United States Constitution
Session 10: Sample Assessment Items

Asterisk (*) indicates correct answer.

1. The Articles of Confederation was unsuccessful as a government system because
A. It established a common currency.
B. It established a balance of power between national and state governments.
C. It established a weak national government.*
D. It established state representation in the national legislature by population.

2. The Three-Fifths Compromise was established to
A. satisfy the concern of New England states.
B. ensure representation for western territories.
C. allow for representation of new immigrants.
D. address the concern of southern states.*

3. The author of the Bill of Rights and the “Virginia Plan” proposing a federal government with three branches was
A. Thomas Jefferson.
B. George Washington.
C. James Madison.*
D. Patrick Henry.

4. The concepts used when drafting the Bill of Rights were derived from which of the following documents?
A. Virginia Declaration of Rights and Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom*
B. Magna Carta and Mayflower Compact
C. Declaration of Independence and Common Sense
D. Articles of Confederation and Proclamation of 1763