WGU C963 - American Politics and the U.S. Constitution Questions With Complete Solutions

What was a Federalist argument in support of the ratification of the Constitution? Correct Answer: A strong national government is better for national defense and economic growth. Which concept was James Madison referencing when he stated, "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition" in Federalist, no. 51? Correct Answer: Separation of powers and checks and balances What is a judicial check on the executive branch? Correct Answer: The Supreme Court can declare actions by the executive branch unconstitutional. What describes dual federalism? Correct Answer: State government and national government have exclusive authority in clearly defined jurisdictions. What was a major difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution? Correct Answer: The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a national judiciary. Why did the framers design the government under the Articles of Confederation with a Congress? Correct Answer: They wanted a government based on the representation of the population. What did the Great Compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan that was finalized in the Constitution establish? Correct Answer: A two-chamber Congress What were the results of the three-fifths compromise? Correct Answer: It allowed slave states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for the purpose of representation. Who was responsible for drafting the Bill of Rights and submitting it to Congress? Correct Answer: James Madison Why did the colonists oppose being taxed by Great Britain? Correct Answer: They did not have elected representatives in the House of Commons. Which power does the president have under the Constitution? Correct Answer: Appointing judges What is a protection against an elected president abusing powers for personal gain? Correct Answer: The power of Congress to impeach the president What is the purpose of executive agreements? Correct Answer: To establish agreements with foreign countries without congressional approval