FCLEPractice

Topic 12 · Competency 3: Founding Documents

Early American Governments: Practice Questions

93 practice questions on the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, the Articles of Confederation, and the Northwest Ordinances. Answers are hidden until you click "Show answer."

Take the 10-question topic quiz Read the lesson Quiz on all 93 Printable worksheet

Original practice questions written to the FCLE competencies, not actual exam items.

The Massachusetts Constitution (1780) (23)

Read this section →

  1. Use the excerpt below to answer the question that follows.

    "...the legislative department shall never exercise the executive and judicial powers... to the end it may be a government of laws and not of men."

    Who was the principal author of the document containing this excerpt?

    1. Patrick Henry
    2. James Madison
    3. John Adams
    4. John Jay
    Show answer

    C. John Adams: The excerpt is from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, written principally by John Adams.

  2. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "...the legislative department shall never exercise the executive and judicial powers... to the end it may be a government of laws and not of men."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. U.S. Constitution
    2. Common Sense
    3. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    4. Land Ordinance of 1785
    Show answer

    C. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780: This excerpt is from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780.

  3. Use the excerpt below, from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, to answer the question that follows.

    "...the legislative department shall never exercise the executive and judicial powers... to the end it may be a government of laws and not of men."

    In what year was this document adopted?

    1. 1780
    2. 1787
    3. 1781
    4. 1689
    Show answer

    A. 1780: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 dates from 1780.

  4. In the 1780s, the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that 'all men are born free and equal' was used in court cases such as Quock Walker's to

    1. create the Electoral College
    2. ban women from voting
    3. end slavery in Massachusetts
    4. establish a state church
    Show answer

    C. end slavery in Massachusetts: Courts held slavery incompatible with the state constitution.

  5. Which founding-era or earlier document was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world?

    1. Declaration of Independence
    2. Magna Carta
    3. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    4. Federalist Papers
    Show answer

    C. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.

  6. Use the excerpt below, from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, to answer the question that follows.

    "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights."

    In what year was this document adopted?

    1. 1215
    2. 1803
    3. 1780
    4. 1776
    Show answer

    C. 1780: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 dates from 1780.

  7. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 influenced the U.S. Constitution most by modeling

    1. a confederation of sovereign towns
    2. rule by a single legislature
    3. a hereditary governor
    4. separation of powers among three branches with checks on one another
    Show answer

    D. separation of powers among three branches with checks on one another: John Adams's design separated the branches.

  8. Use the excerpt below to answer the question that follows.

    "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights."

    Who was the principal author of the document containing this excerpt?

    1. John Jay
    2. George Mason
    3. John Adams
    4. Thomas Jefferson
    Show answer

    C. John Adams: The excerpt is from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, written principally by John Adams.

  9. Which statement accurately describes the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780?

    1. It was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.
    2. It was an early example of colonial self-government by agreement of the governed.
    3. It was a 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine urging colonists to declare independence from Britain.
    4. It was an attack on monarchy and hereditary succession written in plain language for ordinary readers.
    Show answer

    A. It was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.

  10. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was unusual because it was

    1. imposed by the king
    2. written by Parliament
    3. never ratified
    4. drafted by a special convention and ratified by the people
    Show answer

    D. drafted by a special convention and ratified by the people: It modeled ratification by the people, later used for the U.S. Constitution.

  11. Which founding-era or earlier document was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary?

    1. U.S. Constitution
    2. English Bill of Rights
    3. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    4. Northwest Ordinance
    Show answer

    C. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary.

  12. Which feature of the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was later adopted in the U.S. Constitution?

    1. a strong executive with veto power, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary
    2. one vote per state
    3. an official state church funded by Congress
    4. a unicameral legislature with no executive
    Show answer

    A. a strong executive with veto power, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary: John Adams's design shaped the federal framework.

  13. Which statement accurately describes the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780?

    1. It was a source of the ban on cruel and unusual punishment in the Eighth Amendment.
    2. It was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary.
    3. It was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.
    4. It was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.
    Show answer

    B. It was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary.: The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary.

