AP United States History: The Constitution Focus Questions

1. What was the first amendment regarding religion a response to? 2. Which group would be more likely to ratify the Articles of Confederation? 3. Who opposed ratification of the Constitution and why? 4. What is the “due process” clause and why is it important? 5. Why did Hamilton propose a tariff soon after the beginning of the U.S.? 6. What were the new responsibilities of women in the post-war years? 7. What is the difference between Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion? 8. What precedent did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set for the new territories? 9. What is the purpose of the Judiciary Act of 1789? 10. What was the purpose of the Alien & Sedition Act? 11. Cite some of the causes of John Adams’ defeat in the election of 1800? 12. What was the central compromise of the Constitutional Convention? 13. Define and explain the “elastic clause.” 14. According to James Madison, what was the most dangerous threat to the Constitution? 15. According to the Constitution, where do revenue bills originate? 16. Explain the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. 17. Why was American neutrality an issue in the 1790's? 18. Cite the precedents put forward by Chief Justice John Marshall. 19. What provisions were made in dealing with America’s native population? 20. What were the fundamental differences between the Federalists and the Republicans?