WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 80%
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A|
100% Correct 2026/2027
AMERICAN POLITICS AND THE US CONSTITUTION · Official Exam 2026/2027
100 80% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The American Founding and the Constitution
Section 1 Q1-20
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Section 2 Q21-40
Political Participation, Voting and Elections
Section 3 Q41-60
Institutions of Government
Section 4 Q61-80
Public Policy and Civic Engagement
Section 5 Q81-100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for WGU C963 American Politics and the US
Constitution final exam preparation. Passing score: 80% (80 questions correct).
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q1 Question 1 of 100
A political science professor is lecturing on the philosophical underpinnings of the US Constitution.
She explains that the framers were deeply influenced by a philosopher who argued that
government should be based on a social contract and that individuals possess natural rights to life,
liberty, and property. A student asks which Enlightenment thinker most directly shaped the
Declaration of Independence and the concept of limited government. The professor identifies which
philosopher?
A. Thomas Hobbes, who argued for an absolute sovereign to prevent chaos
B. Montesquieu, who advocated for separation of powers among branches of government
C. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who championed direct democracy and the general will
D. John Locke, who asserted that governments derive their authority from the consent of the
governed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
John Locke most directly influenced the Declaration of Independence through his theories of natural rights
(life, liberty, and property) and the social contract, which holds that government derives its legitimacy from
the consent of the governed. Hobbes argued for absolute monarchy, Rousseau focused on direct
democracy and the general will rather than representative government, and Montesquieu is known for the
separation of powers doctrine.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
During a constitutional law seminar, students debate why the framers chose a federal system
rather than a unitary system for the new nation. One student argues that federalism was primarily a
compromise between those who wanted a strong national government and those who wanted to
preserve state sovereignty. The professor confirms this and adds that federalism also serves which
additional purpose according to Federalist No. 10?
A. It eliminates the need for a national defense
B. It ensures that all states adopt identical laws
C. It controls the effects of factions by enlarging the republic
D. It prevents the national government from collecting taxes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
In Federalist No. 10, Madison argues that a large republic with a federal structure controls the effects of
factions because no single faction can easily dominate a large and diverse political system. Federalism
does not eliminate the need for national defense, does not require identical state laws, and does not prevent
the national government from taxing.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A civics teacher asks her class why the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was convened. A
student correctly responds that the primary motivation was which of the following?
A. To draft the Bill of Rights immediately after independence
B. To negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain after the Revolutionary War
C. To establish a monarchy with George Washington as king
D. To revise the Articles of Confederation, which had created a weak national government
unable to address critical problems
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The Constitutional Convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had created a
national government too weak to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or maintain a standing army. The Bill of
Rights was added later, the framers explicitly rejected monarchy, and the peace treaty with Britain was
signed in 1783, well before the 1787 convention.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A first-year law student is studying the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey
Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. She notes that the Virginia Plan called for
proportional representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal
representation for each state. The Great Compromise resolved this dispute by creating which
legislative structure?
A. A unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states
B. A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal
representation in the Senate
C. A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in both chambers
D. A unicameral legislature with representation based on population
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) created a bicameral legislature: the House of
Representatives with proportional representation based on population, and the Senate with equal
representation of two senators per state. A unicameral legislature was proposed under the New Jersey Plan
but was not adopted, and proportional representation in both chambers was the Virginia Plan proposal that
was also rejected.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q5 Question 5 of 100
A historian is writing about the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the
ratification of the Constitution. She notes that Anti-Federalists objected to the absence of a bill of
rights and feared that the new national government would become tyrannical. Which argument did
Federalists use to counter the Anti-Federalist concern about the lack of a bill of rights?
A. They argued that a bill of rights would actually limit rights by implying the government
could regulate anything not listed
B. They argued that a bill of rights was unnecessary because state constitutions already protected
individual rights
C. They argued that the president would personally guarantee all individual liberties
D. They argued that the judiciary would create rights through court decisions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federalists, particularly in Federalist No. 84, argued that enumerating rights could be dangerous because it
might imply that the national government had the power to regulate anything not explicitly listed, thus
actually limiting rather than protecting rights. While state constitutions did protect some rights, this was not
the primary Federalist argument, and neither presidential guarantees nor judicial creation of rights were
their stated positions.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
A community college instructor explains the concept of federalism by describing the system of
divided sovereignty between the national government and state governments. A student asks
which clause in the Constitution has been most frequently used to expand the power of the national
government over the states. The instructor identifies which clause?
A. The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
B. The Full Faith and Credit Clause
C. The Privileges and Immunities Clause
D. The Supremacy Clause alone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to make all laws
necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, and has been interpreted broadly (since
McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819) to expand national authority. The Full Faith and Credit Clause deals with
recognition of state laws across states, the Privileges and Immunities Clause prevents states from
discriminating against citizens of other states, and while the Supremacy Clause establishes federal law as
supreme, the Necessary and Proper Clause has been the primary vehicle for expanding national power.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A|
100% Correct 2026/2027
AMERICAN POLITICS AND THE US CONSTITUTION · Official Exam 2026/2027
100 80% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The American Founding and the Constitution
Section 1 Q1-20
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Section 2 Q21-40
Political Participation, Voting and Elections
Section 3 Q41-60
Institutions of Government
Section 4 Q61-80
Public Policy and Civic Engagement
Section 5 Q81-100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for WGU C963 American Politics and the US
Constitution final exam preparation. Passing score: 80% (80 questions correct).
