HSA Review 1.1

“That all Government of right originates from the People . . . and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government. . . .” —Article 1, Declaration of Rights, Constitution of Maryland

Which of these principles of government is stated in the excerpt?

• equal protection
• rule of law
• separation of powers
• consent of the governed

Which of these is a characteristic of a dictatorship?

• A system of checks and balances distributes government power.
• Individual freedoms and rights are protected by the constitution.
• Courts may override decisions made by government leaders.
• Government leaders rule with absolute authority.

In 1988, Congress passed a law authorizing the payment of $20,000 to each Japanese American placed in relocation camps during World War II. This law is an example of Congress...

• recognizing violations of the rights of a minority
• upholding decisions made during times of war
• maintaining the rights of the majority
• protecting national security

According to the U.S. Constitution, which of these actions is a power of the states?

• raising an army
• conducting elections
• establishing post offices
• coining money

The U.S. Constitution corrected a weakness of the Articles of Confederation by

• establishing a national legislature
• allowing state governments to have power
• requiring that amendments be approved by the states
• giving the national government the power to collect taxes

In which of these government systems are government leaders most accountable to citizens?

• oligarchy
• dictatorship
• absolute monarchy
• representative democracy

Which of these statements about a unitary form of government is correct?

• The central government is created by the local governments.
• The central government has no judicial authority over local governments.
• Local governments can veto legislation proposed by the central government.
• Local governments have only those powers given to them by the central government.

Which of these could be a disadvantage of living under an authoritarian government?

• a slow legislative process
• a weak executive branch
• a lack of national laws
• a lack of individual freedoms

Which of these is an example of following the rule of law?

• Citizens vote for a new amendment.
• The General Assembly approves the governor’s budget.
• Political parties hold a convention to nominate candidates.
• The governor is impeached for wrongdoing.

Which of these is an example of separation of powers?

• Representatives rewrite a bill in committee meetings.
• Representatives hold hearings to hear public opinion.
• The President enforces a law passed by Congress.
• The President fires a cabinet member who is performing poorly.