The purpose of most of the amendments to the United States Constitution is to
guarantee individual civil and political rights
The Virginia House of Burgesses and the Mayflower Compact had a similar effect in that both
contributed to the development of representative democracy.
The United States Constitution has survived for more than 200 years primarily because
the language of the Constitution allows for a variety of interpretations
In the eighteenth century, the British colonies in North America were most similar to Great Britain in their
common law legal system
In the United States, informing suspects of their legal rights during an arrest procedure is required as a result of
decisions of the United States Supreme Court
The elastic clause was included in the United States Constitution to
allow Congress to make laws to reflect changing conditions.
Which is generally considered to be the major shortcoming of the electoral college system for selecting a President of the United States?
A candidate can win the popular vote but lose the Presidency.
A major problem of the government under the Articles of Confederation was that the
Congress depended on the states for men and money to support an army.
In the United States, the most significant way that political party primaries have helped to increase public interest in the political process is by enabling voters to
help select party candidates
The constitutional guarantee of the writ of habeas corpus makes it unlawful for a citizen of the United States to be
jailed for an extended period without a hearing before a judge.
According to the original United States Constitution, before the addition of amendments, which Federal official was to be directly elected by the voters?
a member of the House of Representatives
The purpose of adding the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution was to
protect the people from abuse by the Federal Government
Cases that reach the United States Supreme Court from lower courts are generally cases that concern
constitutional law
Which fact best illustrate separation of church and state in the United States?
Organized prayer in public schools is prohibited
Which provision of the United States Constitution would a group most likely use as the basis for bringing legal action to end discriminatory practices?
equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment
The ideals of the Athenian State, Roman law, and the Mayflower Compact contributed most significantly to the growth of the principles of
government under law and the consent of the governed.
According to the United States Constitution, a nationwide census is conducted every ten years in order to
determine the number of Representatives each state will have in Congress.
Which action is most consistent with the practices of seventeenth century mercantilism?
difference in the function of the public and private sectors of the economy
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which issue was resolved by the Great Compromise?
representation of large and small states in Congress
The quotation: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution... are reserved to the states..." describes the principle of
federalism
The most serious weakness of the Articles of Confederation was brought about by the authors'
fear of concentration of power in national government.
The primary purpose of the United States Declaration of Independence is to
explain and justify why the American colonists revolted against their mother country.
The United States Constitution is best described as a
statement of rules and procedures for government.
Which feature of the Presidency is a result of a constitutional amendment?
two term limit in office
Anti-Federalists criticized the United States Constitution primarily because governing power was concentrated in the
national government.
The right of the people to overthrow a tyrannical government is a main theme of which document?
Declaration of Independence
In the United States, only the Federal Government has the power to
make treaties
Which characteristic is most essential to a democratic society?
a respect for individual rights
Which action would be unconstitutional?
a state levying a tax on products from another state
A major intention of the framers of the Articles of Confederation was to
limit the central government's opportunities to infringe upon the people's liberties.
Division of power between a national government and state governments.
federalism
. Which quotation from the United States Constitution best illustrates the balance between order and liberty?
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.
One reason for the importance of the Federalist Papers in United States history is that these writings
helped persuade some states to ratify the United States Constitution
Which issue discussed at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 continues to be a major concern in the United States?
balance of power between state and national governments
Which is an important reason that the American colonists rebelled against England in the 1770s?
The colonists desired the right to control the basic aspects of their economy.