US Constitution: Key Questions and Answers
Key Questions on the US Constitution
This document provides answers to key questions about the US Constitution.
1. Why did the state constitution limit the power of the governors?
A: Because people did not want to repeat the problems that had caused the revolution.
2. What were the 2 powers that were denied to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?
A: Tax & regulate trade.
3. Briefly describe the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
A: It provided a system for a territory to become a state.
4. Which Branch of government carries out the laws?
A: Executive
5. Which branch of government consists of a system of courts?
A: Judicial.
6. Who was largely responsible for writing the preamble, or introduction to the constitution?
A: Governor Morris.
7. Who took detailed notes about the debates at the convention?
A: James Madison
8. Why were people against the approval of the constitution?
A: It did not include protection of individual rights.
9. Name 1 obstacle to approving the articles.
A: Some states did not want to give up their claims to the land west of the Appalachian Mountains.
10. How did the Bill of Rights become part of the constitution?
A: It was added through the amendment process.
11. What is not a protection under the Bill of Rights?
A: Freedom of the military
12. What is one reason many people called for changes to the Articles of Confederation?
A: They believed that a weak central government was ineffective.
13. What did most State Constitutions have that the original United States Constitution did not have?
A: Bill of Rights
14. What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 address?
A: None
15. What process did the constitution set forth states to ratify?
A: Each state held a convention to approve the constitution.
16. Name 4 freedoms or rights that are protected in the Bill of Rights.
A: 1: Freedom of religion, 2: Speech, 3: The press, 4: Protect citizens who are accused of crimes and are brought to trial.
17. Why was the Bill of Rights added to the constitution?
A: To protect people against abuse by the federal government.
18. What does the opening phrase of the constitution “We the People” mean?
A: It means that the constitution gets its powers from the citizens.
19. Name the 2 authors of the Federalist Papers.
A: 1: Alexander Hamilton 2: John Jay.
20. Who came up with a plan that offered a House of Representatives on a sensitive issue?
A: Roger Sherman
21. Which amendment guarantees rights such as freedom of religion, speech & freedom of the press?
A: First Amendment
22. What values did the Land Ordinance of 1785 & the Northwest Ordinance express?
A: A belief in education and the importance of settlement and expression.
23. How many delegates attended the constitutional convention?
A: 55
24. What was the most serious problem caused by westward expansion?
A: The extension of Slavery
25. Name 3 Arguments the Anti-Federalists had against the constitution.
A: 1: The convention exceeded its powers, 2: It did not protect basic freedoms, 3: It reduced the political power of the public.