created by federal ordinance in 1787

was the first post-colonial territory of the United States
included much of the colonial territory previously claimed by the British
was eventually divided into six separate states

Which United States territory is best described by the list?
A.
Indiana Territory
B.
Oregon Territory
C.
Louisiana Territory
D.
Northwest Territory

9 answers

The best answer to the description provided is:

D. Northwest Territory

The Northwest Territory was created by federal ordinance in 1787, was the first post-colonial territory of the United States, included much of the colonial territory previously claimed by the British, and was eventually divided into several states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota.

When the Virginia delegates arrived in Philadelphia in early May 1787 with Washington at their head, they immediately sat down and prepared a document based on Madison's outline that became known as the "Virginia Plan of Government." Madison's plan, which favored the large states and gave enormous power to a new federal government, became the nationalists' opening line of debate.

—James Madison and the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787, Library of Congress

What role did James Madison play in the creation of the U.S. Constitution?
A.
His ideas became the basis for many of the document's fundamental provisions.
B.
He convinced many delegates that the new document should favor wealthy individuals.
C.
He convinced many delegates that the new document should favor state governments.
D.
His ideas led to the document's provisions for an authoritarian executive branch.

The correct answer is:

A. His ideas became the basis for many of the document's fundamental provisions.

James Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his significant contributions to the drafting and promoting of the U.S. Constitution, including his role in developing the Virginia Plan, which laid the groundwork for the structure of the federal government.

In what way did the Virginia Plan reflect regional differences present at the Constitutional Convention?
A.
It proposed proportional representation in Congress.
B.
It proposed that each state would cast a single vote.
C.
It proposed congresspeople be appointed for life.
D.
It proposed a unicameral national legislature.

The correct answer is:

A. It proposed proportional representation in Congress.

The Virginia Plan advocated for representation in Congress to be based on the population of each state, which favored larger states with higher populations. This proposal reflected regional differences as delegates from larger states supported it, while those from smaller states preferred equal representation, leading to significant debates at the Constitutional Convention.

Preamble to the Constitution

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
14
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects each person's freedom of speech. Which of these best shows how freedom of speech meets a purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
A.
Freedom of speech secures the blessings of liberty. It keeps people from being punished for their opinions.
B.
Freedom of speech forms a more perfect Union. It brings people together in agreement with each other.
C.
Freedom of speech provides for common defense. It gives the country strength to protect itself against enemies.
D.
Freedom of speech supports the general welfare. It promises that people's needs will be equally taken care of.

The best answer is:

A. Freedom of speech secures the blessings of liberty. It keeps people from being punished for their opinions.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that allows individuals to express their ideas and opinions without fear of punishment, which directly relates to the protection of liberty as emphasized in the Preamble to the Constitution.

Why did the Articles of Confederation have to be replaced by the Constitution?
A.
The Articles of Confederation were only designed to last through the Revolutionary War.
B.
The Articles of Confederation had a weak central government.
C.
The Articles angered state leaders by giving the central government too much power.
D.
The Articles of Confederation were never ratified by the states

The correct answer is:

B. The Articles of Confederation had a weak central government.

The Articles of Confederation created a loose confederation of states with a weak central government that lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws. This inadequacy led to various problems, prompting the delegates at the Constitutional Convention to replace the Articles with the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal government.