Foundations of American History

The Bill of Rights was added to the US Constitution primarily to-

• provide the President with power in times of emergency
• establish fair and impartial elections
• protect individual liberties
• guarantee voting privileges to minorities

Which guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion to individuals in the United States?

• the Treaty of Paris of 1783
• the Articles of Confederation
• the First Amendment to the US Constitution
• the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution

Which of the following was an important characteristic of American society as noted by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831-1832?

• federalism
• imperialism
• populism
• isolationism

Which has been an important limitation on the power of eminent domain found in the Fifth Amendment?

• The reciting of prayers in public schools has been prohibited.
• There must be a "clear and present danger" before it can be exercised.
• Individuals accused of committing crimes are protected from abusive behavior by the police.
• Governments must provide "reasonable compensation" when taking a person's property.

Which of the following words are part of the Declaration of Independence?

• "They are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
• "All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States"
• "No soldier shall, in times of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner"
• "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Which action would be protected by the First Amendment?

• A reporter publishes an article critical of city officials.
• A man on trial refuses to testify against himself.
• A woman asks to see a lawyer before answering questions from the police.
• A family refuses to permit soldiers to be housed in their home.

In the US, illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in a court of law against someone. This rule is based on an individual's constitutional right to-

• face accusers in open court
• be protected against double jeopardy
• a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury
• protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

Which statement describes a limitation on government action established by the Bill of Rights?

• Congress controls interstate commerce.
• The President shares control over foreign policy with Congress.
• The Supreme Court can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
• Government officials cannot enter a home without the owners permission or a valid search warrant.

Which principle was adopted in the US Constitution to ensure that no one branch of the federal government became too powerful?

• republican government
• popular sovereignty
• judicial review
• checks and balances

What has been the impact of the First Amendment's separation of church and state on the American way of life?

• It has brought about an end to religious differences.
• It has helped to promote religious freedom.
• It has increased American interest in religion.
• It has fostered inequality between religious groups.