  14. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Federalist Papers
    2. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    3. U.S. Constitution
    4. Brutus No. 1
    Show answer

    B. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780: This excerpt is from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780.

  15. The phrase 'a government of laws and not of men' in the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 expresses which principle?

    1. divine right
    2. rule of law
    3. direct democracy
    4. federalism
    Show answer

    B. rule of law: Government should be governed by law, not the will of individuals.

  16. Who was the principal author of the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780?

    1. Samuel Adams
    2. John Adams
    3. John Hancock
    4. Thomas Jefferson
    Show answer

    B. John Adams: Adams drafted it in 1779. It influenced the U.S. Constitution's structure.

  17. Which distinction does the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 hold?

    1. It was the first constitution to establish a monarchy.
    2. It created the U.S. Supreme Court.
    3. It was the first constitution to allow women to vote.
    4. It is the oldest written constitution still in use in the world.
    Show answer

    D. It is the oldest written constitution still in use in the world.: It has been amended many times but remains in effect.

  18. How was the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 approved?

    1. It was imposed by the British governor.
    2. It was adopted by the Continental Congress.
    3. It was approved by the Supreme Court.
    4. It was written by a special convention and ratified by the people in town meetings.
    Show answer

    D. It was written by a special convention and ratified by the people in town meetings.: This process, in which the people approved a constitution written by a special convention, became a model for ratifying the U.S. Constitution.

  19. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 gave the governor a veto that the legislature could override by

    1. a two-thirds vote.
    2. a simple majority.
    3. a unanimous vote.
    4. a popular referendum.
    Show answer

    A. a two-thirds vote.: The U.S. Constitution adopted a similar veto and override.

  20. In the 1780s, Massachusetts courts in the Quock Walker cases relied on the state constitution's declaration that all men are born free and equal to

    1. ban newspapers.
    2. establish the state church.
    3. effectively end slavery in Massachusetts.
    4. create the Electoral College.
    Show answer

    C. effectively end slavery in Massachusetts.: The 1783 ruling found slavery incompatible with the constitution's declaration of rights.

  21. Which feature of the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was later used in the U.S. Constitution?

    1. A one-house legislature with no executive
    2. A hereditary governor
    3. No courts at all
    4. Three separate branches of government with checks on one another
    Show answer

    D. Three separate branches of government with checks on one another: It included a bicameral legislature, an executive, and an independent judiciary.

  22. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 is notable because it

    1. is the oldest written constitution still in use and influenced the U.S. Constitution
    2. created the first national government
    3. was written by Thomas Jefferson
    4. abolished the office of governor
    Show answer

    A. is the oldest written constitution still in use and influenced the U.S. Constitution: Drafted mainly by John Adams, it is the world's oldest functioning written constitution and featured separation of powers.

  23. Which feature of the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 later appeared in the U.S. Constitution?

    1. A one-house legislature with equal votes for each town
    2. No written declaration of rights
    3. Judges elected every year
    4. A strong executive with a veto and separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches
    Show answer

    D. A strong executive with a veto and separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches: It established three separate branches, a bicameral legislature, and a governor with a qualified veto.

The Northwest Ordinances (1784, 1785, 1787) (31)

Read this section →

  1. Which statement accurately describes the Northwest Ordinance?

    1. It was proposed by James Madison in the First Congress and ratified in 1791.
    2. It was the law that created a process for territories to become states on an equal footing with the original states.
    3. It was a state constitution, ratified by the people, that established a bicameral legislature, a governor with veto power, and an independent judiciary.
    4. It was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.
    Show answer

    B. It was the law that created a process for territories to become states on an equal footing with the original states.: The Northwest Ordinance was the law that created a process for territories to become states on an equal footing with the original states.

  2. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Northwest Ordinance
    2. Virginia Declaration of Rights
    3. Articles of Confederation
    4. Bill of Rights
    Show answer

    A. Northwest Ordinance: This excerpt is from the Northwest Ordinance.

  3. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

    In what year was this document adopted?

