Comparative Government
In which system does political power rest with a small group of elites, often wealthy or military leaders?
A) Democracy
B) Theocracy
C) Oligarchy
D) Republic
C) Oligarchy
Which case established the principle that the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional?
A) United States v. Nixon
B) Gideon v. Wainwright
C) Marbury v. Madison
D) Brown v. Board of Education
C) Marbury v. Madison
Which amendment protects individuals from being tried twice for the same crime?
A) 6th Amendment
B) 4th Amendment
C) 8th Amendment
D) 5th Amendment
D) 5th Amendment
Which constitutional principle divides power between national and state governments?
A) Federalism
B) Judicial review
C) Separation of powers
D) Popular sovereignty
A) Federalism
The idea that government derives its authority from the people is known as:
A) Federalism
B) Popular sovereignty
C) Judicial restraint
D) Limited monarchy
B) Popular sovereignty
A country ruled by a king or queen whose power is inherited is best described as:
A) Autocracy
B) Monarchy
C) Republic
D) Direct democracy
B) Monarchy
Which case expanded the rights of accused individuals by requiring states to provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one?
A) Miranda v. Arizona
B) Gideon v. Wainwright
C) In re Gault
D) Plessy v. Ferguson
B) Gideon v. Wainwright
Which amendment most directly expanded voting rights to women nationwide?
A) 19th Amendment
B) 15th Amendment
C) 24th Amendment
D) 14th Amendment
A) 19th Amendment
The amendment process requires approval by both Congress and:
A) The President
B) State legislatures or conventions
C) The Supreme Court
D) The Cabinet
B) State legislatures or conventions
Which principle ensures that government officials are subject to the same laws as citizens?
A) Rule of law
B) Consent of the governed
C) Separation of powers
D) Federal supremacy
A) Rule of law
Which system combines elected representatives with a written constitution that limits government power?
A) Republic
B) Autocracy
C) Theocracy
D) Absolute monarchy
A) Republic
Which case limited presidential power by requiring the release of evidence during the Watergate investigation?
A) Marbury v. Madison
B) Brown v. Board
C) United States v. Nixon
D) Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
C) United States v. Nixon
Which amendment is most closely associated with incorporating protections against state governments through due process?
A) 10th Amendment
B) 14th Amendment
C) 3rd Amendment
D) 9th Amendment
B) 14th Amendment
Which constitutional feature prevents any one branch from dominating the others?
A) Popular sovereignty
B) Federalism
C) Checks and balances
D) Supremacy clause
C) Checks and balances
A written constitution that limits government authority primarily reflects:
A) Absolute sovereignty
B) Divine right
C) Limited government
D) Oligarchic control
C) Limited government
In which system is political authority based primarily on religious doctrine?
A) Oligarchy
B) Democracy
C) Theocracy
D) Republic
C) Theocracy
Which pair of cases directly contradict one another regarding racial segregation in public schools?
A) Gideon & Miranda
B) Marbury & Nixon
C) Brown & Plessy
D) Gault & Hazelwood
C) Brown & Plessy
Which amendment eliminated poll taxes in federal elections?
A) 13th Amendment
B) 26th Amendment
C) 24th Amendment
D) 15th Amendment
C) 24th Amendment
The Supremacy Clause establishes that:
A) States may ignore federal law
B) Federal law overrides conflicting state law
C) Courts control elections
D) Congress may suspend state constitutions
B) Federal law overrides conflicting state law
Which principle is most directly connected to protecting individual liberty from government overreach?
A) Judicial review
B) Limited government
C) Executive privilege
D) Legislative supremacy
B) Limited government
Which form of government concentrates unlimited power in a single ruler, without meaningful constitutional limits?
A) Monarchy (constitutional)
B) Autocracy
C) Republic
D) Oligarchy
B) Autocracy
Which case recognized that minors have due process rights in juvenile court proceedings?
A) Dred Scott v. Sandford
B) In re Gault
C) Brown v. Board
D) Plessy v. Ferguson
B) In re Gault
Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18?
A) 19th Amendment
B) 15th Amendment
C) 26th Amendment
D) 12th Amendment
C) 26th Amendment
Which constitutional mechanism allows Congress to remove a federal official for misconduct?
A) Judicial review
B) Amendment
C) Veto override
D) Impeachment
D) Impeachment
Which foundational principle most directly supports the ability of citizens to replace leaders through elections?
A) Federalism
B) Separation of powers
C) Popular sovereignty
D) Judicial review
C) Popular sovereignty