This excerpt is from a 1987 speech by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
"I do not believe that the meaning of the Constitution was forever "fixed" at the Philadelphia Convention. Nor do I find the wisdom, foresight, and sense of justice exhibited by the Framers particularly profound. To the contrary, the government they devised was defective from the start, requiring several amendments, a civil war, and momentous social transformation to attain the system of constitutional government, and its respect for the individual freedoms and human rights, we hold as fundamental today. When contemporary Americans cite "The Constitution," they invoke concept that is vastly different from what the Framers barely began to construct two centurie ago... When the Founding Fathers used this phrase [We, the People) in 1787, they did not have in mind the majority of America's citizens. "We the People" included, in the words of the Framers, "the whole Number of free Persons."
This excerpt is from a 1987 speech by President Ronald Reagan.
“In a very real sense, it was then, in 1787, that the Revolution truly began. For it was with the writing of our Constitution, setting down the architecture of democratic government, that the noble sentiments and brave rhetoric of 1776 took on substance....
All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights-until that moment some might have said that was just a high-blown sentiment, the dreams of a few philosophers and their hot-headed followers. But could one really construct a government, run a country, with such idealistic notions? But once those ideals took root in living, functioning institutions, once those notions became a nation-well, then, as I said, the revolution could really begin, not just in America but around the world, a revolution to free man from tyranny of every sort and secure his freedom the only way possible in this world, through the checks and balances and institutions of limited, democratic government.â€
What basic assumption behind Marshall's remarks is not behind Reagan's remarks?
- A. The framers of the U.S. Constitution have received more credit than they deserve for the governmental protections Americans enjoy.
- B. The framers of the U.S. Constitution have been credited with creating a document that protects all free people around the world.
- C. The U.S. Constitution created a government whose promises are yet to be realized by many around the world.
- D. The U.S. Constitution created a government based on the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Marshall's remarks imply a critical view of the framers' contributions, suggesting they may not deserve as much credit for governmental protections as commonly believed. This contrasts with Reagan's perspective, which typically emphasizes the positive legacy of the framers. Option B incorrectly assumes that both figures share the belief in the global impact of the Constitution, which Reagan often highlighted. Option C suggests an acknowledgment of unrealized promises, aligning with both perspectives, while option D reinforces a foundational agreement on principles that both figures would likely support. Thus, A stands out as the unique assumption absent in Reagan's remarks.
Marshall's remarks imply a critical view of the framers' contributions, suggesting they may not deserve as much credit for governmental protections as commonly believed. This contrasts with Reagan's perspective, which typically emphasizes the positive legacy of the framers. Option B incorrectly assumes that both figures share the belief in the global impact of the Constitution, which Reagan often highlighted. Option C suggests an acknowledgment of unrealized promises, aligning with both perspectives, while option D reinforces a foundational agreement on principles that both figures would likely support. Thus, A stands out as the unique assumption absent in Reagan's remarks.
Other Related Questions
What is the main point of view expressed in this excerpt?
- A. The Cherokee Nation is equal to the United States in terms of trade and government.
- B. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for basic necessities and survival.
- C. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for guidance and protection.
- D. The Cherokee Nation is a separate state that deals with the United States as a foreign country.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
Complete the U.S. System of Federalism chart based on information from the passage. Click on the title below you want to select and drag it into the top of each column in the chart. - State Government Powers - National Government Powers - Shared Powers of National and State Governments -
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
In the U.S. system of federalism, powers are distributed among different levels of government. **State Government Powers** include authority over education, transportation, and local law enforcement, allowing states to address local needs effectively. **National Government Powers** encompass defense, foreign affairs, and immigration, ensuring a unified national policy in these critical areas. **Shared Powers** involve taxation, infrastructure, and law enforcement, illustrating collaboration between state and national governments to maintain order and promote welfare. Other options may misplace powers or overlook the collaborative nature of federalism, leading to misunderstandings about government functions.
In the U.S. system of federalism, powers are distributed among different levels of government. **State Government Powers** include authority over education, transportation, and local law enforcement, allowing states to address local needs effectively. **National Government Powers** encompass defense, foreign affairs, and immigration, ensuring a unified national policy in these critical areas. **Shared Powers** involve taxation, infrastructure, and law enforcement, illustrating collaboration between state and national governments to maintain order and promote welfare. Other options may misplace powers or overlook the collaborative nature of federalism, leading to misunderstandings about government functions.
Which statement is correct about the change in racial and ethnic populations between 2000 and 2010?
- A. The Black or African American population had the greatest percentage of growth.
- B. The Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population grew by a greater proportion than the Asian population.
- C. The White population experienced the slowest growth of all groups.
- D. The American Indian and Alaska Native population experienced almost no change.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B accurately reflects demographic trends, as the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population indeed saw a higher percentage increase compared to the Asian population during this period. Option A is incorrect; while the Black or African American population grew, it was not the greatest percentage increase among all racial groups. Option C misrepresents the data; although the White population's growth was slower compared to previous decades, it was not the slowest overall. Option D is misleading as well; the American Indian and Alaska Native population did experience some growth, albeit modest, rather than remaining unchanged.
Option B accurately reflects demographic trends, as the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population indeed saw a higher percentage increase compared to the Asian population during this period. Option A is incorrect; while the Black or African American population grew, it was not the greatest percentage increase among all racial groups. Option C misrepresents the data; although the White population's growth was slower compared to previous decades, it was not the slowest overall. Option D is misleading as well; the American Indian and Alaska Native population did experience some growth, albeit modest, rather than remaining unchanged.
What was the mean population across the British American colonies in 1700?
- A. 56,000
- B. 21,000
- C. 6,000
- D. 16,000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
In 1700, the mean population across the British American colonies was approximately 16,000. This figure reflects the early colonial growth and settlement patterns during that period. Option A (56,000) overestimates the population, as it does not account for the smaller settlements and rural areas that characterized the colonies at that time. Option B (21,000) is also too high, misrepresenting the demographic data available for the early 18th century. Option C (6,000) significantly underestimates the population, ignoring the established colonies with growing communities. Thus, D accurately represents the mean population based on historical records.
In 1700, the mean population across the British American colonies was approximately 16,000. This figure reflects the early colonial growth and settlement patterns during that period. Option A (56,000) overestimates the population, as it does not account for the smaller settlements and rural areas that characterized the colonies at that time. Option B (21,000) is also too high, misrepresenting the demographic data available for the early 18th century. Option C (6,000) significantly underestimates the population, ignoring the established colonies with growing communities. Thus, D accurately represents the mean population based on historical records.