The United States Constitution is best described as

• statement of rules and procedures for governing
• summary of governmental customs and traditions
• guarantee of prosperity for all citizens
• justification for rebellion against Great Britain

The most essential feature of democratic government is

• a bicameral legislature
• a free and open election process
• a written constitution
• separate branches of government

Which feature must a nation have to be considered a democracy?

• a strong president
• citizen participation in government
• elected judges to conduct trials
• a set of laws

A republican form of government is described as one in which

• there is a two-party system
• representatives are elected by the people
• elected officials have limited terms
• government power is limited by checks and balances

Which concept found in the Constitution was a belief held by the social contract philosophers of the Enlightenment?

• presidential cabinet
• judicial review
• limited monarchy
• sovereignty of the people

The preamble (introduction) to the Constitution states the purposes of government and is based on the belief that

• the states have ultimate authority
• members of Congress should be appointed
• Supreme Court Justices should be elected
• the people are sovereign

The preamble of the Constitution demonstrates that the writers believed that sovereignty belongs to the

• federal government
• state governments
• president
• people

The preamble (introduction) to the Constitution begins with the words "We the people" in order to show that the people 

• have a right to a trial by jury
• are guaranteed an adequate standard of living
• are the true source of political power
• have the right to assemble

The preamble of the United States Constitution was written to

• outline the organization of the government
• protect the people from abuses of the Federal Government
• describe the purposes of the government
• provide for ways to amend the Constitution

Which statement most accurately describes federalism?

• The judicial branch of government has more power than the other two branches.
• The president and vice president divide executive power.
• Power is divided between the national government and the states.
• Power is shared between the two houses of Congress.