1. Which of the following was not discussed as a purpose of government in the Constitution's preamble?
to guarantee an equal distribution of wealth for all citizens
The Stamp Act was a
tax on commerce.
Why was the Declaration of Independence a remarkable political statement for its time?
It helped unify colonial groups that were divided along economic, regional, and philosophical
Why was the Declaration of Independence a remarkable philosophical statement for its time?
It asserted that there were "unalienable rights" that could not be abridged by governments
A ______ is a system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for powers expressly delegated to a national government
confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, it was left to the ______ to execute the laws passed by Congress.
states
Which of the following statements best describes the motivations of the Founders in writing the Constitution?
The Founders' primary goal was to devise a system consistent with the dominant philosophical and moral principles of the day while also promoting commerce and protecting private property from radical state legislatures
The Three-fifths Compromise
determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation
Bicameralism is a constitutional principle that means the
division of Congress the legislative branch into two chambers.
The ability of the president to veto a bill passed by Congress is a good example of what principle of limited government?
checks and balances
The framers of the Constitution intended to create a presidency capable of
withstanding excessive popular pressure by making it subject to indirect election through the electoral college
Which of the following was a way the framers tried to make the Senate a check against excessive democracy?
Senators are the only officials immune from impeachment
Which of the following powers are not explicitly given to Congress by the Constitution?
to abolish state boundaries
Judicial review is the power of
he courts to decide on the constitutionality of actions taken by the other branches of government.
Which constitutional principle of the United States has been most frequently imitated by other nations?
written constitutions
The Federalists believed that the powers of government could be limited by
creating an internal system of checks and controls within government.
The supremacy clause
announces that the Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws.
The essential dilemma of a limited government raised by the ratification debates is
The essential dilemma of a limited government raised by the ratification debates is
To amend the Constitution requires a ______ vote by Congress, and approval by a majority of votes in ______ of the state legislatures.
two-thirds; three-fourths
The idea of a "living constitution" means
the judiciary can shape the interpretation of the Constitution in line with contemporary problems and values.