Foundations of Government
What are the natural rights listed in the Declaration of Independence?
A. life, liberty, and privacy
B. life, liberty, and property
C. life, liberty, and protection from harm
D. life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Which document addressed colonial concerns about English policies?
A. U.S. Constitution
B. Mayflower Compact
C. English Bill of Rights
D. Declaration of Independence
Which level of government is primarily responsible for resolving problems related to local trash collection and neighborhood parks?
A. state
B. local
C. regiona
D. federal
Which constitutional principle is demonstrated by the division of government into three branches?
A. federalism
B. judicial review
C. separation of powers
D. checks and balances
Which right ensures the fair treatment of a citizen during court proceedings?
A. the right to bear arms
B. the right to free speech
C. the right to due process
D. the right to peaceably assemble
Which form of government was used when developing the United States first constitution?
A. Federal
B. Capitalism
C. Parliamentary
D. Confederalism
According to the Declaration of Independence, where do our natural rights come from?
A. the creator, at birth
B. the government, at birth
C. when we gain citizenship
D. when we receive them from the government
Which form of government is characterized by a single leader who holds absolute power for life?
A. republic
B. oligarchy
C. autocracy
D. democracy
Which group argued that a strong central government was necessary to protect the nation from external threats and internal unrest?
A. Loyalists
B. Federalists
C. Anti-Federalists
D. Constitutionalists
What has been the most likely impact of the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments on the American political process?
A. The number of political parties has been restricted.
B. The power of the executive branch has been limited
C. Qualifications for state offices have been increased.
D. Participation in the political process has broadened
What did many American colonists use Thomas Paine's Common Sense to justify?
A. Supporting the British monarchy
B. Declaring independence from Britain
C. Joining the army instead of the militia
D. Acts of sabotage against British merchants
How did colonists respond to the majority of English policies?
A. Requested a new king
B. Protesting and boycotting
C. Voted against the policies
D. Followed and respected them
Which system of government divides power between a central national government and smaller state or regional governments?
A. unitary
B. federal
C. autocracy
D. confederal
According to the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which statement defines a person as a citizen?
A. anyone who pays taxes to the state
B. anyone who has graduated from high school
C. anyone who has been given a Social Security card
D. anyone who was born or naturalized in the United States
What is the main goal of the Bill of Rights?
A. protecting individuals from unnecessary laws
B. protecting states from unnecessary regulations
C. protecting states from national abuses of authority
D. protecting individuals from government abuses of power
Which example best demonstrates Montesquieu’s concept of “separation of powers”?
A. Natural rights are protected in the governing document
B. Suffrage extends to all citizens, natural born or naturalized
C. Social contract permits overthrowing an unjust government
D. The government consists of a judicial, legislative, and executive branch
Which was a weakness under the Articles of Confederation?
A. The president could enforce laws.
B. Congress could not collect taxes.
C. States could not trade among each other.
D. D. The national court system settled disputes between states.
Which branch of the national government is responsible for interpreting the laws?
A. state branch
B. judicial branch
C. executive branch
D. legislative branch
Which branch of government is primarily responsible for protecting individual rights and freedoms through the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution?
A. military branch
B. judicial branch
C. executive branch
D. legislative branch
Which role is the media performing when it investigates and reports on government corruption?
A. platform
B. watchdog
C. gatekeeper
D. agenda setter
Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States?
A. the rule of law
B. the right to trial
C. the elastic clause
D. the commerce clause
Which historical document inspired colonists to seek independence?
A. Magna Carta
B. Common Sense
C. Mayflower Compact
D. English Bill of Rights
Which power is shared by both the federal government and the Florida state government?
A. the power to tax
B. the power to coin money
C. the power to declare war
D. the power to sign treaties
According to the U.S. Constitution, which qualification is required to become President of the United States?
A. a college degree
B. a military background
C. a natural-born citizen
D. a resident of the country for five years
Which constitutional amendment granted women the right to vote in national elections?
A. 13th Amendment
B. 14th Amendment
C. 15th Amendment
D. 19th Amendment