” a. broadens the power of the executive. b. limits the power of the executive. c. permits the president to declare war. d. makes the president a super legislator. e. provides more room for Congress to make decisions. Answer: a. broadens the power of the executive. 44. Federal judges a. are elected. b. only serve for six years. c. are appointed by Congress. d. serve for life as long as they maintain good behavior. e. cannot be impeached. Answer: d. serve for life as long as they maintain good behavior. 45. The Federalist Papers were written under the pen name of a. Delgado. b. Rufus. c. Cypress. d. Publius. e. Hamilton Answer: d. Publius. 46. Article III gives Congress a. nothing. b. the power to abolish the Supreme Court. c. the power to establish inferior federal courts. d. the power of judicial review. e. the power to impeach the president. Answer: c. the power to establish inferior federal courts. 47. What do many scholars consider to be the most important work of political theory in U.S. history? a. Letters of Brutus b. Genuine Information c. Observations on the New Constitution d. the Federalist Papers e. the Declaration of Independence Answer: d. the Federalist Papers 48. Article IV contains which of the following provisions? a. Full Faith and Credit b. Powers Denied to the States c. Powers and Duties of the President d. Judicial Power, Courts, Judges e. Amending the Constitution Answer: a. Full Faith and Credit 49. The Federalist Papers were comprised of how many essays? a. 19 b. 116 c. 54 d. 85 e. 116 Answer: d. 85 50. Which of the following statements best describes the philosophy of the Federalists? a. They believed in a direct democracy. b. They were opposed to the electoral college. c. They were opposed to national supremacy. d. They strongly advocated states rights. e. They believed in a strong central government. Answer: e. They believed in a strong central government. 51. Which of the following statements best describes the philosophy of the Antifederalists? a. They were opposed to national supremacy. b. They supported strong state governments. c. They believed in direct democracy. d. They were opposed to the electoral college. e. They held a nationalist ideology. Answer: b. They supported strong state governments. 52. In Federalist no. 10, Madison’s cure for the “mischief of factions” was a. to deny aggressive individuals the right to vote. b. to confiscate private property. c. to increase the size of the political unit. d. to limit state powers. e. to allow states to resolve the issue. Answer: c. to increase the size of the political unit. 53. According to Federalist no. 10, what is the source of factions? a. the difference in philosophical attitudes between elites and masses b. the difference in property classifications c. political parties d. the lack of liberty e. unequal distribution of power between the national and state governments Answer: b. the difference in property classifications 54. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are referred to as a. the Bill of Rights. b. Special Topics. c. Relevant Opinions. d. constitutional dogmas. e. the Federalists Papers. Answer: a. the Bill of Rights. 55. Identify the only man to sign all three of this nation’s founding documents. a. James Tyler b. Roger Sherman c. Thomas Rhodes d. Alfred Gould e. George Washington Answer: b. Roger Sherman 56. The last state to ratify the new constitution was a. New York. b. Virginia. c. Connecticut. d. Florida. e. Rhode Island. Answer: e. Rhode Island. 57. The Ninth and Tenth Amendments could best be described as a. limitations on the power of the national government. b. rights guaranteed to the national government. c. rights guaranteed to the states and property owners, respectively. d. rights guaranteed to property owners and the states, respectively. e. rights guaranteed to the central government and states, respectively. Answer: a. limitations on the power of the national government. 58. The Bill of Rights was ratified in a. 1776. b. 1791. c. 1801. d. 1881. e. 1901 Answer: b. 1791. 59. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution requires a a. simple majority of Congress. b. plurality of Congress. c. supermajority of Congress. d. decree by the president. e. decree by the Supreme Court Answer: c. supermajority of Congress. 60. The Seventeenth Amendment, which relates to the direct election of senators, was ratified in a. 1941. b. 1913. c. 1847. d. 1801. e. 1776. Answer: b. 1913. 61. In 1911, what did thirty-one states call for a convention to consider? a. the direct election of the Senate b. the removal of the vice president c. a new Supreme Court justice d. a congressional investigation to investigate the president e. at the impeachment of a Supreme Court justice Answer: a. the direct election of the Senate 62. What was the name of the chief justice who ruled in the case of Marbury v. Madison? a. John Marshall b. John White c. Adam Smith d. Alfred Mayer e. William Rehnquist Answer: a. John Marshall 63. How many times has the Constitution been amended? a. twenty-seven times b. thirty-three times c. forty-two times d. fifty-one times e. sixty-four times Answer: a. twenty-seven times 64. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) was important because it a. gave the Court the power of judicial review. b. was so long. c. resolved the question of original intent. d. divided the Court for the first time. e. allowed the president to be impeached. Answer: a. gave the Court the power of judicial review. 