AP US Government : The Bill of Rights

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #90 : Civil Rights, Amendments, And Court Cases

Why did the Anti-Federalists deem important to add the Bill of Rights to the original Constitution?

Possible Answers:

They realized government could quickly become uncontrollable and would threaten the most basic rights of the people.

They believed that the Federal government's power needed to be completely restricted

They did not trust the Federalists.

Anti-Federalists did not advocate for the addition of the Bill of Rights

Correct answer:

They realized government could quickly become uncontrollable and would threaten the most basic rights of the people.

Explanation:

The Federalists believed the Constitution on its own could define the new government of the United States, as well as protect the rights of the people; however, the Anti-Federalists refused to approve the new Constitution without a Bill of Rights. They believed government could easily become uncontrollable if not kept in check, and the Bill of Rights would guarantee certain rights to the people while helping keep the government accountable. 

Example Question #22 : The Bill Of Rights

Which one of these rights is found in the Bill of Rights?

Possible Answers:

Congressional Pay

Abolition of slavery

Right to bear arms

Women's suffrage

Correct answer:

Right to bear arms

Explanation:

Only the right to bear arms is part of the original first 10 Amendments (Bill of Rights). All of the other listed rights came later, some significantly later.

Example Question #21 : The Bill Of Rights

What political party initiated the Bill of Rights?

Possible Answers:

The Democrats

The Republicans

The Federalists

The Anti-Federalists

Correct answer:

The Anti-Federalists

Explanation:

There were two major political parties during the crafting of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. The Federalists were in favor of the Constitution as it was, but the Anti-Federalists would not accept the Constitution without a Bill of Rights attached to it.

Example Question #22 : The Bill Of Rights

What makes the Tenth Amendment so important?

Possible Answers:

It guarantees suffrage, regardless of gender or race

It enforces freedom of religion

It reserves for the states all rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution

It ensures no taxation without representation

Correct answer:

It reserves for the states all rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution

Explanation:

Amendment 10 is crucial because it grants a specific role to state governments. In fact, it states that all rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution should automatically go to the state governments.

Example Question #24 : The Bill Of Rights

Which amendment rights can one invoke if arrested?

Possible Answers:

7th Amendment

10th Amendment

9th Amendment

5th Amendment

Correct answer:

5th Amendment

Explanation:

When arrested, an individual may choose to "plead the 5th," alluding to the 5th amendment of the Constitution, which states various rights of individuals in criminal cases, including the right to remain silent.

Example Question #23 : The Bill Of Rights

Why did the colonists feel that amendment 3 was justified?

Possible Answers:

Voting in the colonies was very restricted before the Constitution was created

Colonists did not want to give up their freedom of speech or press

When under Great Britain's rule, the quartering of British troops was often forced upon the colonists

Great Britain forced its citizens to pay taxes without being represented in Parliament

Correct answer:

When under Great Britain's rule, the quartering of British troops was often forced upon the colonists

Explanation:

Under Great Britain's rule, it was not unusual for the colonists to be forced to house British troops, otherwise known as the quartering of troops. With the founding of the new American nation, the political founders wanted to avoid as much as possible any situations in the new government that would lead to similar problems they had experienced with Great Britain.

Example Question #27 : The Bill Of Rights

How many amendments are in the ratified Bill of Rights?

Possible Answers:

15

25

10

12

Correct answer:

10

Explanation:

Although more amendments were suggested as part of the Bill of Rights, only 10 were accepted and ratified at the time of the framing of the Bill of Rights.

Example Question #28 : The Bill Of Rights

What amendment from the Bill of Rights includes some of the most basic freedoms and addresses the right to petition?

Possible Answers:

Amendment 1

Amendment 2

Amendment 7

Amendment 9

Correct answer:

Amendment 1

Explanation:

Amendment 1 contains the right to petition, as well as a guarantee of freedom of speech, religion, press, etc.

Example Question #29 : The Bill Of Rights

Which amendment promises the right to a fair trial?

Possible Answers:

Amendment 9

Amendment 5

Amendment 6

Amendment 2

Correct answer:

Amendment 6

Explanation:

The 6th amendment guarantees a fair trial. This amendment defines a fair trial as one that is one that is completed without delay, and in which the defendant has the right to an attorney and to know the nature of the crimes and evidence being held against them.

Example Question #26 : The Bill Of Rights

Which one of the following rights amendments is NOT a right guaranteed in the original 10?

Possible Answers:

right to bear arms

18 year-old suffrage

right to plead the fifth

right to a fair trail

Correct answer:

18 year-old suffrage

Explanation:

The 18-year old suffrage amendment was not added until years later in the 1900s. The 26th amendment stipulates the right of adults aged 18 or older to vote.

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