US Constitution Historical Context 2

Question 1

What major weakness of the Articles of Confederation most directly led to the call for a Constitutional Convention?

Accepted Answer

Congress could not levy taxes directly

Answer

States had no representation in Congress

Answer

The president had too much power

Answer

Courts could override state laws

Question 2

Which 1786 uprising of indebted Massachusetts farmers alarmed national leaders and accelerated the push for a stronger central government?

Accepted Answer

Shays' Rebellion

Answer

Bacon's Rebellion

Answer

Whiskey Rebellion

Answer

Fries's Rebellion

Question 3

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was originally called to accomplish what limited purpose?

Accepted Answer

Revise and amend the Articles of Confederation

Answer

Draft an entirely new constitution

Answer

Elect a new national executive

Answer

Resolve border disputes between states

Question 4

Which British legal document from 1215, limiting royal power, is considered an important forerunner of American constitutional principles?

Accepted Answer

Magna Carta

Answer

Petition of Right

Answer

English Bill of Rights

Answer

Act of Settlement

Question 5

James Madison's pre-convention study of ancient and modern republics most directly contributed to which document?

Accepted Answer

The Virginia Plan

Answer

The Declaration of Independence

Answer

The Articles of Confederation

Answer

The Northwest Ordinance

Question 6

Which state refused to send delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, fearing a stronger central government would threaten states' rights?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island

Answer

New York

Answer

Virginia

Answer

Georgia

Question 7

The Enlightenment philosopher whose concept of separation of powers most influenced the Constitution's framers was:

Accepted Answer

Montesquieu

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer

Voltaire