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q1 Question 1 of 100
A political science professor is lecturing on the philosophical underpinnings of the US Constitution.
She explains that the framers were deeply influenced by a philosopher who argued that
government should be based on a social contract and that individuals possess natural rights to life,
liberty, and property. A student asks which Enlightenment thinker most directly shaped the
Declaration of Independence and the concept of limited government. The professor identifies which
philosopher?
A. Thomas Hobbes, who argued for an absolute sovereign to prevent chaos
B. Montesquieu, who advocated for separation of powers among branches of government
C. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who championed direct democracy and the general will
D. John Locke, who asserted that governments derive their authority from the consent of the
governed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
John Locke most directly influenced the Declaration of Independence through his theories of natural rights
(life, liberty, and property) and the social contract, which holds that government derives its legitimacy from
the consent of the governed. Hobbes argued for absolute monarchy, Rousseau focused on direct
democracy and the general will rather than representative government, and Montesquieu is known for the
separation of powers doctrine.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
During a constitutional law seminar, students debate why the framers chose a federal system
rather than a unitary system for the new nation. One student argues that federalism was primarily a
compromise between those who wanted a strong national government and those who wanted to
preserve state sovereignty. The professor confirms this and adds that federalism also serves which
additional purpose according to Federalist No. 10?
A. It eliminates the need for a national defense
B. It ensures that all states adopt identical laws
C. It controls the effects of factions by enlarging the republic
D. It prevents the national government from collecting taxes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
In Federalist No. 10, Madison argues that a large republic with a federal structure controls the effects of
factions because no single faction can easily dominate a large and diverse political system. Federalism
does not eliminate the need for national defense, does not require identical state laws, and does not prevent
the national government from taxing.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A civics teacher asks her class why the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was convened. A
student correctly responds that the primary motivation was which of the following?
A. To draft the Bill of Rights immediately after independence
B. To negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain after the Revolutionary War
C. To establish a monarchy with George Washington as king
D. To revise the Articles of Confederation, which had created a weak national government
unable to address critical problems
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The Constitutional Convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had created a
national government too weak to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or maintain a standing army. The Bill of
Rights was added later, the framers explicitly rejected monarchy, and the peace treaty with Britain was
signed in 1783, well before the 1787 convention.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A first-year law student is studying the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey
Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. She notes that the Virginia Plan called for
proportional representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal
representation for each state. The Great Compromise resolved this dispute by creating which
legislative structure?
A. A unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states
B. A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal
representation in the Senate
C. A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in both chambers
D. A unicameral legislature with representation based on population
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) created a bicameral legislature: the House of
Representatives with proportional representation based on population, and the Senate with equal
representation of two senators per state. A unicameral legislature was proposed under the New Jersey Plan
but was not adopted, and proportional representation in both chambers was the Virginia Plan proposal that
was also rejected.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
, SECTION 1 | The American Founding and the Constitution | Q1-Q20 | WGU C963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics
Q5 Question 5 of 100
A historian is writing about the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the
ratification of the Constitution. She notes that Anti-Federalists objected to the absence of a bill of
rights and feared that the new national government would become tyrannical. Which argument did
Federalists use to counter the Anti-Federalist concern about the lack of a bill of rights?
A. They argued that a bill of rights would actually limit rights by implying the government
could regulate anything not listed
B. They argued that a bill of rights was unnecessary because state constitutions already protected
individual rights
C. They argued that the president would personally guarantee all individual liberties
D. They argued that the judiciary would create rights through court decisions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federalists, particularly in Federalist No. 84, argued that enumerating rights could be dangerous because it
might imply that the national government had the power to regulate anything not explicitly listed, thus
actually limiting rather than protecting rights. While state constitutions did protect some rights, this was not
the primary Federalist argument, and neither presidential guarantees nor judicial creation of rights were
their stated positions.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
A community college instructor explains the concept of federalism by describing the system of
divided sovereignty between the national government and state governments. A student asks
which clause in the Constitution has been most frequently used to expand the power of the national
government over the states. The instructor identifies which clause?
A. The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
B. The Full Faith and Credit Clause
C. The Privileges and Immunities Clause
D. The Supremacy Clause alone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to make all laws
necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, and has been interpreted broadly (since
McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819) to expand national authority. The Full Faith and Credit Clause deals with
recognition of state laws across states, the Privileges and Immunities Clause prevents states from
discriminating against citizens of other states, and while the Supremacy Clause establishes federal law as
supreme, the Necessary and Proper Clause has been the primary vehicle for expanding national power.
963 Final Exam (Latest 2026/2027 Update) American Politics and the US Constitution| Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Pag