    1. 1787
    2. 1620
    3. 1803
    4. 1781
    Show answer

    A. 1787: The Northwest Ordinance dates from 1787.

  4. Which present-day state was formed from the Northwest Territory?

    1. Kentucky
    2. Tennessee
    3. Florida
    4. Ohio
    Show answer

    D. Ohio: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota came from it.

  5. Which founding-era or earlier document was the law that divided western land into townships six miles square for sale and set aside a section for public schools?

    1. Federalist Papers
    2. Anti-Federalist Papers
    3. Land Ordinance of 1785
    4. Mayflower Compact
    Show answer

    C. Land Ordinance of 1785: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was the law that divided western land into townships six miles square for sale and set aside a section for public schools.

  6. The Northwest Ordinance's requirement that new states be admitted 'on an equal footing with the original States' later shaped

    1. the admission of new states under Article IV
    2. the Electoral College
    3. the Supremacy Clause
    4. the Bill of Rights
    Show answer

    A. the admission of new states under Article IV: New states have the same powers as the original states.

  7. How many free inhabitants did a territory need under the Northwest Ordinance to apply for statehood?

    1. 1,000,000
    2. 60,000
    3. 100,000
    4. 5,000
    Show answer

    B. 60,000: At 60,000 free inhabitants, a territory could be admitted as a state.

  8. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Mayflower Compact
    2. Articles of Confederation
    3. Bill of Rights
    4. Northwest Ordinance
    Show answer

    D. Northwest Ordinance: This excerpt is from the Northwest Ordinance.

  9. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

    Which principle is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

    1. opposition to a large republic
    2. support for public education
    3. religious liberty
    4. the right of revolution
    Show answer

    B. support for public education: The excerpt from the Northwest Ordinance reflects support for public education.

  10. Which statement accurately describes the Land Ordinance of 1785?

    1. It was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.
    2. It was a 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine urging colonists to declare independence from Britain.
    3. It was the law that divided western land into townships six miles square for sale and set aside a section for public schools.
    4. It was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote.
    Show answer

    C. It was the law that divided western land into townships six miles square for sale and set aside a section for public schools.: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was the law that divided western land into townships six miles square for sale and set aside a section for public schools.

  11. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Northwest Ordinance
    2. Bill of Rights
    3. Virginia Declaration of Rights
    4. Federalist Papers
    Show answer

    A. Northwest Ordinance: This excerpt is from the Northwest Ordinance.

  12. The Northwest Ordinance guaranteed settlers in the territory which rights?

    1. exemption from all taxes
    2. freedom of religion, trial by jury, and habeas corpus
    3. the right to elect the president directly
    4. the right to own enslaved people
    Show answer

    B. freedom of religion, trial by jury, and habeas corpus: Its articles of compact protected basic liberties.

  13. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes."

    In what year was this document adopted?

    1. 1689
    2. 1787
    3. 1803
    4. 1215
    Show answer

    B. 1787: The Northwest Ordinance dates from 1787.

  14. Before the Civil War, the term 'popular sovereignty' was also used to describe

    1. allowing the Supreme Court to decide slavery questions
    2. giving the president power to admit new states
    3. electing senators directly
    4. letting settlers of a territory vote on whether to allow slavery
    Show answer

    D. letting settlers of a territory vote on whether to allow slavery: The Kansas-Nebraska Act applied popular sovereignty to slavery in the territories.

  15. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent."

    In what year was this document adopted?

    1. 1787
    2. 1215
    3. 1803
    4. 1791
    Show answer

    A. 1787: The Northwest Ordinance dates from 1787.

  16. Which founding-era or earlier document was the law that created a process for territories to become states on an equal footing with the original states?

    1. Northwest Ordinance
    2. Declaration of Independence
    3. English Bill of Rights
    4. Mayflower Compact
    Show answer

    A. Northwest Ordinance: The Northwest Ordinance was the law that created a process for territories to become states on an equal footing with the original states.

  17. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes."

