This excerpt is from the U.S. State Department document, Outline of U.S. History.
Virginian George Mason was one of three delegates to the Constitutional Convention who had refused to sign the final document because it did not [guarantee] individual rights. Together with Patrick Henry, he campaigned vigorously against ratification of the Constitution by Virginia.... [F]ive states, including Massachusetts, ratified the Constitution on the condition that such amendments be added immediately. When the first Congress [met] in New York City in September 1789, the calls for amendments protecting individual rights were [almost] unanimous [B]y December 1791, enough states had ratified 10 amendments to make them part of the Constitution. Collectively, [these amendments] are known as the Bill of Rights.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
Based on the excerpt, which conclusion can be drawn about the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
- A. Ratification of the Bill of Rights was completed before the Constitution was drafted.
- B. Ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights.
- C. Most leaders were worried that the Bill of Rights would weaken the ruling class protected by the Constitution.
- D. Many leaders were concerned that the Bill of Rights would upset the balance of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The conclusion that ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights is supported by historical context, as many states required assurance of individual rights to approve the Constitution. Option A is incorrect because the Bill of Rights was introduced after the Constitution was drafted. Option C misrepresents the intent of the Bill of Rights; leaders were primarily concerned with protecting individual liberties rather than preserving the ruling class. Option D is also inaccurate, as the Bill of Rights aimed to safeguard citizens' rights without disrupting the balance of powers established by the Constitution.
The conclusion that ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights is supported by historical context, as many states required assurance of individual rights to approve the Constitution. Option A is incorrect because the Bill of Rights was introduced after the Constitution was drafted. Option C misrepresents the intent of the Bill of Rights; leaders were primarily concerned with protecting individual liberties rather than preserving the ruling class. Option D is also inaccurate, as the Bill of Rights aimed to safeguard citizens' rights without disrupting the balance of powers established by the Constitution.
Other Related Questions
Assuming that the majority of senators and representatives voted along party lines, which conclusion about the U.S. government in 2011 does the table support?
- A. The party that passed more legislation could be anticipated.
- B. The party that would win the next presidential election could be predicted.
- C. Party divisions were a challenge to the legislative process.
- D. Party affiliations are a requirement for congressional membership.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.
Which statement from the passage is an opinion?
- A. "Even so, the success of Levittown depended not only on the efficiency of the Levitt brothers' process but also on the Federal Housing Administration" (paragraph 4)
- B. "Shortly after World War II, many changes led to the development of suburbs." (paragraph 1)
- C. "This, much of the baby-boom generation had well-constructed homes in which to grow up." (paragraph 4)
- D. "With this financing in place, more homes could be built and more veterans could afford to buy them." (paragraph 4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C expresses a subjective view about the quality of homes available to the baby-boom generation, indicating an opinion that these homes were "well-constructed." This characterization is not a factual statement and reflects a personal judgment. In contrast, Option A presents a factual statement about the factors contributing to Levittown's success, grounded in historical context. Option B provides a straightforward observation regarding the timeline of suburban development, without personal interpretation. Option D outlines a factual cause-and-effect relationship regarding financing and home construction, remaining objective. Thus, only Option C conveys a personal opinion.
Option C expresses a subjective view about the quality of homes available to the baby-boom generation, indicating an opinion that these homes were "well-constructed." This characterization is not a factual statement and reflects a personal judgment. In contrast, Option A presents a factual statement about the factors contributing to Levittown's success, grounded in historical context. Option B provides a straightforward observation regarding the timeline of suburban development, without personal interpretation. Option D outlines a factual cause-and-effect relationship regarding financing and home construction, remaining objective. Thus, only Option C conveys a personal opinion.
Which basic assumption is only behind the speech?
- A. Freedom of speech must be protected in schools.
- B. Citizens can express their views through symbols.
- C. Citizens should be able to express their views on issues.
- D. Freedom of speech has some restrictions
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The assumption that freedom of speech has some restrictions is solely focused on the speech itself, acknowledging that while individuals have the right to express themselves, this right is not absolute. Option A discusses the protection of speech specifically in schools, which implies a context rather than the nature of speech itself. Option B refers to expression through symbols, indicating non-verbal communication, thus not limited to speech. Option C emphasizes the ability to express views on issues broadly, again not confined to speech alone. Each of these options extends beyond the core principle of speech restrictions.
The assumption that freedom of speech has some restrictions is solely focused on the speech itself, acknowledging that while individuals have the right to express themselves, this right is not absolute. Option A discusses the protection of speech specifically in schools, which implies a context rather than the nature of speech itself. Option B refers to expression through symbols, indicating non-verbal communication, thus not limited to speech. Option C emphasizes the ability to express views on issues broadly, again not confined to speech alone. Each of these options extends beyond the core principle of speech restrictions.
Based on the timeline and the map, what was one way African Americans dealt with Jim Crow laws?
- A. by taking service jobs in southern cities
- B. by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North
- C. by becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South
- D. by gaining technical skills in northern schools
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
African Americans responded to Jim Crow laws by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North, as this migration offered better economic opportunities and a chance to escape oppressive conditions in the South. Option A, taking service jobs in southern cities, often perpetuated the same discriminatory practices found under Jim Crow. Option C, becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South, did not provide significant relief from the systemic racism and economic hardship prevalent in that region. Option D, gaining technical skills in northern schools, while beneficial, was not a widespread or immediate solution compared to the mass migration to northern factories.
African Americans responded to Jim Crow laws by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North, as this migration offered better economic opportunities and a chance to escape oppressive conditions in the South. Option A, taking service jobs in southern cities, often perpetuated the same discriminatory practices found under Jim Crow. Option C, becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South, did not provide significant relief from the systemic racism and economic hardship prevalent in that region. Option D, gaining technical skills in northern schools, while beneficial, was not a widespread or immediate solution compared to the mass migration to northern factories.