Civics Unit 1

The people of a nation elect officials to govern for them in a(n)

• direct democracy.

• absolute monarchy.

• representative democracy.

• totalitarian government.

Historically, direct democracies have been suited to

• most communities, large or small.

• small communities.

• medium to large communities.

• new countries.

The voters in a community meet together to make decisions and laws in a(n)

• representative democracy

• absolute monarchy

• direct democracy

• dictatorship

The form of government found in the United States is sometimes called

• a constitutional alliance

• a traditional democracy

• a monarchy

• a republic

Which of the following statements is false?

• Government makes it possible for large groups of people to live together peacefully.

• Some form of government is found in every society.

• Most governments are designed to control all aspects of citizens’ lives.

• A government’s most important laws are stated in its constitution.

Under the U.S. system of government,

• the press has the freedom to print untrue statements.

• the Constitution allows the president to establish a national religion.

• Congress has the power to decide which groups of people in the nation may vote.

• citizens have the right to have their reputations protected from lies.

Which of the following freedoms is not permitted under the American form of government?

• freedom to speak against the political party in power

• freedom to cut down a tree on your neighbor’s property

• freedom to refuse to practice a religion

• freedom to compete with other people for jobs

Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• John Adams

• James Madison

The Declaration of Independence

• states that the purpose of government is to protect human rights.

• fails to explain the reasons the thirteen colonies separated from Great Britain.

• provides the blueprint of a government for the new United States.

• objects to the idea that the power of the government comes from the consent of the governed.

The Articles of Confederation went into effect in

• 1776

• 1781

• 1789

• 1812