65. Which of the following is the typical route for a constitutional amendment? a. proposal by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures b. proposal by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures in special convention c. proposal by Congress in a national convention called at the request of two-thirds of the states, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures d. proposal by Congress in a national convention called at the request of two-thirds of the states, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures in special convention e. proposal by Congress that is then put forward to the public through a referendum Answer: a. proposal by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures 66. What is guaranteed by the Second Amendment? a. the right to assemble peaceably b. absolute freedom of religion c. the right to a fair and speedy trial d. the right to keep and bear arms e. the right to sue a state in federal court Answer: d. the right to keep and bear arms 67. Which of the following constitutional amendments was nullified by another? a. the Tenth Amendment b. the Eighteenth Amendment c. the Twenty-first Amendment d. the Seventeenth Amendment e. the Twenty-first Amendment Answer: b. the Eighteenth Amendment 68. The most remarkable feature of the Constitution is a. its reluctance to change. b. its noncontroversial nature. c. its low cost of implementation. d. how it has adapted to the times. e. that is has served us for 400 years. Answer: d. how it has adapted to the times. 69. What feature of our government today cannot be found in the Constitution? a. A judicial review power. b. A bicameral legislature. c. A unitary executive. d. The power of Congress to create a lower federal judiciary. e. An amendment process. Answer: a. A judicial review power. 70. The ______ Amendment is the only amendment that was ratified in special state convention. a. Tenth b. Nineteenth c. Twentieth d. Twenty-first. e. Twenty-second Answer: d. Twenty-first. True or False 71. It is clear that the framers of the American Constitution were more influenced by Roman republicanism than Athenian democracy. Answer: True 72. Most of the New England colonies based their first governments on the idea of personal individualism. Answer: False 73. Social contract theory provides the philosophical foundation for the obligations individuals and states have toward each other. If the state violates the contract, the citizen is still morally obligated to obey its laws. Answer: False 74. In the book Second Treatise of Government, Locke argues for a government based upon popular sovereignty, with limited powers. Answer: True 75. The theories of John Locke stressed the concept of limited government. Answer: True 76. A confederation is a league of sovereign states. Answer: True 77. The Albany Plan was constructed by Benjamin Franklin. Answer: True 78. The Declaration of Independence was drafted at the First Continental Congress by John Jay and Patrick Henry. Answer: False 79. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues for a complete separation from England. Answer: True 80. On July 12, 1777, after six drafts, the Articles of Confederation were presented to the Continental Congress. Answer: True 81. Under the Articles, the states had very little authority. Answer: False 82. The major problem with the Articles of Confederation was the executive was too strong. Answer: False 83. Daniel Shays was a farmer in western Pennsylvania. Answer: True 84. The government created by the Articles of Confederation was weak and ineffective. Answer: True 85. Shays’s activities had no impact on the Constitution. Answer: False 86. Daniel Shay emerged as a leader at the Confederation Congress in 1787. Answer: False 87. The First Continental Congress declared independence and composed the Declaration of Independence in 1774. Answer: False 88. Proportional representation is a system in which the powers of government are divided among three branches. Answer: False 89. The problems governing under the Articles of Confederation made it clear that a stronger central government was needed. Answer: True 90. Few wealthy men were present at the Constitutional Convention. Answer: False 91. African Americans, Native Americans, and women were not present at the Constitutional Convention. Answer: True 92. Only two women were formally involved in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Answer: False 93. The “council of revision” was the forerunner of judicial review possessing an absolute veto over state laws. Answer: True 94. Roger Sherman’s “Great Compromise” in the Constitutional Convention allowed delegates from the convention to have individual votes. Answer: False 95. The American Revolution was fought on the twin principles of liberty and equality, but slavery became the practice of the land. Answer: True 96. The major difference between the Constitution and Articles of Confederation is that the government was now governed by the states rather than by the people. Answer: False 97. In Federalist no. 10, Madison states, “If men were angels, the church would be the fourth branch of government.” Answer: False 98. All three branches of government possess the power of judicial review. Answer: False 99. Judicial review is the power to confirm the nomination of federal justices. Answer: False 100. It is clearly stated in Article III of the Constitution that the Supreme Court shall have the sole power to interpret the Constitution. Answer: