Civic Virtues Post-Quiz

What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States?

• that a person has been paying taxes for many years
• that a person is recognized as a legal member of the nation
• that a person always obeys the law
• that a person has lived in the United States for many years

Along with the many rights and privileges of a US citizen also come certain responsibilities. Which of the following is a responsibility of an American citizen?

• to work in a government job
• to attend church regularly
• to always look their best in public
• to serve on a jury

What do we call it when someone works to help others by giving their time and talents without receiving pay?

• performing a public requirement
• voting
• volunteering
• acting on behalf of the constitution

Which of the following demonstrates a character trait that contributes to the health of American democracy?

• obeying the laws you agree with
• treating all people with respect
• treating the people you like with respect
• remembering a friend's birthday

Which of the following activities represents working for the common good?

• collecting food and clothes for the homeless shelter
• swimming at the community pool
• getting good grades to please your parents
• eating a balanced diet to grow strong and healthy

How do citizens contribute to the improvement of a community?

• by volunteerism and civic responsibility
• by virtue and law
• by following volunteerism laws
• by spending time at the public library

Which of the following demonstrates patriotism?

• cutting out pictures of patriotic symbols from a magazine
• reading the newspaper every day
• saying the "Pledge of Allegiance" every morning
• helping the music teacher hand out copies of "America the Beautiful"

Read the quote below from John F. Kennedy's presidential inauguration speech in 1961:
"And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."
What does this statement mean?

• the country is not responsible for its citizens
• a good citizen will start programs which can change people's lives
• the country does not owe its citizens; instead its citizens owe the country service
• good citizens will work for the common good of the nation instead of questioning what the nation has given them as individuals

Read the following excerpt from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..."
Even though this amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, there are times when this freedom is limited. Which example below demonstrates something you are not free to say?

• something that will incite panic, such as yelling "fire!" in a crowded place
• something that is critical of your community, such as saying that you don't like the mayor
• something that criticizes the government such as saying certain laws are not fair
• saying things to annoy people or make fun of them

Why do you think that the founders of the United States decided on this design for the Great Seal of the United States?

• They wanted a design that would reflect the beliefs and values they wanted to be passed on from generation to generation.
• They wanted to ensure that everyone understood what the United States was all about.
• They wanted to send a message to other countries that the United States were all together.
• They wanted to tell the citizens that the eagle was as strong as the United States was at the time.