Roots of American Government
Which feature of ancient Athens most directly influenced America’s democratic ideals?
A) Monarchy ruled by kings
B) Direct participation of citizens in government
C) Appointment of leaders by birth
D) Military control of the polis
B) Direct participation of citizens in government
What did the lack of an executive branch under the Articles of Confederation reveal about the states’ priorities?
A) They feared centralized power
B) They wanted strong national defense
C) They desired efficient national leadership
D) They believed in popular sovereignty
A) They feared centralized power
The division of power between legislative, executive, and judicial branches ensures what?
A) Absolute authority of Congress
B) Protection against abuse of power
C) Judicial supremacy
D) Quick decision-making
B) Protection against abuse of power
Which statement describes the main disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
A) Whether states should have their own constitutions
B) Whether to include a Bill of Rights
C) Whether to keep the Articles of Confederation
D) Whether to separate church and state
B) Whether to include a Bill of Rights
Which amendment guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
A) 1st Amendment
B) 2nd Amendment
C) 5th Amendment
D) 10th Amendment
A) 1st Amendment
The principle that laws should apply equally to all citizens comes from which tradition?
A) Ancient Egypt
B) Roman Republic
C) Feudal Europe
D) Native Confederacies
B) Roman Republic
Why did Congress struggle to fund the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
A) States refused to enforce trade agreements
B) States had no obligation to pay taxes
C) The president controlled all taxation powers
D) The judiciary blocked tax laws
B) States had no obligation to pay taxes
Which statement best describes the purpose of “checks and balances”?
A) To allow the executive to control Congress
B) To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
C) To grant the president veto-proof authority
D) To make laws without judicial review
B) To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
Why did Federalists argue that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary?
A) They distrusted popular sovereignty
B) They believed the Constitution already protected rights
C) They opposed individual freedoms
D) They wanted unlimited federal poweR
B) They believed the Constitution already protected rights
What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?
A) To define government powers
B) To protect individual liberties from government abuse
C) To explain the Preamble
D) To establish federal courts
B) To protect individual liberties from government abuse
Which Enlightenment idea most directly challenged the divine right of kings?
A) Natural rights of life, liberty, and property
B) The power of monarchy
C) The concept of mercantilism
D) The idea of taxation without representation
A) Natural rights of life, liberty, and property
Which phrase from the Preamble expresses the goal of protecting citizens’ freedoms for future generations?
A) “Provide for the common defense”
B) “Promote the general welfare”
C) “Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”
D) “Establish justice”
C) “Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”
Which of the following best illustrates the rule of law?
A) The president is immune from prosecution
B) All citizens and officials must obey the law
C) Laws are interpreted differently for each state
D) Congress can ignore the Constitution
B) All citizens and officials must obey the law
Which Anti-Federalist concern led to the addition of the Bill of Rights?
A) Lack of national defense
B) Weak executive power
C) Threat of government tyranny
D) Absence of a judicial branch
C) Threat of government tyranny
Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
A) 13th Amendment
B) 14th Amendment
C) 15th Amendment
D) 19th Amendment
A) 13th Amendment
Montesquieu believed that power should be divided among branches of government. What is this called?
A) Federalism
B) Separation of Powers
C) Checks and Balances
D) Judicial Review
B) Separation of Powers
Which purpose of government stated in the Preamble focuses on maintaining peace within the nation?
A) “Ensure domestic tranquility”
B) “Establish justice”
C) “Form a more perfect union”
D) “Provide for the common defense”
A) “Ensure domestic tranquility”
Due process protects citizens by ensuring:
A) Equal distribution of resources
B) Fair and legal procedures before punishment
C) State governments can overrule federal laws
D) Congress controls all trials
B) Fair and legal procedures before punishment
Which statement would most likely have been said by a Federalist during the ratification debates?
A) “The Constitution will endanger state power.”
B) “A stronger national government is essential to preserve the Union.”
C) “The Articles of Confederation are sufficient.”
D) “The people should rule through direct democracy.”
B) “A stronger national government is essential to preserve the Union.”
Which amendment extended voting rights to women?
A) 14th
B) 15th
C) 19th
D) 26th
C) 19th
The Judeo-Christian tradition influenced America’s government by emphasizing what idea?
A) Economic freedom
B) Religious uniformity
C) Ethical values and personal responsibility
D) Divine right of kings
C) Ethical values and personal responsibility
The phrase “We the People” best illustrates which key constitutional principle?
A) Federalism
B) Rule of Law
C) Popular Sovereignty
D) Judicial Review
C) Popular Sovereignty
Which scenario violates the principle of limited government?
A) The Supreme Court reviews a law
B) The president suspends elections during wartime
C) Congress overrides a veto with a two-thirds vote
D) The Senate confirms a judicial appointment
B) The president suspends elections during wartime
Which compromise led to widespread support for the Constitution’s ratification?
A) Adding the Bill of Rights
B) The Great Compromise
C) The 3/5 Compromise
D) Establishing the Supreme Court
A) Adding the Bill of Rights
The 14th Amendment’s “equal protection clause” is most important because it:
A) Guarantees the right to bear arms
B) Ensures citizens are treated fairly under the law
C) Establishes term limits for Congress
D) Grants the president emergency powers
B) Ensures citizens are treated fairly under the law