False 101. The idea that the president should be consulted before all policy making is an example of an inherent power of the president. Answer: False 102. The elastic clause can be found in Article II, Section 1. Answer: False 103. The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Answer: True 104. The Antifederalists were strongly in favor of ratifying the new constitution. Answer: False 105. Interest groups are not accounted for in the Constitution. Answer: True 106. The Virginia Plan was presented by Governor Randolph. Answer: True 107. As of yet, no constitutional amendment has ever been approved by constitutional convention. Answer: True Essay Questions 108. What led to rebellion in the colonies, rebellion that eventually led to revolution? Discuss the years leading up to the American Revolution. Answer: The American Revolution was sparked by several key factors: 1. Taxation without Representation: The British imposed taxes on the colonies without their consent or representation in Parliament. 2. Protests and Resistance: Colonists protested against these taxes, leading to acts of resistance and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty. 3. Boston Massacre (1770): A clash between British soldiers and colonists in Boston resulted in the deaths of five colonists, further inflaming tensions. 4. Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists protested the Tea Act by throwing British tea into Boston Harbor, leading to the Intolerable Acts. 5. Intolerable Acts (1774): These punitive measures by the British Parliament, including the closure of Boston Harbor, united the colonies against British rule. 6. First Continental Congress (1774): Representatives from the colonies met to organize a response to the Intolerable Acts, calling for a boycott of British goods. 7. Outbreak of Violence (1775): Armed conflict between British troops and colonial militia at Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. These events, combined with a growing sense of unity and desire for independence, led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the eventual victory of the American colonies over British forces. 109. Discuss the influence of John Locke upon the political philosophy of the framers. Answer: John Locke was a highly influential philosopher whose ideas had a profound impact on the political philosophy of the framers of the American Constitution. Locke’s ideas, particularly as expressed in his works such as the "Two Treatises of Government," played a crucial role in shaping the principles of liberty, democracy, and limited government that are foundational to the American political system. 1. Natural Rights: Locke argued that individuals are born with certain natural rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and property. These rights are not granted by government but are inherent to human beings. The framers incorporated this idea into the Declaration of Independence, asserting that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. 2. Social Contract: Locke’s concept of the social contract was central to his political philosophy. He posited that individuals enter into a social contract with government, agreeing to give up some of their natural rights in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. This idea influenced the framers' view of government as a means of securing the rights and liberties of the people. 3. Limited Government: Locke advocated for a government with limited powers, constrained by law and the consent of the governed. He believed that government should protect individual rights and promote the public good. This principle of limited government is reflected in the structure of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. 4. Right to Revolution: Locke argued that if government fails to protect the rights of its citizens or becomes tyrannical, the people have the right to overthrow it. This idea resonated with the framers, who had just fought a revolution against British tyranny. It is reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which asserts the right of the people to alter or abolish any government that becomes destructive of their rights. 5. Influence on the Constitution: While Locke’s influence on the Declaration of Independence is clear, his ideas also influenced the structure and principles of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution’s emphasis on individual rights, the separation of powers, and the system of checks and balances can be seen as a reflection of Locke’s political philosophy. In conclusion, John Locke’s ideas had a profound influence on the political philosophy of the framers of the American Constitution. His concepts of natural rights, the social contract, limited government, and the right to revolution helped shape the principles of liberty and democracy that are fundamental to the American system of government. 110. Discuss the role of the First Continental Congress and its influence on the creation of American government. Answer: The First Continental Congress, convened in Philadelphia in 1774, played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the American Revolution and the creation of the American government. Comprised of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies (excluding Georgia), the Congress was a response to the British Parliament’s passage of the Intolerable Acts, which were punitive measures imposed on Massachusetts in the wake of the Boston Tea Party. 