Founding Documents

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To formally separate the American colonies from Britain

Which Enlightenment philosopher’s ideas on natural rights heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke

What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

It allowed states to conduct their own foreign policy, making the national government weak

What was the significance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

It established a system for adding new states to the Union

What was the main argument in Federalist No. 10?

A strong national government would protect against factions

The U.S. Constitution was drafted primarily to

Replace the Articles of Confederation

What major concern did Anti-Federalists have about the proposed Constitution?

It did not include a Bill of Rights

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual liberties from government overreach

What was one influence of the Magna Carta on the U.S. Constitution?

The idea of trial by jury

Which document was an early example of self-government in the American colonies?

The Mayflower Compact

The English Bill of Rights influenced the U.S. Constitution by emphasizing

The protection of individual rights

Who wrote Common Sense, a pamphlet that encouraged American independence?

Thomas Paine

The Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a model for which document?

The Bill of Rights

What was one argument presented in Brutus 1?

A large republic would threaten individual liberties

Which of the following was NOT a principle in the Declaration of Independence?

Separation of powers

Which principle was strengthened by the Federalist Papers?

Federalism

What was one reason the Articles of Confederation failed?

Congress had no power to tax

How did the Bill of Rights impact the U.S. government?

It placed limits on the government’s power

The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution establishes that

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To encourage support for the ratification of the Constitution

What Enlightenment thinker influenced the Declaration of Independence with the idea of natural rights?

John Locke, who argued for life, liberty, and property as natural rights.

What argument did Federalist No. 51 make about government structure?

It advocated for checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

What was the main argument of Anti-Federalist Papers, such as Brutus 1?

That a strong central government would threaten individual rights and state power.

What was the impact of Common Sense (1776) by Thomas Paine?

It convinced many American colonists to support independence from Britain.

How did the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) influence the U.S. Bill of Rights?

It inspired protections for freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact (1620)?

It was the first self-governing agreement in the colonies, setting a precedent for democracy.

What did the Magna Carta (1215) establish that influenced American government?

The idea that no one is above the law, including the king, influencing the U.S. rule of law.

How did the English Bill of Rights (1689) influence the U.S. Constitution?

It introduced concepts like limited government, the right to petition, and protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

What was a major difference between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists wanted stronger state governments and a Bill of Rights.

What clause in the Constitution establishes it as the highest law of the land?

The Supremacy Clause (Article VI).

What principle does the Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV) establish?

That states must respect and recognize the public acts, records, and judicial rulings of other states.