Question

ch 3.2/the preamble of the constitution (pages 68 - 71)

1. what is the main purpose of a constitution?

a. to establish term limits for elected officials b. to serve as the highest law of a nation and framework for government c. to collect taxes from citizens d. to organize political parties

1. why should changes to a constitution be rare?

a. because its difficult to write new laws b. because old laws are always better c. to maintain stability and ensure citizens understand the rules d. to prevent politicians from making changes

1. what is a referendum?

a. a practice where voters can remove officials from office b. a type of government election c. a practice where voters accept or reject measures proposed by the legislature d. a method of appointing new judges

1. what percentage of voters typically need to sign a recall petition?

a. 50 - 75 percent b. 5 - 10 percent c. 15 - 40 percent d. 80 - 90 percent

1. how does division of power protect against abuse?

a. by giving all power to one branch b. by preventing any single group from having too much control c. by eliminating state governments d. by removing local authority

1. who wrote the final version of the preamble?

a. george washington b. benjamin franklin c. thomas jefferson d. gouverneur morris

1. what was the original opening phrase of the preamble?

a. \we the states of america\ b. \we the people of the states\ c. \we the government\ d. \we the citizens\

1. what is popular sovereignty?

a. the power of the states over the federal government b. the power of the government over the people c. the idea that government is created by and for the people d. the authority of the president

1. in 1787, who typically had the right to vote?

a. all citizens over 21 b. white men over 21 who owned land c. all men and women over 18 d. anyone who could read and write

1. what does \domestic tranquility\ mean in the preamble?

a. international peace b. economic stability c. peace within the country d. military strength

Explanation:

1. A constitution serves as the highest - law and framework for government.
2. Rare changes maintain stability and ensure citizens understand rules.
3. A referendum is when voters accept or reject legislative - proposed measures.
4. Typically 15 - 40 percent of voters sign recall petitions.
5. Division of power prevents any single group from having too much control.
6. Gouverneur Morris wrote the final version of the Preamble.
7. The original opening phrase was "We the People of the States".
8. Popular sovereignty is the idea that government is created by and for the people.
9. In 1787, white men over 21 who owned land typically had the right to vote.
10. "Domestic tranquility" means peace within the country.

Answer:

1. b. To serve as the highest law of a nation and framework for government
2. c. To maintain stability and ensure citizens understand the rules
3. c. A practice where voters accept or reject measures proposed by the legislature
4. c. 15 - 40 percent
5. b. By preventing any single group from having too much control
6. d. Gouverneur Morris
7. b. "We the People of the States"
8. c. The idea that government is created by and for the people
9. b. White men over 21 who owned land
10. c. Peace within the country