1. Unity and Resistance: One of the key outcomes of the First Continental Congress was the demonstration of colonial unity in the face of British oppression. Delegates from different colonies came together to discuss common grievances and to coordinate resistance efforts against British policies. 2. Declaration of Rights: The Congress issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, which asserted the colonies' rights as British subjects and condemned the Intolerable Acts as unconstitutional. This document laid the foundation for later assertions of American rights and freedoms. 3. Boycott: The Congress called for a boycott of British goods, seeking to exert economic pressure on the British government to repeal the Intolerable Acts. This boycott was a form of nonviolent resistance that aimed to influence British policy. 4. Continental Association: The Congress established the Continental Association, which was a system of committees tasked with enforcing the boycott and coordinating resistance efforts. This marked a significant step toward colonial self-governance and cooperation. 5. Preparation for War: While the Congress sought peaceful resolution, it also took steps to prepare for potential military conflict with Britain. It called for the training and arming of colonial militias and the establishment of local committees of safety to maintain order. 6. Influence on American Government: The First Continental Congress laid the groundwork for the creation of the American government by demonstrating the ability of the colonies to unite and govern themselves. It set a precedent for future congresses and conventions, including the Second Continental Congress, which ultimately declared independence and drafted the Articles of Confederation and later the Constitution. Overall, the First Continental Congress was a crucial step in the development of American self-governance and independence. It demonstrated the unity and resolve of the colonies in the face of British oppression and set the stage for the creation of a new American government based on principles of liberty, democracy, and self-determination. 111. What were the major arguments Jefferson made in the Declaration of Independence concerning why the colonists felt the need to break with England? Answer: In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson outlined several key arguments for why the American colonies felt the need to break away from British rule: 1. Natural Rights: Jefferson argued that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He asserted that governments are instituted to secure these rights, and that when a government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. 2. Tyranny: Jefferson accused King George III and the British government of establishing a pattern of tyranny over the colonies, citing grievances such as the imposition of taxes without consent, the obstruction of justice, the quartering of troops in colonial homes, and the denial of the right to trial by jury. 3. Abuses of Power: The Declaration detailed numerous abuses of power by the British government, including the dissolution of colonial legislatures, the imposition of martial law, the restriction of trade, and the incitement of domestic insurrections. 4. Rejection of Redress: Jefferson argued that the colonists had repeatedly sought redress for these grievances through peaceful means, but their appeals had been ignored or rejected by the British government. 5. Conclusion: Based on these arguments, Jefferson concluded that the colonies had no choice but to declare their independence from Britain and to assume the powers of a sovereign nation. He asserted that this action was justified by the principles of natural law and the right of self-determination. Overall, Jefferson’s arguments in the Declaration of Independence were grounded in the principles of natural rights, self-government, and resistance to tyranny. They laid the foundation for the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. 112. Discuss the difficulties the central government faced under the Articles of Confederation. How did the new constitution correct these problems? Answer: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government faced several significant difficulties that hindered its ability to govern effectively: 1. Lack of Central Authority: The central government had limited authority and could not enforce laws or regulate commerce between states. This led to issues such as trade disputes and difficulty in raising revenue. 2. Financial Problems: The Articles of Confederation did not give the central government the power to levy taxes, leading to chronic financial problems. The government relied on contributions from states, which were often insufficient. 3. Weak Executive and Judicial Branches: The Articles created a weak executive branch and did not establish a national judiciary. This limited the government’s ability to enforce laws and settle disputes. 4. Inability to Regulate Commerce: The central government could not regulate trade between states or with foreign nations. This led to economic problems and disputes between states over tariffs and trade policies. 5. Difficulty in Amending the Articles: Amending the Articles required unanimous consent of all 13 states, making it virtually impossible to enact meaningful changes. The new Constitution, ratified in 1788, addressed these problems by creating a stronger central government with the following key changes: 1. Stronger Central Authority: The Constitution established a stronger central government with the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and enforce laws. This gave the government the authority needed to govern effectively. 