Question

How do the Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, State Constitutions, the Constitution, and the Articles of Confederation connect to the basic principles of government?

a) They demonstrate the importance of a strong central government.
b) They highlight the need for absolute monarchy.
c) They emphasize the role of checks and balances.
d) They promote the idea of a hereditary aristocracy.

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution highlight the evolution from a system of strong state autonomy to a balance between central government power and states' rights, including a structured system of checks and balances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, State Constitutions, the Constitution, and the Articles of Confederation all connect to the basic principles of government in various ways. They address the formation and operation of government, and the balance between the powers of the central government and the rights of the states and individuals.

The Declaration of Independence set forth the idea that individuals have inalienable rights, and that government's role is to protect those rights. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers, reflecting the states' fear of tyranny and desire for autonomy after their experience under British rule. The Constitution, drafted to replace the ineffective Articles, created a stronger central government with a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful, while still protecting states' rights.