Founders’ Big Ideas
Which idea from John Locke influenced the Declaration of Independence?
A) Divine right of kings
B) Social contract and natural rights
C) Power to the monarchy
D) Absolute rule
B) Social contract and natural rights
What does “We the People” in the Constitution show?
A) Power comes from kings
B) People are ruled by the president
C) The government’s power comes from the citizens
D) Congress rules over citizens
C) The government’s power comes from the citizens
If a news channel reports government corruption, what right are they using?
A) Freedom of petition
B) Right to a jury
C) Freedom of the press
D) Right to bear arms
C) Freedom of the press
What group helps nations solve world problems and promote peace?
A) NATO
B) Supreme Court
C) Congress
D) United Nations
D) United Nations
What do the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments have in common?
A) Protected the president
B) Gave rights to enslaved and formerly enslaved people
C) Limited Congress
D) Allowed states to form armies
B) Gave rights to enslaved and formerly enslaved people
What principle means the government gets its power from the people?
A) Federalism
B) Consent of the governed
C) Rule of law
D) Judicial review
B) Consent of the governed
What part of the Constitution outlines its goals and purpose?
A) Bill of Rights
B) Article I
C) The Preamble
D) Article V
C) The Preamble
A student protests at school peacefully. What right protects them?
A) Freedom of religion
B) Freedom of speech and assembly
C) Right to bear arms
D) Trial by jury
B) Freedom of speech and assembly
Who is responsible for U.S. foreign policy?
A) Senate
B) State governors
C) President
D) Chief Justice
C) President
What type of law is based on earlier court decisions?
A) Statutory
B) Criminal
C) Constitutional
D) Case law
D) Case law (common law)
Which Enlightenment thinker believed in separation of powers?
A) Hobbes
B) Voltaire
C) Montesquieu
D) Rousseau
C) Montesquieu
What is the main idea of checks and balances?
A) Make laws quickly
B) Let states control Congress
C) Each branch limits the others’ powers
D) The president controls all decisions
C) Each branch limits the others’ powers
A police officer enters someone’s house without a warrant. What amendment might be violated?
A) 5th
B) 1st
C) 4th
D) 2nd
C) 4th
What is a sanction?
A) A law passed in Congress
B) A tax on the poor
C) A punishment to influence another country’s actions
D) A new political party
C) A punishment to influence another country’s actions
Why is the Electoral College important?
A) Elects members of Congress
B) Elects state governors
C) Elects the President
D) Votes on laws
C) Elects the President
Why did the Anti-Federalists demand a Bill of Rights?
A) To strengthen federal power
B) To guarantee protection of individual freedoms
C) To give more power to the president
D) To support a monarchy
B) To guarantee protection of individual freedoms
Which principle means no one is above the law—even leaders?
A) Rule of law
B) Popular sovereignty
C) Federalism
D) Separation of church and state
A) Rule of law
A person refuses to testify in court against themselves. What amendment protects them?
A) 6th
B) 7th
C) 5th
D) 9th
C) 5th
After 9/11, the U.S. joined international efforts against terrorism. What is this an example of?
A) Isolationism
B) Diplomacy
C) Global cooperation
D) Political parties
C) Global cooperation
What is the purpose of jury duty?
A) Fund government
B) Make laws
C) Help enforce laws
D) Ensure fair trials
D) Ensure fair trials
How did the English Bill of Rights influence American democracy?
A) It established freedom of speech and fair trials
B) It created a monarchy in the colonies
C) It banned all religions except one
D) It forced people to vote
A) It established freedom of speech and fair trials
What is required to amend the U.S. Constitution?
A) Majority of citizens
B) 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of states
C) The president's signature
D) Supreme Court ruling
B) 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of states
A city is planning a noisy factory near homes. Citizens attend meetings and protest. What are they doing?
A) Violating law
B) Civic duty
C) Civil disobedience
D) Participating in public policy
D) Participating in public policy
What’s the main reason the U.S. joins international organizations?
A) To create laws
B) To gain allies and promote national interest
C) To start wars
D) To raise taxes
B) To gain allies and promote national interest
Why is the U.S. considered a constitutional republic?
A) It’s ruled by a king
B) Citizens elect leaders and are governed by a Constitution
C) The president rules by force
D) Laws come from the military
B) Citizens elect leaders and are governed by a Constitution