2. Separation of Powers: The Constitution created a system of checks and balances with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This ensured that no one branch of government could become too powerful. 3. Federalism: The Constitution established a system of federalism, dividing powers between the central government and the states. This allowed for a balance of power and ensured that the states retained some autonomy. 4. Easier Amendment Process: The Constitution created a more flexible amendment process, requiring the approval of two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of the states. This made it easier to amend the Constitution when necessary. Overall, the Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger central government with the authority and flexibility needed to govern effectively. 113. Discuss Shays’s Rebellion. What were the concerns of Daniel Shays and the men he led? What was the outcome of their rebellion? Answer: Shays' Rebellion was a revolt in western Massachusetts from 1786 to 1787 led by Daniel Shays, a former Revolutionary War captain. The rebellion was driven by various economic and political grievances felt by Shays and many other farmers and debtors in the region: 1. Economic Hardship: Farmers in western Massachusetts were facing economic hardship due to high taxes, scarce money, and heavy debt burdens. Many were at risk of losing their farms through foreclosure. 2. Lack of Representation: The farmers felt that their concerns were not being heard by the state government, which was dominated by eastern elites who were more interested in protecting their own interests. 3. Perceived Government Injustice: The farmers were angered by what they saw as unjust and oppressive actions by the state government, such as the seizure of property for non-payment of taxes. Shays and his followers sought to address these grievances through their rebellion, which involved protests, marches, and attempts to shut down courts to prevent foreclosures. The rebellion reached its peak in January 1787 when Shays' forces attempted to seize the federal armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by state militia and private funds raised by wealthy elites. The failure of the rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government capable of maintaining order and protecting against domestic unrest. The outcome of Shays' Rebellion had several important consequences: 1. Calls for a Stronger Federal Government: The rebellion demonstrated the need for a stronger federal government capable of maintaining order and protecting property rights. This helped pave the way for the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. 2. Debt Relief: In response to the rebellion, Massachusetts and other states enacted debt relief measures to ease the economic burden on farmers and prevent future uprisings. 3. Impact on the Constitution: The rebellion influenced the drafting of the Constitution, with the framers seeking to create a government that could prevent such uprisings while also protecting individual liberties. Overall, Shays' Rebellion was a significant event in American history that highlighted the challenges facing the young nation and helped shape the development of the U.S. Constitution. 114. What were the major points of difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan? Answer: In short, the major points of difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were: 1. Representation: • Virginia Plan: Representation based on population. • New Jersey Plan: Equal representation for each state. 2. Legislative Power: • Virginia Plan: Strong national government with power to veto state laws. • New Jersey Plan: Minor changes to the Articles of Confederation, with Congress having limited powers. 3. Executive Branch: • Virginia Plan: Single executive elected by the legislature. • New Jersey Plan: Plural executive elected by Congress. 4. Judicial Branch: • Virginia Plan: National judiciary appointed by the legislature. • New Jersey Plan: Limited changes to the judiciary. 5. Overall Approach: • Virginia Plan: Favored by larger states, sought stronger central government. • New Jersey Plan: Favored by smaller states, aimed to maintain state equality and independence. These differences were resolved through the Great Compromise, which created a bicameral legislature with a mix of both plans' principles. 115. Discuss the Great Compromise and the result of it. Answer: The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal moment during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that resolved the issue of representation in the United States Congress. The compromise was proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut and was a combination of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The main points of the Great Compromise were: 1. Bicameral Legislature: The compromise created a bicameral legislature, meaning there would be two houses in Congress. 2. House of Representatives: Representation in the House of Representatives would be based on population, as proposed in the Virginia Plan. Larger states would have more representatives than smaller states. 