U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What is a key feature of the Constitution created during the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

1. A system of checks and balances

2. Direct democracy system

3. Unitary government structure

4. Independence from foreign affairs

The correct answer is: A system of checks and balances

A key feature of the Constitution created during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 is a system of checks and balances. This principle was established to ensure that no single branch of government – the legislative, executive, or judicial – could gain too much power, thereby safeguarding against tyranny. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities that allow it to limit the powers of the others, fostering a balance of power that is fundamental to the functioning of the U.S. government. This framework is designed to encourage cooperation and prevent abuses of power, reflecting the framers’ intentions to create a government that is both strong and accountable to the people. In contrast, the concepts of direct democracy, unitary government structure, and independence from foreign affairs do not accurately reflect the framework established by the Constitution. Direct democracy, where citizens vote on policies directly, differs from the representative democracy established by the Constitution. A unitary government structure, which centralizes power in a single national government, contrasts with the federal system created, where power is divided between national and state governments. Finally, while the Constitution addresses foreign affairs, it does not center on independence from them; instead, it provides for a framework in which the federal government has specific powers to conduct such matters.