Question 1: When was the United States Constitution ratified?

Answer: 1788

Question 2: Which document guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press?

Answer: Bill of Rights

Question 3: Name one of the original 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights.

Answer: Freedom of speech, right to bear arms, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, etc.

Question 4: What was the primary purpose of the Federalists' support for the Constitution?

Answer: To establish a stronger central government and address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Question 5: Which state was the last to ratify the US Constitution?

Answer: Rhode Island

Question 1: Source: 'The Constitution is designed to create a balanced government with checks and balances among the three branches.' What is the purpose of this source, and how might its intended audience interpret it?

Answer: The purpose is to explain the structure and purpose of the Constitution; the audience (likely citizens or delegates) would understand it as a justification for the new government system emphasizing balance and prevention of tyranny.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of this quote from a Federalist supporter. What biases might influence this perspective?

Answer: As a supporter, the Federalist would present the Constitution positively, emphasizing its benefits. Biases include a desire to promote ratification and downplay potential flaws or fears of tyranny.

Question 3: How does this source reflect the Federalist view on the separation of powers?

Answer: It emphasizes the importance of checks and balances among the branches, reflecting the Federalist belief that separation of powers prevents tyranny and protects liberty.

Question 1: Explain why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution.

Answer: The Bill of Rights was added to protect individual liberties and address Anti-Federalist concerns about potential government overreach, ensuring protections for freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process.

Question 2: Describe how the principles of separation of powers are reflected in the US Constitution.

Answer: The Constitution divides government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with distinct powers and checks on each other, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the Federalist Papers in the ratification of the Constitution.

Answer: The Federalist Papers provided persuasive arguments supporting the Constitution, addressing concerns about central authority, and helped sway states to ratify the document.

Question 1: To what extent did the Bill of Rights address the concerns of Anti-Federalists about individual liberties? Support your answer with historical evidence.

Answer: The Bill of Rights significantly addressed Anti-Federalist concerns by explicitly protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process. However, some critics argued that it did not fully safeguard all rights or prevent government overreach, reflecting ongoing debates about the scope of individual liberties.