C963 WGU Exam (American
Politics and US Constitution Exam
Questions & Answers | Latest
Already Graded A+
What was the Enlightenment—ANSWER--Ideas centered around the value of human
happiness.
A period in Western European history following the Middle Ages. The source of our ideas
about natural rights.
Who was John Locke?—ANSWER--an English philosopher, lived in the 17th century, ideas
would be used as the basis for American Revolution, known as the "Father of liberal
philosophy"
Why did John Locke think the state of nature confirms natural rights?—ANSWER--He
believed that most people are good and respect the rights of others because of their
conscience tells them they should.
What natural rights did Locke believe the social contract should protect?—ANSWER--Life,
liberty, property
,What is the meaning of the term popular sovereignty?—ANSWER--Government based on
consent of the people, people decide for themselves whether their territories would enter
the Union as free or slave states.
What is the meaning of the term consensual political rule?—ANSWER--There is an ongoing
renegotiation about social contracts because it doesn't always fulfill our natural rights. If our
rights aren't fulfilled, it could cause social and political conflict.
How were the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
influenced by Enlightenment thinkers?—ANSWER--Declaration of Independence-each citizen
has the right to reason, autonomy, and the notion that all human beings are equal by nature.
Constitution-Liberty, equality, and justice helped to create the conditions for the American
Revolution.
Bill of Rights-recognized that people had basic rights that the government must protect,
such as freedom of religion, speech, and the press.
Describe the structure of the government under the Articles of Confederation.—ANSWER--
Unicameral (one-house) legislature, not national executive or judiciary, delegates to
Congress were appointed by the state legislatures, and each state had one vote.
Name the powers of the government under the Articles—ANSWER--The power to declare
war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors,
and manage relations with Indians.
One of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was the unanimous consent of the
states required to amend (change) the Articles of Confederation. What are the other
weaknesses?—ANSWER--Each state only had one vote in Congress, no matter the size.
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald
, Congress had no power to tax. Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign trade.
There was no executive branch to enforce any acts passed by Congress,
Why was Shays Rebellion an example of these weaknesses?—ANSWER--Exposing that the
government could not form a military or draft because the federal government did not have
money due to the fact that they did not have the ability to enforce taxes upon the citizens.
What were the VA and NJ plans?—ANSWER--Virginia Plan - Called for three branches of
government and two houses of Congress. Representation in each house would be
determined by population.
New Jersey Plan - called for three branches of government and a single house of Congress.
Proposed equal representation for each state in Congress.
What was the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise)?—ANSWER-
-A compromise made between the Virginia and New Jersey plans, it was meant to address
the issue that states with a larger population wanted congressional representation based on
population, while smaller states demanded equal representation. (Constitutional
convention)
In one sentence for each, describe the three other compromises made at the Constitutional
Convention.—ANSWER--3/5th Compromise - 3/5th of the slave population would be
counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.
Separation of Powers + Checks and Balances - Three branches of government (executive,
legislative, and judicial) are kept separate, each branch is given certain powers to check and
balance the other branches.
Politics and US Constitution Exam
Questions & Answers | Latest
Already Graded A+
What was the Enlightenment—ANSWER--Ideas centered around the value of human
happiness.
A period in Western European history following the Middle Ages. The source of our ideas
about natural rights.
Who was John Locke?—ANSWER--an English philosopher, lived in the 17th century, ideas
would be used as the basis for American Revolution, known as the "Father of liberal
philosophy"
Why did John Locke think the state of nature confirms natural rights?—ANSWER--He
believed that most people are good and respect the rights of others because of their
conscience tells them they should.
What natural rights did Locke believe the social contract should protect?—ANSWER--Life,
liberty, property
,What is the meaning of the term popular sovereignty?—ANSWER--Government based on
consent of the people, people decide for themselves whether their territories would enter
the Union as free or slave states.
What is the meaning of the term consensual political rule?—ANSWER--There is an ongoing
renegotiation about social contracts because it doesn't always fulfill our natural rights. If our
rights aren't fulfilled, it could cause social and political conflict.
How were the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
influenced by Enlightenment thinkers?—ANSWER--Declaration of Independence-each citizen
has the right to reason, autonomy, and the notion that all human beings are equal by nature.
Constitution-Liberty, equality, and justice helped to create the conditions for the American
Revolution.
Bill of Rights-recognized that people had basic rights that the government must protect,
such as freedom of religion, speech, and the press.
Describe the structure of the government under the Articles of Confederation.—ANSWER--
Unicameral (one-house) legislature, not national executive or judiciary, delegates to
Congress were appointed by the state legislatures, and each state had one vote.
Name the powers of the government under the Articles—ANSWER--The power to declare
war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors,
and manage relations with Indians.
One of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was the unanimous consent of the
states required to amend (change) the Articles of Confederation. What are the other
weaknesses?—ANSWER--Each state only had one vote in Congress, no matter the size.
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald
, Congress had no power to tax. Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign trade.
There was no executive branch to enforce any acts passed by Congress,
Why was Shays Rebellion an example of these weaknesses?—ANSWER--Exposing that the
government could not form a military or draft because the federal government did not have
money due to the fact that they did not have the ability to enforce taxes upon the citizens.
What were the VA and NJ plans?—ANSWER--Virginia Plan - Called for three branches of
government and two houses of Congress. Representation in each house would be
determined by population.
New Jersey Plan - called for three branches of government and a single house of Congress.
Proposed equal representation for each state in Congress.
What was the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise)?—ANSWER-
-A compromise made between the Virginia and New Jersey plans, it was meant to address
the issue that states with a larger population wanted congressional representation based on
population, while smaller states demanded equal representation. (Constitutional
convention)
In one sentence for each, describe the three other compromises made at the Constitutional
Convention.—ANSWER--3/5th Compromise - 3/5th of the slave population would be
counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.
Separation of Powers + Checks and Balances - Three branches of government (executive,
legislative, and judicial) are kept separate, each branch is given certain powers to check and
balance the other branches.
