WGU C963 OA VERIFIED EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
LATEST VERSION 2026
1. What were the powers under the Articles of Confederation? The
national government could exchange ambassadors, make treaties with
foreign governments and Indian Tribes, declare war, borrow money, and
settle disputes among States.
2. What were the primary weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It had no power to tax, the President lacked power, there was no money to
buy ships or pay soldiers, and there was no national judiciary.
3. Why did the framers design the Articles with a Congress? They
wanted a government based on the representation of the population, even
while keeping the central authority weak.
4. What was a major difference between the Articles and the
Constitution? The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a
national judiciary.
5. What was the New Jersey Plan? Proposed by William Paterson, it
called for a unicameral (one-chamber) legislature where every state had
one vote, giving power to the states. It included a Supremacy Clause.
6. What was the Virginia Plan? Proposed by James Madison, it called for
a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature with representation based on
population. It gave the government power to tax and veto state laws.
7. What were the "Great Compromises"? * Combined the Virginia and
New Jersey plans into a bicameral Congress.
o The 3/5 Compromise for slave representation.
o Slave owners could reclaim slaves in states where they had fled.
o Slaves could only be freed if born in the US and over age 28 (in
specific regional contexts).
8. What is Federalism? A system where power is divided between a
central national authority and constituent political units like states.
, 9. What are Enumerated Powers? Powers explicitly given to Congress in
the Constitution (e.g., declaring war, coining money, creating post
offices).
10.What are Implied Powers? Powers not specifically mentioned in the
Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated ones (e.g.,
establishing the IRS or a national bank).
11.What are Inherent Powers? Powers that Congress and the President
need just to get the job done, such as regulating immigration or acquiring
territory.
12.What are Concurrent Powers? Powers held jointly by both national and
state governments, such as imposing taxes and establishing courts.
13.What are Expressed Powers? Powers directly stated in the Constitution
(often used interchangeably with enumerated).
14.What are Reserved Powers? Powers not given to the national
government, kept by the states (e.g., police power, education, and
marriage laws).
15.Who were the Federalists? Supporters of the Constitution.
16.Who were the Anti-Federalists? People who opposed the Constitution,
fearing a government that was too powerful.
17.What was Federalist Paper #10? Written by James Madison; argued
that factions are inevitable but best controlled by a large republic.
18.What was Federalist Paper #51? Written by Madison; defined the
relationship between the three branches as independent and explained the
necessity of checks and balances.
The Legislative Branch
19.How does a bill become a law? It must pass both the House and Senate,
then be approved by the President (or a veto must be overridden).
20.What is a Standing Committee? A permanent committee that meets
regularly.
21.What is a Select Committee? A small committee appointed for a
special, temporary purpose.
LATEST VERSION 2026
1. What were the powers under the Articles of Confederation? The
national government could exchange ambassadors, make treaties with
foreign governments and Indian Tribes, declare war, borrow money, and
settle disputes among States.
2. What were the primary weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It had no power to tax, the President lacked power, there was no money to
buy ships or pay soldiers, and there was no national judiciary.
3. Why did the framers design the Articles with a Congress? They
wanted a government based on the representation of the population, even
while keeping the central authority weak.
4. What was a major difference between the Articles and the
Constitution? The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a
national judiciary.
5. What was the New Jersey Plan? Proposed by William Paterson, it
called for a unicameral (one-chamber) legislature where every state had
one vote, giving power to the states. It included a Supremacy Clause.
6. What was the Virginia Plan? Proposed by James Madison, it called for
a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature with representation based on
population. It gave the government power to tax and veto state laws.
7. What were the "Great Compromises"? * Combined the Virginia and
New Jersey plans into a bicameral Congress.
o The 3/5 Compromise for slave representation.
o Slave owners could reclaim slaves in states where they had fled.
o Slaves could only be freed if born in the US and over age 28 (in
specific regional contexts).
8. What is Federalism? A system where power is divided between a
central national authority and constituent political units like states.
, 9. What are Enumerated Powers? Powers explicitly given to Congress in
the Constitution (e.g., declaring war, coining money, creating post
offices).
10.What are Implied Powers? Powers not specifically mentioned in the
Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated ones (e.g.,
establishing the IRS or a national bank).
11.What are Inherent Powers? Powers that Congress and the President
need just to get the job done, such as regulating immigration or acquiring
territory.
12.What are Concurrent Powers? Powers held jointly by both national and
state governments, such as imposing taxes and establishing courts.
13.What are Expressed Powers? Powers directly stated in the Constitution
(often used interchangeably with enumerated).
14.What are Reserved Powers? Powers not given to the national
government, kept by the states (e.g., police power, education, and
marriage laws).
15.Who were the Federalists? Supporters of the Constitution.
16.Who were the Anti-Federalists? People who opposed the Constitution,
fearing a government that was too powerful.
17.What was Federalist Paper #10? Written by James Madison; argued
that factions are inevitable but best controlled by a large republic.
18.What was Federalist Paper #51? Written by Madison; defined the
relationship between the three branches as independent and explained the
necessity of checks and balances.
The Legislative Branch
19.How does a bill become a law? It must pass both the House and Senate,
then be approved by the President (or a veto must be overridden).
20.What is a Standing Committee? A permanent committee that meets
regularly.
21.What is a Select Committee? A small committee appointed for a
special, temporary purpose.
