Topic 2 - Beginnings of American Government

Front

What was the primary outcome of King John signing the Magna Carta in 1215?

Back

Established that the power of the monarchy was not absolute and guaranteed trial by jury and due process of law to the nobility.

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta established that the power of the monarchy was not absolute and guaranteed trial by jury and due process of law to the nobility.

Front

What is the basic principle of limited government?

Back

Government is restricted in what it may do, and each individual has rights that government cannot take away.

Answer explanation

Limited government is a basic principle stating that government is restricted in what it may do, and each individual has rights that government cannot take away.

Front

What concept holds that the government must act fairly and in accord with established rules?

Back

Due process

Answer explanation

'Due process' is the concept that holds that the government must act fairly and in accord with established rules in all that it does.

Front

What is representative government?

Back

A system of government in which public policies are made by officials selected by the voters and held accountable in periodic elections.

Answer explanation

Representative government is a system of government in which public policies are made by officials selected by the voters and held accountable in periodic elections.

Front

Which document challenged the idea of the divine right of kings and declared that even the monarch was subject to the laws of the land?

Back

The Petition of Right

Answer explanation

The Petition of Right document prepared by Parliament and signed by King Charles I challenged the idea of the divine right of kings and declared that even the monarch was subject to the laws of the land.

Front

Who was known for his scientific discoveries, drafting the Declaration of Independence, and being a leading member of the Second Continental Congress?

Back

Benjamin Franklin

Answer explanation

Benjamin Franklin was known for his scientific discoveries, drafting the Declaration of Independence, and being a leading member of the Second Continental Congress.

Front

What is a bicameral legislative body composed of?

Back

Two chambers

Answer explanation

'Bicameral' means having two parts; describing a legislative body composed of two chambers.

Front

What was an integral part of the political system brought by the earliest English settlers?

Back

English common law

Answer explanation

English common law, which is unwritten, was an integral part of the political system brought by the earliest English settlers.

Front

What is English constitutionalism based on?

Back

Government leaders being subject to the limitations of the law

Answer explanation

English constitutionalism is based on the notion that government leaders are subject to the limitations of the law.

Front

What idea did the English colonists believe in, which states that every individual has certain unalienable rights that government cannot take away?

Back

Limited Government

Answer explanation

The colonists also believed firmly in the idea of limited government, which states that every individual has certain rights—unalienable rights—that government cannot take away.