3. Senate: Each state would have equal representation in the Senate, as proposed in the New Jersey Plan. This meant that regardless of a state’s size or population, each state would have two senators. 4. Origination of Revenue Bills: All bills regarding taxation and government spending would originate in the House of Representatives, reflecting the concern of smaller states that taxation should be proportional to population. 5. Representation in Congress: This compromise ensured that both the larger and smaller states had their interests represented in the federal government. It balanced the competing interests of state sovereignty and national unity. The result of the Great Compromise was the establishment of a Congress with two chambers: the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population. This compromise was crucial in securing the agreement of both small and large states to the United States Constitution, as it addressed their concerns about representation and power within the federal government. 116. What was the purpose of the three-fifths compromise? Answer: The Three-Fifths Compromise was included in the United States Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Its purpose was to determine how enslaved persons would be counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxing purposes. The compromise stated that for the purposes of representation and taxation, enslaved persons would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise had significant implications for the balance of power between the northern and southern states. Southern states wanted to count enslaved persons in full to increase their representation in the House of Representatives, which would also affect their influence in the Electoral College. Northern states, on the other hand, argued that since enslaved persons were treated as property and did not have the rights of citizens, they should not be counted for representation purposes. The compromise was a contentious issue, reflecting the broader tensions over slavery in the United States. It was eventually included in the Constitution as a way to appease both sides and secure the ratification of the Constitution by all states. 117. Define and discuss the electoral college. Answer: The Electoral College is the system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President. It is a complex process that was established by the founding fathers in the Constitution. Here’s how the Electoral College works: 1. Selection of Electors: Each state is allocated a certain number of electors, equal to the total number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. Electors are typically chosen by the political parties in each state, and they are often party loyalists or political activists. 2. Electoral Votes: There are a total of 538 electoral votes, corresponding to the 435 members of the House of Representatives, 100 Senators, and 3 additional electors from the District of Columbia. A candidate needs to win at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. 3. Winner-Takes-All: Except for Maine and Nebraska, which allocate their electoral votes based on the winner of each congressional district, most states have a winner-takes-all system. This means that the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of that state’s electoral votes. 4. Meeting of Electors: The electors meet in their respective states on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to cast their votes for President and Vice President. These votes are then sealed and sent to Congress. 5. Counting of Electoral Votes: The President of the Senate (the Vice President) presides over a joint session of Congress on January 6th of the year following the election to count the electoral votes and declare the winners. 6. Contingent Election: If no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes (270), the election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state delegation having one vote for President. The Senate selects the Vice President if no Vice Presidential candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes. The Electoral College has been a subject of debate and criticism over the years. Critics argue that it is undemocratic because it can result in the winner of the popular vote losing the election, as seen in the elections of 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016. Proponents of the Electoral College argue that it protects the interests of smaller states and prevents large, populous states from dominating the election process. Overall, the Electoral College is a unique and complex system that plays a crucial role in the election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 118. How is democracy safeguarded both at the national and state levels? Answer: Democracy is safeguarded at both the national and state levels through a combination of constitutional principles, institutional structures, legal frameworks, and civic engagement. Here are some key ways in which democracy is safeguarded: 1. Constitutional Principles: Democracies often have a constitution that establishes the framework for government and guarantees certain fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. These principles provide a foundation for democratic governance and limit the power of government. 2. Separation of Powers: Democracies typically have a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This separation ensures that no single branch has unchecked power and that each branch acts as a check on the others. 