Question 1

Members of the Tea Party tend to believe that the federal government has overreached its constitutional authority.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 2

Which of the following is the main argument behind the Tea Party movement?

Accepted Answer

A)   The Federal Reserve should have expanded powers to regulate the economy.
B)   The expansion of the federal government has grown beyond what the founding fathers intended.
C)   Presidents have been granted too much power by the Constitution.
D)   The Supreme Court should be more proactive in striking down unconstitutional legislation.
E)   Taxes should only be used to help the neediest in society.F) C) and E)
G) A) and B)

Question 3

Which of the following concepts reflects the need to balance the principle of self-government against the rights of specific groups?

Accepted Answer

A)   providing for both civil liberties and civil rights
B)   protecting small states from powerful large states
C)   creating a legislative government while allowing for executive leadership
D)   providing for majority rule while protecting minority rights
E)   providing for minority rule while protecting majority rightsF) D) and E)
G) C) and D)

Question 4

What does the "tyranny of the majority" mean? Why did James Madison consider it a potential problem? How does that fit with a republic based on majority rule? What did the framers of the Constitution ultimately do to prevent majority tyranny and do you believe it has been effective?

Accepted Answer

The "tyranny of the majority" refers to ...

Question 5

What are the three branches of the federal government?

Accepted Answer

A)   executive, judicial, and legislative
B)   electoral, judicial, and legislative
C)   electoral, federal, and legislative
D)   executive, federal, and judicial
E)   electoral, executive, and judicialF) None of the above
G) A) and B) A

Question 6

What does the "size principle" refer to?

Accepted Answer

A)   the underlying logic of representing all states equally in the Senate but not in the House
B)   a natural limit on majority tyranny where a large, diverse public would be more divided than unified
C)   the unified interests of a small group of self-interested citizens
D)   the unified interests of a large group of self-interested citizens
E)   achieving the largest majority possible in an election outcomeF) C) and E)
G) B) and E)

Question 7

The Antifederalists argued that the power of ________ was "a political error of the greatest magnitude."

Accepted Answer

A)   the purse
B)   the sword
C)   the veto
D)   the pardon
E)   declaring warF) B) and D)
G) A) and D)

Question 8

Explain the different ways that the Constitution can be amended. What are the implications of these rules for the number of changes we make to our governing system, as well as the types of changes that are made? Do you believe it is too easy to amend the Constitution? Too hard? Support your answer with specific examples of amendments that have and have not been made to the Constitution.

Accepted Answer

The Constitution can be amended in two d...

Question 9

Which of the following was NOT a source of significant conflict at the Constitutional Convention?

Accepted Answer

A)   whether to throw out or amend the Declaration of Independence
B)   how much power to give to the legislative branch
C)   how to represent small and large states in the new government
D)   what to do about slavery
E)   how much power to give to the executive branchF) B) and E)
G) C) and D)

Question 10

Which of the following is a check that the president holds over the judicial branch?

Accepted Answer

A)   the ability to nominate judges for the federal courts
B)   the ability to veto decisions made by the Supreme Court
C)   the ability to interpret the constitutionality of new laws
D)   the ability to remove federal judges from office
E)   the ability to alter the jurisdiction of the federal courtsF) B) and E)
G) B) and C)

Question 11

Which of the following is a power the president can use to check the legislative branch?

Accepted Answer

A)   judicial review
B)   impeachment
C)   power of the purse
D)   veto
E)   power of the swordF) None of the above
G) D) and E)

Question 12

A form of government in which the leader is chosen by the legislature is called:

Accepted Answer

A)   a separation of powers system.
B)   a presidential system.
C)   a legislative system.
D)   a parliamentary system.
E)   a democratic system.F) All of the above
G) A) and B)

Question 13

Looking at the Constitution at the time of its ratification, what would you say were its strengths? What were its weaknesses? What were the consequences of those strengths and weaknesses for future generations of Americans? Would you say that today's Constitution still reflects these strengths and weaknesses?

Accepted Answer

At the time of its ratification, the Constitution had several strengths. One of its main strengths was its establishment of a system of checks and balances, dividing the government into three separate branches - the legislative, executive, and judicial - to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This helped to ensure a balance of power and protect against tyranny.

Another strength was the flexibility of the Constitution, as it included a process for amendment to adapt to changing times and circumstances. Additionally, the Constitution outlined the protection of individual rights and liberties through the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly.

However, the Constitution also had some weaknesses. One major weakness was the compromise over the issue of slavery, which was a deeply divisive issue and ultimately led to the Civil War. The original Constitution also did not provide equal rights and representation for all individuals, as it initially only granted suffrage to white male property owners.

The consequences of these strengths and weaknesses have had a lasting impact on future generations of Americans. The system of checks and balances has helped to maintain a stable government and prevent the abuse of power, while the protection of individual rights has been a cornerstone of American democracy. However, the compromise over slavery and the lack of equal rights for all individuals have led to ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice.

In terms of whether today's Constitution still reflects these strengths and weaknesses, it is a mixed picture. The system of checks and balances and the protection of individual rights are still fundamental aspects of the Constitution that continue to shape American governance. However, issues such as ongoing debates over voting rights, racial equality, and the balance of power between the branches of government demonstrate that the weaknesses of the original Constitution still have relevance today. Efforts to address these issues through amendments and legal precedents continue to shape the evolving nature of the Constitution.