    Which principle is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

    1. limits on slavery
    2. an independent judiciary
    3. the right of revolution
    4. protection against unlawful imprisonment
    Show answer

    A. limits on slavery: The excerpt from the Northwest Ordinance reflects limits on slavery.

  18. Which clause of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 served as a model for the Thirteenth Amendment?

    1. its plan for surveying land
    2. its support for public schools
    3. its guarantee of jury trials
    4. its ban on slavery and involuntary servitude in the territory
    Show answer

    D. its ban on slavery and involuntary servitude in the territory: The Thirteenth Amendment repeated its language almost word for word.

  19. The Land Ordinance of 1785 set aside one section of each township for

    1. churches
    2. the national bank
    3. public schools
    4. military forts
    Show answer

    C. public schools: Section 16 supported public education.

  20. Use the excerpt below, from the Northwest Ordinance, to answer the question that follows.

    "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent."

    Which principle is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

    1. limited government
    2. federal supremacy
    3. a confederation of states
    4. property rights
    Show answer

    D. property rights: The excerpt from the Northwest Ordinance reflects property rights.

  21. The Ordinance of 1784, which proposed dividing western lands into future states, was drafted mainly by

    1. John Jay
    2. Alexander Hamilton
    3. Thomas Jefferson
    4. George Mason
    Show answer

    C. Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson's plan laid groundwork for later ordinances.

  22. The Land Ordinance of 1785 divided western land into townships of

    1. one mile square with one section.
    2. six miles square, each divided into 36 sections.
    3. ten miles square with 100 sections.
    4. sixty miles square with 12 sections.
    Show answer

    B. six miles square, each divided into 36 sections.: Each section was one square mile (640 acres). One section in each township was set aside to support public schools.

  23. According to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, a territory could apply for statehood when it had

    1. 5,000 slaves.
    2. 60,000 free inhabitants.
    3. 10,000 soldiers.
    4. 100 towns.
    Show answer

    B. 60,000 free inhabitants.: A territory could elect a legislature when it had 5,000 free adult male inhabitants.

  24. Which states were eventually created from the Northwest Territory?

    1. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
    2. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California
    3. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin (and part of Minnesota)
    4. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri
    Show answer

    C. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin (and part of Minnesota): The Ordinance said the territory would be divided into between three and five states.

  25. The Northwest Ordinance stated that Native Americans' land and property

    1. "shall never be taken from them without their consent."
    2. belonged to the United States from the start.
    3. could be sold by any settler.
    4. would be divided among the states.
    Show answer

    A. "shall never be taken from them without their consent.": In practice, this promise was often broken.

  26. Which rights did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 guarantee to people in the territory?

    1. The right to vote for women
    2. Freedom of religion, trial by jury, and the writ of habeas corpus
    3. Free land for every citizen
    4. Exemption from all taxes
    Show answer

    B. Freedom of religion, trial by jury, and the writ of habeas corpus: The Ordinance included a bill of rights before the U.S. Bill of Rights existed.

  27. "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." This passage is from
    1. the Mayflower Compact.
    2. the Articles of Confederation.
    3. the Northwest Ordinance.
    4. the Declaration of Independence.
    Show answer

    C. the Northwest Ordinance.: Article 3 of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 contains this statement.

  28. Which statement about the Northwest Ordinance is accurate?

    1. New territories would remain colonies forever.
    2. New states would have only one senator.
    3. New states would enter the Union on an equal footing with the original states.
    4. New states needed the king's approval.
    Show answer

    C. New states would enter the Union on an equal footing with the original states.: The equal-footing principle encouraged expansion and became a model for later territories.

  29. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided that new states would be admitted

    1. only as permanent territories
    2. with fewer rights than the original states
    3. only if Britain approved
    4. on an equal footing with the original states
    Show answer

    D. on an equal footing with the original states: Territories could become states once they had 60,000 free inhabitants, joining on equal footing with the original 13.

  30. Which statement about the Northwest Ordinance is accurate?

    1. It allowed slavery in all western lands
    2. It was passed under the U.S. Constitution in 1791
    3. It banned slavery in the Northwest Territory and protected rights such as trial by jury
    4. It gave each territory two senators immediately
    Show answer

    C. It banned slavery in the Northwest Territory and protected rights such as trial by jury: The ordinance banned slavery in the territory and guaranteed habeas corpus, jury trial, and religious freedom.

