U.S. History 2nd Semester Exam

The idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed can be found in which two governing documents?

• The Mayflower Compact and the Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution

• The Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights

• The Emancipation Proclamation and the Federalist Papers

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence asserts that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and the U.S. Constitution establishes a government based on this principle, making these documents the correct choice.

How is the idea of "consent of the governed" shown in the Constitution?

• Through the appointment of judges

• By allowing citizens to vote for their representatives

• By granting the president unlimited power

• Through the establishment of martial law

Answer explanation

The idea of 'consent of the governed' is shown in the Constitution by allowing citizens to vote for their representatives, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people and reflects their will.

Which document created a stronger central government with separation of powers following the failure of the Articles of Confederation?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Federalist Papers

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution established a stronger central government with a system of checks and balances, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ensuring separation of powers among branches.

What was added to the Constitution to guarantee individual freedoms of citizens?

• The Preamble

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Emancipation Proclamation

Answer explanation

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to guarantee individual freedoms of citizens, ensuring protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms.

Which part of American government keeps any one branch from becoming too powerful?

• Federalism

• Checks and balances

• The Electoral College

• The Cabinet

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Checks and balances' because this system ensures that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate the others, maintaining a balance of power.

Which amendment guarantees freedom of religion?

• Second Amendment

• First Amendment

• Fourth Amendment

• Tenth Amendment

Answer explanation

The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, along with freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition. It is a fundamental part of the Bill of Rights, ensuring individuals can practice their faith without government interference.

When writing the Constitution, what helped determine how states with enslaved people would be represented and taxed?

• The Three-Fifths Compromise

• The Missouri Compromise

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Monroe Doctrine

Answer explanation

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a crucial agreement during the writing of the Constitution that determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation, counting them as three-fifths of a person.

Which philosopher said that government is a contract with the people to protect their natural rights?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Voltaire

• Montesquieu

Answer explanation

John Locke argued that government is a social contract formed to protect the natural rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and property. This idea contrasts with Hobbes' view of a strong, absolute authority.

Which branch of government includes the Senate and the House of Representatives?

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

• Administrative

Answer explanation

The Legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws and includes two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Therefore, the correct answer is Legislative.

Following the law and contributing through taxes are examples of...

• Responsibilities

• Obligations

• Natural rights

• Political campaigns

Answer explanation

Following the law and paying taxes are duties that individuals must fulfill, making them obligations. Responsibilities are broader and can include voluntary actions, while obligations are legally binding.