AP American Government & Politics Question set 2
Charles A. Beard: Framing the Constitution (4 pts)
Respond to the following questions to better focus your understanding of the reading.
1. The thesis of Charles A. Beard is that the framers of the Constitution
a) represented the propertied classes.
b) were a highly talented and elite group.
c) opposed majority rule.
d) All of the above
2. Beard states that the revolutionists and radicals
a) were well represented at the Constitutional Convention.
b) owned no property.
c) were not men of large property interests or practical business experience.
d) were skeptical of equality and democracy.
3. Beard concludes that under the state constitutions and the Articles of Confederation,
a) property interests were well protected.
b) every powerful economic class in the nation suffered losses.
c) a strong national government was unnecessary.
d) majority rule was restricted.
4. Beard sees the separation of powers in the Constitution primarily as a device
a) to curb popular majorities and thereby protect property interests.
b) to make the government more democratic by forcing compromise among the three branches.
c) to increase the power of the president.
d) to establish conservative domination of Congress.