  31. "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory..." This passage comes from which document?
    1. Common Sense
    2. The Bill of Rights
    3. The English Bill of Rights
    4. The Northwest Ordinance
    Show answer

    D. The Northwest Ordinance: The passage is from the Northwest Ordinance (1787).

The Articles of Confederation (1781) (39)

Read this section →

  1. How many states had to approve the most important laws passed by Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

    1. a simple majority of delegates
    2. seven of thirteen
    3. nine of thirteen
    4. all thirteen
    Show answer

    C. nine of thirteen: Major laws required nine states.

  2. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Brutus No. 1
    2. Articles of Confederation
    3. Land Ordinance of 1785
    4. Northwest Ordinance
    Show answer

    B. Articles of Confederation: This excerpt is from the Articles of Confederation.

  3. Which statement accurately describes the Articles of Confederation?

    1. It was drafted primarily by John Adams and the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.
    2. It was an early example of colonial self-government by agreement of the governed.
    3. It was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote.
    4. It was a 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine urging colonists to declare independence from Britain.
    Show answer

    C. It was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote.: The Articles of Confederation was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote.

  4. Which founding-era or earlier document was the framework that gave Congress no power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce?

    1. U.S. Constitution
    2. Declaration of Independence
    3. Articles of Confederation
    4. Northwest Ordinance
    Show answer

    C. Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation was the framework that gave Congress no power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce.

  5. Which statement accurately describes the Articles of Confederation?

    1. It was signed by King John of England in 1215, limiting the power of the monarch.
    2. It was cited by the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and by Martin Luther King Jr. to demand equal rights.
    3. It was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.
    4. It was the plan of government that created three separate branches of government with checks on one another.
    Show answer

    C. It was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.: The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.

  6. Which founding-era or earlier document was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states?

    1. Declaration of Independence
    2. Common Sense
    3. Articles of Confederation
    4. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    Show answer

    C. Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.

  7. Which problem under the Articles of Confederation led directly to the Commerce Clause?

    1. States imposed tariffs on one another and Congress could not regulate trade.
    2. Britain regulated American trade after 1783.
    3. The president controlled all trade.
    4. The courts banned interstate commerce.
    Show answer

    A. States imposed tariffs on one another and Congress could not regulate trade.: The Constitution gave Congress power over interstate commerce.

  8. Use the excerpt below, from the Articles of Confederation, to answer the question that follows.

    "The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare."

    Which principle is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

    1. religious liberty
    2. a confederation of states
    3. protection of private homes from soldiers
    4. representative government
    Show answer

    B. a confederation of states: The excerpt from the Articles of Confederation reflects a confederation of states.

  9. Which event in 1786-1787 convinced many leaders that the Articles of Confederation were too weak?

    1. the Boston Tea Party
    2. the Battle of Saratoga
    3. the Whiskey Rebellion
    4. Shays' Rebellion
    Show answer

    D. Shays' Rebellion: Congress could not raise an army to put down the Massachusetts farmers' uprising.

  10. The Articles of Confederation reflected the Declaration of Independence by

    1. keeping power close to the states to avoid a tyrannical central government
    2. creating a powerful king
    3. establishing a national church
    4. giving Britain control of trade
    Show answer

    A. keeping power close to the states to avoid a tyrannical central government: After rejecting the king, the states created a weak union.

  11. Which was a strength of the Articles of Confederation?

    1. It created a strong national executive.
    2. It created a national court system.
    3. It gave Congress the power to tax.
    4. It established a process for governing and admitting western territories.
    Show answer

    D. It established a process for governing and admitting western territories.: The Northwest Ordinance was passed under the Articles.

  12. Use the excerpt below, from the Articles of Confederation, to answer the question that follows.

    "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled."

