US Constitution — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The Constitution was written in 1776 at the Constitutional Convention in New York City.
Corrected: The Constitution was written in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
The corrected sentence is: "The Constitution was written in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.". The original sentence "The Constitution was written in 1776 at the Constitutional Convention in New York City." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
The legislative branch carries out the laws and is led by the President of the United States.
Corrected: The executive branch carries out the laws and is led by the President of the United States.
The corrected sentence is: "The executive branch carries out the laws and is led by the President of the United States.". The original sentence "The legislative branch carries out the laws and is led by the President of the United States." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Congress has two parts: the Senate with 435 members and the House with 100 members.
Corrected: Congress has two parts: the Senate with 100 members and the House with 435 members.
The corrected sentence is: "Congress has two parts: the Senate with 100 members and the House with 435 members.". The original sentence "Congress has two parts: the Senate with 435 members and the House with 100 members." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The Constitution replaced the weaker Articles of Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation (1781) were the first US government document, but were too weak. The Constitution replaced them in 1789.
2. The judicial branch interprets the laws and includes the Supreme Court.
The judicial branch (Supreme Court + federal courts) interprets laws and decides if they follow the Constitution.
3. James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution."
James Madison played a key role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
4. The Preamble begins with the words "We the People."
'We the People' establishes that the Constitution's authority comes from the citizens, not a king — popular sovereignty.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name the three branches of government and tell what each one does.
Sample answer: The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws. The executive branch (the President) carries out laws. The judicial branch (the Supreme Court) interprets laws.
Separation of powers divides government into three branches so no one branch has too much power.
2. Why did the Founders replace the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution?
Sample answer: The Articles of Confederation were too weak because the national government could not collect taxes or raise an army, so a stronger framework was needed.
The Articles failed because Congress had no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.