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€
According to Justice Marshall, what historical factor has contradicted the ideas expressed in the U.S. Constitution?
- A. slavery
- B. free enterprise
- C. religion
- D. class war
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Justice Marshall highlighted slavery as a significant historical contradiction to the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Slavery directly undermined the Constitution's assertion that all men are created equal, creating a profound moral and ethical conflict. In contrast, free enterprise (B) aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on individual rights and economic freedom. Religion (C) is protected under the First Amendment, promoting freedom rather than contradiction. Class war (D) is a socio-economic conflict that, while relevant, does not directly challenge the foundational ideals of the Constitution in the same way slavery does.
Justice Marshall highlighted slavery as a significant historical contradiction to the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Slavery directly undermined the Constitution's assertion that all men are created equal, creating a profound moral and ethical conflict. In contrast, free enterprise (B) aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on individual rights and economic freedom. Religion (C) is protected under the First Amendment, promoting freedom rather than contradiction. Class war (D) is a socio-economic conflict that, while relevant, does not directly challenge the foundational ideals of the Constitution in the same way slavery does.
Other Related Questions
Which event occurred first?
- A. Michael moved to Ohio.
- B. Michael attained U.S. citizenship.
- C. The IRO was created.
- D. The UN was established.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
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.
Which statement from Common Sense provides evidence that the author Thomas Paine supported American independence?
- A. "Absolute governments have this advantage with them, that they are simple..."
- B. "I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to [show], a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain."
- C. "The prejudice of Englishmen, in [favor] of their own government arises as much or more from national pride than reason."
- D. "Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B provides clear evidence of Thomas Paine's support for American independence by challenging the benefits of remaining connected to Great Britain. By asking advocates for reconciliation to demonstrate any advantages, Paine emphasizes the futility of such ties and advocates for autonomy. Option A discusses the simplicity of absolute governments, which does not directly address the question of American independence. Option C critiques English national pride but lacks a direct link to the argument for independence. Option D presents a philosophical view on government but does not specifically advocate for breaking away from British rule.
Option B provides clear evidence of Thomas Paine's support for American independence by challenging the benefits of remaining connected to Great Britain. By asking advocates for reconciliation to demonstrate any advantages, Paine emphasizes the futility of such ties and advocates for autonomy. Option A discusses the simplicity of absolute governments, which does not directly address the question of American independence. Option C critiques English national pride but lacks a direct link to the argument for independence. Option D presents a philosophical view on government but does not specifically advocate for breaking away from British rule.
Based on the excerpt, which change was a result of the National Security Act of 1947?
- A. The Central Intelligence Agency replaced the War Department.
- B. The National Security Council gained control over the Department of Defense.
- C. The Department of Homeland Security replaced the War Department.
- D. The Department of the Navy became part of the Department of Defense.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. military and intelligence community. Option D accurately reflects that the Department of the Navy became part of the newly established Department of Defense, streamlining military operations. Option A is incorrect; the CIA was created but did not replace the War Department directly. Option B is misleading; while the National Security Council was established, it does not control the Department of Defense. Option C is factually incorrect, as the Department of Homeland Security was created later, in 2003, not as a result of the 1947 Act.
The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. military and intelligence community. Option D accurately reflects that the Department of the Navy became part of the newly established Department of Defense, streamlining military operations. Option A is incorrect; the CIA was created but did not replace the War Department directly. Option B is misleading; while the National Security Council was established, it does not control the Department of Defense. Option C is factually incorrect, as the Department of Homeland Security was created later, in 2003, not as a result of the 1947 Act.