    Which principle is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

    1. limits on punishment
    2. state sovereignty
    3. republicanism
    4. representative government
    Show answer

    B. state sovereignty: The excerpt from the Articles of Confederation reflects state sovereignty.

  13. Which statement accurately describes the Articles of Confederation?

    1. It was drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776.
    2. It was an early example of colonial self-government by agreement of the governed.
    3. It was signed by King John of England in 1215, limiting the power of the monarch.
    4. It was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.
    Show answer

    D. It was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.: The Articles of Confederation was amendable only with the consent of all thirteen states.

  14. Which accomplishment occurred under the Articles of Confederation?

    1. the Louisiana Purchase
    2. the creation of the Supreme Court
    3. the passage of the Bill of Rights
    4. the Treaty of Paris of 1783 ending the Revolutionary War
    Show answer

    D. the Treaty of Paris of 1783 ending the Revolutionary War: Congress under the Articles negotiated the peace.

  15. Which was a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

    1. Congress could not levy taxes.
    2. The president could veto all laws.
    3. The national courts overruled the states.
    4. Congress had too much power over the states.
    Show answer

    A. Congress could not levy taxes.: Congress could only request money from the states.

  16. Which statement accurately describes the Articles of Confederation?

    1. It was written at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
    2. It was the framework that gave Congress no power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce.
    3. It was published in New York newspapers to persuade voters to ratify the Constitution.
    4. It was an early example of colonial self-government by agreement of the governed.
    Show answer

    B. It was the framework that gave Congress no power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce.: The Articles of Confederation was the framework that gave Congress no power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce.

  17. Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government lacked

    1. the ability to make treaties
    2. a legislature
    3. an executive branch and a national court system
    4. the ability to declare war
    Show answer

    C. an executive branch and a national court system: Congress was the only branch.

  18. The weak central government under the Articles of Confederation reflected the colonists' fear of

    1. state governments
    2. foreign alliances
    3. direct democracy
    4. a powerful central authority like the British crown
    Show answer

    D. a powerful central authority like the British crown: After fighting the king, Americans distrusted strong central power.

  19. Which founding-era or earlier document was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781?

    1. Articles of Confederation
    2. Common Sense
    3. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
    4. Land Ordinance of 1785
    Show answer

    A. Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.

  20. What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

    1. to revise the Articles of Confederation
    2. to declare independence
    3. to write the Bill of Rights
    4. to elect George Washington king
    Show answer

    A. to revise the Articles of Confederation: Delegates were sent to revise the Articles but drafted a new constitution.

  21. Use the excerpt below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.

    "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled."

    Which document is the source of the excerpt?

    1. Northwest Ordinance
    2. Mayflower Compact
    3. Articles of Confederation
    4. Magna Carta
    Show answer

    C. Articles of Confederation: This excerpt is from the Articles of Confederation.

  22. The Articles of Confederation influenced the U.S. Constitution mainly by

    1. proving that a monarchy was needed
    2. showing the need for a stronger national government with taxing power
    3. showing that states should be abolished
    4. providing the text of the Bill of Rights
    Show answer

    B. showing the need for a stronger national government with taxing power: Its weaknesses led to the Constitutional Convention.

  23. Which founding-era or earlier document was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote?

    1. Anti-Federalist Papers
    2. Federalist Papers
    3. Mayflower Compact
    4. Articles of Confederation
    Show answer

    D. Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation was the framework that created a one-house Congress in which each state had one vote.

  24. When did the Articles of Confederation take effect?

    1. 1776, after the Declaration was signed
    2. 1781, after Maryland ratified
    3. 1787, at the Constitutional Convention
    4. 1789, with Washington's inauguration
    Show answer

    B. 1781, after Maryland ratified: Congress adopted the Articles in 1777, but ratification took until March 1781.

  25. Why did Maryland delay ratifying the Articles of Confederation until 1781?

    1. It wanted states with claims to western lands to give them up to the national government.
    2. It opposed independence from Britain.
    3. It wanted a king.
    4. It refused to pay any taxes.
    Show answer

    A. It wanted states with claims to western lands to give them up to the national government.: Once Virginia and other states agreed to cede their western claims, Maryland ratified.