3. Rule of Law: Democracies are governed by the rule of law, which means that laws are applied equally to all citizens and that government actions are constrained by legal principles. This helps prevent arbitrary exercise of power and protects individual rights. 4. Free and Fair Elections: Democracy relies on free and fair elections to ensure that government officials are chosen by the people. Electoral processes should be transparent, inclusive, and accessible to all eligible citizens. 5. Political Pluralism: Democracies allow for political pluralism, meaning that there are multiple political parties and competing ideas and interests. This ensures that different viewpoints are represented in the political process. 6. Independent Judiciary: A strong, independent judiciary is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights. Judges should be impartial and free from political influence. 7. Civil Society and Media Freedom: A vibrant civil society and a free press are essential for holding government accountable and ensuring transparency. Civil society organizations, such as advocacy groups and watchdogs, play a crucial role in promoting democracy. 8. Devolution of Power: In federal systems, power is often devolved to state and local governments, providing citizens with multiple levels of government to engage with and ensuring that decisions are made as close to the people as possible. 9. Checks and Balances: Democracies use a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This can include mechanisms such as legislative oversight of the executive and judicial review of legislation. 10. Public Participation: Democracy thrives on public participation, including voting, activism, and engagement with government institutions. Citizens have a responsibility to stay informed and participate in the democratic process. These safeguards work together to uphold democratic principles and protect against abuses of power. While no system is perfect, these mechanisms help ensure that democracy remains strong and resilient. 119. Discuss the significance of The Federalist Papers. Answer: The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay between 1787 and 1788. Originally published under the pseudonym “Publius,” the essays were written to encourage ratification of the United States Constitution, which was being debated by the states at the time. The significance of The Federalist Papers lies in several key areas: 1. Explanation of the Constitution: The Federalist Papers provide an in-depth explanation of the principles and ideas behind the Constitution. The authors sought to clarify the intent of the Constitution’s provisions and address concerns that had been raised about its content. 2. Defense of Federalism: The essays defend the concept of federalism, which was a key feature of the Constitution. Federalism divides power between a central government and state governments, and The Federalist Papers argue that this division of power is essential for preserving liberty and preventing tyranny. 3. Advocacy for Ratification: The primary goal of The Federalist Papers was to persuade the states to ratify the Constitution. The essays make a compelling case for the benefits of a strong, centralized government while addressing the fears of those who worried about the potential for abuse of power. 4. Insight into Framers' Intentions: The Federalist Papers provide valuable insight into the intentions of the framers of the Constitution. The essays reveal the framers' concerns about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and their vision for a stronger, more effective government. 5. Constitutional Interpretation: The Federalist Papers are often cited in discussions of constitutional interpretation. While they are not legally binding, they provide valuable context for understanding the meaning of the Constitution’s provisions. 6. Historical Context: The Federalist Papers provide a window into the political and intellectual climate of the late 18th century. They reflect the debates and controversies of the time and shed light on the challenges faced by the new nation. Overall, The Federalist Papers are a foundational text in American political thought and a key resource for understanding the principles of the United States Constitution. They continue to be studied and referenced by scholars, jurists, and politicians as a source of insight into the intentions of the framers and the meaning of the Constitution. 120. Describe the amendment process. How is it possible to change the meaning of the Constitution without a formal amendment? Answer: Amendment Process: 1. Proposal: • Requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or • Can be proposed by a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of state legislatures. 2. Ratification: • Requires ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, or • Can be ratified by conventions in three-fourths of states. Changing the Meaning Without Formal Amendment: 1. Judicial Interpretation: • The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution through its decisions in cases, influencing its meaning over time. 2. Legislative Action: • Congress can affect the meaning of the Constitution through laws that clarify or expand upon its provisions. 3. Custom and Practice: • Over time, certain practices or traditions may develop that are accepted as constitutional norms, influencing interpretation. Test Bank for Approaching Democracy Larry A Berman, Bruce Allen Murphy 9780205903825
Download
Close
Close
