#1
Who was the first President of the United States under the Constitution?
George Washington
ExplanationElected unanimously, he set many precedents for the office of the President.
#2
What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual liberties from government infringement
ExplanationAdded to the Constitution to address concerns about individual rights and limit government power.
#3
Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery in the United States?
Thirteenth Amendment
ExplanationEnded slavery, marking a significant shift in American social and legal landscape.
#4
Which of the following best describes the concept of federalism?
The division of powers between the federal government and the state governments
ExplanationBalances power between national and state governments, integral to the U.S. political system.
#5
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
ExplanationDrafted the Declaration, outlining grievances against British rule and asserting American independence.
#6
Who was the first Vice President of the United States?
John Adams
ExplanationServed under George Washington, later becoming the second President of the United States.
#7
Which document established the first government of the United States?
Articles of Confederation
ExplanationEstablished the first federal government but proved ineffective due to weak central authority.
#8
Which event highlighted the need for a stronger federal government and led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
Shays' Rebellion
ExplanationAn armed uprising in Massachusetts against economic injustices, revealing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
#9
Which of the following best describes the Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention?
It established a bicameral legislature with equal representation for each state in one house and representation based on population in the other.
ExplanationResolved disputes over representation between large and small states, creating the House and Senate.
#10
Which of the following was a significant concern raised by Anti-Federalists during the ratification debates?
The lack of a bill of rights in the Constitution
ExplanationAnti-Federalists feared the potential abuse of power by the federal government without explicit protection of individual rights.
#11
What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To create a new form of government to replace the Articles of Confederation
ExplanationCalled to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
#12
Which of the following is a power specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution?
Declaring war
ExplanationOne of Congress's enumerated powers, providing a key check on executive authority.
#13
Who wrote the majority of the Federalist Papers, arguing for the ratification of the Constitution?
Alexander Hamilton
ExplanationHamilton, along with Madison and Jay, authored the Federalist Papers advocating for a strong central government.
#14
Which of the following was NOT a challenge faced by the early United States government under the Articles of Confederation?
Excessive power given to the president
ExplanationThe Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, with no executive branch.
#15
Who was the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court?
John Jay
ExplanationAppointed by George Washington, he played a key role in shaping early American jurisprudence.
#16
Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
ExplanationEstablished the power of the courts to review the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
#17
What was the main concern of the Federalists in regards to the Articles of Confederation?
The limited power of the federal government
ExplanationFederalists believed in a stronger central government to maintain order and unity.
#18
What was the significance of the case Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
It established the principle of judicial review.
ExplanationEstablished the authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and strike down unconstitutional laws.