  26. Under the Articles of Confederation, how many votes did each state have in Congress?

    1. One per 30,000 residents
    2. Two
    3. Votes based on taxes paid
    4. One
    Show answer

    D. One: Each state had a single vote, regardless of population.

  27. What was required to amend the Articles of Confederation?

    1. Approval of nine states
    2. A majority of Congress
    3. Approval of the president
    4. Unanimous approval of all thirteen states
    Show answer

    D. Unanimous approval of all thirteen states: This requirement made amending the Articles nearly impossible.

  28. All of the following were weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT

    1. Congress could not levy taxes.
    2. There was no national executive to enforce laws.
    3. Congress could not declare war or make treaties.
    4. There was no national court system.
    Show answer

    C. Congress could not declare war or make treaties.: Congress did have power to make war and treaties. Its problem was that it could not tax or enforce its decisions.

  29. The Articles of Confederation described the union of states as

    1. "a more perfect Union."
    2. "one nation under God."
    3. "a firm league of friendship."
    4. "a consolidated republic."
    Show answer

    C. "a firm league of friendship.": Article III called it a league entered into for common defense and mutual welfare.

  30. Article II of the Articles of Confederation stated that each state retained its

    1. "right to a king."
    2. "sovereignty, freedom, and independence."
    3. "seat on the Supreme Court."
    4. "share of the national debt."
    Show answer

    B. "sovereignty, freedom, and independence.": This shows how the Articles left most power with the states.

  31. Who wrote the first draft of the Articles of Confederation?

    1. John Dickinson
    2. James Madison
    3. Thomas Jefferson
    4. Alexander Hamilton
    Show answer

    A. John Dickinson: Dickinson's 1776 draft was revised and weakened by Congress before approval in 1777.

  32. Under the Articles, Congress could not regulate trade among the states. What was one result?

    1. States placed taxes and restrictions on each other's goods, causing economic conflict.
    2. All trade stopped immediately.
    3. Britain controlled American trade.
    4. Congress printed unlimited money.
    Show answer

    A. States placed taxes and restrictions on each other's goods, causing economic conflict.: Trade disputes, such as those between Maryland and Virginia, led to the Annapolis Convention.

  33. Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) convinced many leaders that

    1. the national government under the Articles was too weak to keep order.
    2. the states had too little power.
    3. a bill of rights was unnecessary.
    4. the colonies should rejoin Britain.
    Show answer

    A. the national government under the Articles was too weak to keep order.: Massachusetts had to raise its own militia to put down the uprising of indebted farmers.

  34. Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could request money from the states but could not

    1. declare war
    2. force the states to pay taxes
    3. make treaties
    4. borrow money
    Show answer

    B. force the states to pay taxes: Congress had no power to tax; it relied on requisitions that states often ignored.

  35. All of the following were weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT

    1. there was no national executive to enforce laws
    2. there was no national court system
    3. Congress had no power to make treaties with other nations
    4. amendments required unanimous approval of the states
    Show answer

    C. Congress had no power to make treaties with other nations: Congress could make treaties under the Articles; it lacked an executive, national courts, taxing power, and amendments required unanimity.

  36. How many votes did each state have in Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

    1. One, regardless of its population
    2. A number based on population
    3. Two in each of two houses
    4. A number based on its wealth
    Show answer

    A. One, regardless of its population: Each state had one vote in the single-house Congress.

  37. Which accomplishment is credited to the government under the Articles of Confederation?

    1. Establishing a national currency accepted by all states
    2. Creating an orderly plan for settling and admitting western territories as states
    3. Ending trade disputes among the states
    4. Creating a federal court system
    Show answer

    B. Creating an orderly plan for settling and admitting western territories as states: The Confederation Congress passed the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

  38. "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence..." This passage comes from which document?
    1. The Articles of Confederation
    2. The Virginia Declaration of Rights
    3. Common Sense
    4. The Bill of Rights
    Show answer

    A. The Articles of Confederation: The passage is from the Articles of Confederation (1777).

  39. Who was the principal author of the Articles of Confederation?

    1. Patrick Henry
    2. Thomas Jefferson
    3. John Dickinson
    4. James Madison
    Show answer

    C. John Dickinson: John Dickinson was the principal author of the Articles of Confederation (1777).