AP Gov Ch. 2 Test

__________ were supporters of the Constitution during the time it was up for adoption by the states.

__________ were supporters of the Constitution during the time it was up for adoption by the states.

Federalists

________ protect(s) the natural rights of citizens by placing restrictions on those in power.

Limited Government

Constitutions cannot be changed by

Presidential decrees

The major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was its ________

lack of a strong national government

The Constitution gives primary responsibility for the economy to ________

Congress

Which of the following features of the Constitution best illustrates the concept of mixed or balanced government?

Separation of powers

Which of the following best describes the view of the Constitution as a living document?

We should be willing to adapt the constitution to changing societal needs

How did the Federalists address fears about an all-powerful, centralized government to sway opinion toward ratifying the Constitution?

They promised to add amendments specifically protecting individual liberties

The New Jersey and Virginia Plans differed mainly over whether ________.

states should have an equal number of representatives

John Locke believed that natural rights were inherent in humans and not dependent on ________.

governments

The Framers strengthened the economic power of the national government by making ________ the main economic policymaker.

Congress

The ________ Amendment lowered the voting age to eighteen.

26

Which of the following is generally true about the effect of constitutional amendments on the American political system?

Amendments have made the country more democratic and expanded rights to excluded groups.

Which of the following is an example of a power possessed by the president that acts as a check on Congress?

Vetoing bills passed by Congress

The Constitution may be informally amended ________.

through judicial interpretation

One of the ways to change the Constitution is with “informal amendments” through judicial interpretation. Because such interpretation does not change the wording of the Constitution itself, a possible long-term result is that ________.

the interpretations may change from era to era

The separation of powers in the national government outlined in the Constitution is a foundation of our government. It mandates separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Which of the following is an essential characteristic that makes the system effective?

The branches are relatively independent so that one cannot control the others.

What was one objection the Anti-Federalists made to the Constitution?

It was a class-based document intended to ensure rule by the economic elite.

The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the proposed Constitution because ________.

it did not include a list of rights

Why did the Framers create the electoral college?

Because they did not want the masses to elect the president directly

As decided in Marbury v. Madison, the power to determine the meaning of the US Constitution is held by ________.

the Supreme Court

Which of the following specifies the appropriate actions of each branch of the government in regard to laws?

Legislative branch passes laws; executive branch enforces laws; and judicial branch interprets laws.

When was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

After the ratification of the Constitution, to fulfill a promise to Anti-Federalists

Which provision concerning slavery appeared in the Constitution?

The three-fifths compromise

Ultimately, the Founders allowed ________ to decide on voting qualifications.

the states