Question 14

The authors of the Federalist Papers included:

Accepted Answer

A)   James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and John Jay.
B)   John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton.
C)   Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Thomas Jefferson.
D)   Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson.
E)   James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.F) None of the above
G) A) and E) E

Question 15

Which of the following events exposed discontent with the new government and led to the Annapolis Convention?

Accepted Answer

A)   Shays's Rebellion
B)   the publication of Common Sense
C)   the Revolutionary War
D)   the Declaration of Independence
E)   Washington's election as presidentF) B) and E)
G) B) and D)

Question 16

Which of the following was NOT a principal concern the Antifederalists had about the Constitution prior to ratification?

Accepted Answer

A)   the transfer of state powers to the national government
B)   the lack of civil liberty guarantees
C)   the role of the president
D)   the bicameral legislature
E)   the national government would become tyrannicalF) A) and B)
G) A) and C)

Question 17

The balanced perspective of the Constitution reflects all BUT:

Accepted Answer

A)   the political ideas of the framers.
B)   the ideas of both Federalists and Antifederalists.
C)   northern and southern economic interests.
D)   the economic interests of the framers.
E)   the political ideas and economic interests of average citizens.F) A) and D)
G) C) and D)

Question 18

How did the framers design the Constitution to protect minority rights?

Accepted Answer

A)   separation of powers and checks and balances
B)   allowing majority tyranny to occur to protect the rights of the many
C)   through the creation of political parties
D)   through the creation of interest groups
E)   through a system of direct democracyF) All of the above
G) A) and E)

Question 19

Which branch of government has the longest and most specific list of powers?

Accepted Answer

A)   legislative
B)   executive
C)   judicial
D)   All of the branches have comparable lists of powers.
E)   militaryF) A) and B)
G) A) and C)

Question 20

Which of the following was implemented in order to protect minorities from majority tyranny?

Accepted Answer

A)   a stronger presidency than under the Articles of Confederation
B)   separation of powers between three branches of government
C)   a representative democracy
D)   a parliamentary system of governance
E)   a direct democracyF) A) and C)
G) A) and E)

Exam 2: The Constitution and the Founding

Members of the Tea Party tend to believe that the federal government has overreached its constitutional authority.

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following is the main argument behind the Tea Party movement?

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following concepts reflects the need to balance the principle of self-government against the rights of specific groups?

Correct Answer
verified

What does the "tyranny of the majority" mean? Why did James Madison consider it a potential problem? How does that fit with a republic based on majority rule? What did the framers of the Constitution ultimately do to prevent majority tyranny and do you believe it has been effective?

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The "tyranny of the majority" refers to ...
View Answer

What are the three branches of the federal government?

Correct Answer
verified
A

What does the "size principle" refer to?

Correct Answer
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The Antifederalists argued that the power of ________ was "a political error of the greatest magnitude."

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The Constitution can be amended in two d...
View Answer

Which of the following was NOT a source of significant conflict at the Constitutional Convention?

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following is a check that the president holds over the judicial branch?

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following is a power the president can use to check the legislative branch?

Correct Answer
verified

A form of government in which the leader is chosen by the legislature is called:

Correct Answer
verified

The authors of the Federalist Papers included:

Correct Answer
verified
E

Which of the following events exposed discontent with the new government and led to the Annapolis Convention?

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following was NOT a principal concern the Antifederalists had about the Constitution prior to ratification?

Correct Answer
verified

The balanced perspective of the Constitution reflects all BUT:

Correct Answer
verified

How did the framers design the Constitution to protect minority rights?

Correct Answer
verified

Which branch of government has the longest and most specific list of powers?

Correct Answer
verified

Which of the following was implemented in order to protect minorities from majority tyranny?

Correct Answer
verified

Exam 2: The Constitution and the Founding

Members of the Tea Party tend to believe that the federal government has overreached its constitutional authority.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following is the main argument behind the Tea Party movement?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following concepts reflects the need to balance the principle of self-government against the rights of specific groups?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

What does the "tyranny of the majority" mean? Why did James Madison consider it a potential problem? How does that fit with a republic based on majority rule? What did the framers of the Constitution ultimately do to prevent majority tyranny and do you believe it has been effective?

Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe "tyranny of the majority" refers to ...View AnswerShow Answer

What are the three branches of the federal government?

Correct AnswerverifiedA

What does the "size principle" refer to?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The Antifederalists argued that the power of ________ was "a political error of the greatest magnitude."

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe Constitution can be amended in two d...View AnswerShow Answer

Which of the following was NOT a source of significant conflict at the Constitutional Convention?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following is a check that the president holds over the judicial branch?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following is a power the president can use to check the legislative branch?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

A form of government in which the leader is chosen by the legislature is called:

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The authors of the Federalist Papers included:

Correct AnswerverifiedE

Which of the following events exposed discontent with the new government and led to the Annapolis Convention?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following was NOT a principal concern the Antifederalists had about the Constitution prior to ratification?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The balanced perspective of the Constitution reflects all BUT:

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

How did the framers design the Constitution to protect minority rights?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which branch of government has the longest and most specific list of powers?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following was implemented in order to protect minorities from majority tyranny?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The "tyranny of the majority" refers to ...
View Answer

Correct Answer
verified
A

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The Constitution can be amended in two d...
View Answer

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
verified
E

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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