Constitutional Underpinnings Test
AP Government
Instructor: “Bowling” Bob Alley
Name ________________________
Instructions: Answer TWO of the following.
1. The Constitution was an attempt to address problems of decentralization that were
experienced under the Articles of Confederation.
a. List three problems of decentralized power that existed under the Articles
of Confederation. For each problem you listed, identify one solution that
the Constitution provided to address the problem.
b. Describe the following provisions of the Constitution and explain how
each has been used over time to expand federal power.
 The “necessary and proper” or “elastic” clause
 The commerce clause
c. Some have argued that the tensions between decentralized and centralized
power continue to exist. Support this argument by explaining how the
new healthcare law illustrates the continuing tension.
2. The United States Constitution has endured for more than two centuries as the
framework of government. However, the meaning of the Constitution has been
changed both by formal and informal methods.
a. Identify two formal methods for adding amendments to the Constitution.
b. Describe two informal methods that have been used to change the
meaning of the Constitution. Provide one specific example for each
informal method you described.
c. Explain why informal methods are used more often than the formal
amendment process
3. “In a republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.
The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature…. [And] the
executive… should be fortified.”
James Madison
The Federalist, Number 51
Using specific examples, discuss how Madison’s observations apply to the
relationship between the legislative branch and modern presidency.
4.
The Framers of the United States Constitution created a federal system.
a. Define federalism.
b. Select two of the following and explain how each has been used to
increase the power of the federal government relative to the states.
 Categorical grants
 Federal mandates
 Selective Incorporation
c. Select two of the following and explain how each has been used to
increase the power of the states relative to federal government.
 Welfare Reform Act of 1996
 Block Grants
 Tenth Amendment
Constitutional Underpinnings Rubric
Question 1
9 Points Total
Part A: 3points
1 point for each problem clearly linked to a solution
Possible examples of A:
Amendment Process
Creation of a dominant national legislature
Creation of an executive
Interstate commerce
National courts system
Power to coin money
Power to raise a military force
Power to tax
Settle disputes between states
Supremacy Clause
Treaties
Other powers
Part B: 4 points
1 point for each description and 1 point for each explanation
Part C: 2 points
Explanation of how healthcare law illustrates the continuing tension
Question 2
8 Points Total
Part A: 2 points (1 for each method identification)
Part B: 4 points (1 for each description; 1 for each example)
Part C: 2 points
Part A: (1 point for each method identification; 2 points total)
Formal methods:
Methods of amendment must include one method of proposal and one method of
ratification.
Methods of proposal:
Methods of Ratification:
• By two-thirds vote in both houses of
• By legislatures in three-fourths of
the Congress
states
• By national constitutional convention
• By conventions in three-fourths of
the called by Congress at the request of twostates
thirds of the state legislatures (never been
used)
Students do not have to give the exact fractions, as long as they understand that it is an
extraordinary majority and that it involves federalism.
Simple majority is not adequate.
Do not have to use exact terms (propose, ratify, supermajority, federalism).
Part B: (1 point for each description of informal methods; 1 point for each example; 4 points total)
Informal methods may include:
• Courts (judicial review/judicial interpretation/application)
• Elastic clause
• Development of political customs/traditions
• The example chosen must be linked to the method described.
Part C: (1 point for basic explanation; 1 point for elaboration; 2 points total)
Can get one point for a basic explanation, (i.e., "it's harder to amend formally")
Second point requires further elaboration
Question 3
5 Points Total
1 point
Presents a clear understanding and analysis of Madison's concern about
the balance of powers between Congress and the President
1 point
Relates concern to the modern era by citing the expansion of presidential
power and/or congressional attempts to restrain presidential power
3 points
Provides at least three examples that clearly link contemporary
relationships to Madison's quote
1 point for each example
5 Point Grading Scale for Constitutional Underpinnings Test
5
4.7
4.3
4
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1.7
1.3
1
1.
2.
3.
-
4.8
4.4
4.1
3.8
3.4
3.1
2.8
2.4
2.1
1.8
1.4
1.1
0
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=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Question One
a.
9 Points
b.
(your score)
X .555 = ___________
Question Two
a.
8 Points
b.
(your score)
X .625 = ___________
Question Three
a.
5 Points
b.
(your score)
X 1.00 = ___________
Add the adjusted scores for the two questions you answered and divide by two. Then
determine your letter grade from the scale above.
(First Adjusted Score) + (Second Adjusted Score)
2
= Final Score on Five Point Scale