8th Grade Unit 2 Quiz

Representative government and

institutions grew during the colonial period because —

• most colonists did not feel a loyalty to the English king

• each colony was working to protect its own interests

• rulers in England tended to leave the colonists to themselves

• mercantilism meant the colonists relied on England for goods

Which of the following conditions contributed to the development of representative government in the American colonies?

• French merchants desired to control the fur trade in Canada.

• British colonists were accustomed to parliamentary systems.

• Many of the colonial charters were written by early revolutionary leaders.

• American Indian tribes shared successful agricultural products with colonists.

In 1620, the Pilgrims took an important step towards self-government by —

• forming an alliance with American Indian tribes

• creating the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

• agreeing to the provisions of the Mayflower Compact

• establishing a government system with three branches

Based on the information in the excerpt, which statement best describes one effect of the expansion of English settlements in Virginia?

• Colonists were able to export more goods to Great Britain.

• Lifestyles of many American Indian tribes were threatened.

• American Indian tribes banded together to protect their lands.

• Employment opportunities in Virginia increased with more plantations.

According to the excerpt, which factor served to motivate many ocean expeditions?

• The need of the English to colonize additional lands.

• The desire to find a water trade route to the Far East.

• The quest to explore and travel unknown parts of the world.

• The hope to discover gold in the land around the northern seas.

One factor that motivated many European explorers to voyage to North America

was to —

• acquire riches

• spread slavery

• create new kingdoms

• avoid prison for crimes

How did the practice of slavery influence life in the southern colonies?

• African American-owned businesses contributed to colonial wealth.

• An agrarian economy developed based on the plantation system.

• Textile industries relocated to the South where slavery provided free labor.

• The Southern colonial economy grew wealthy from trading enslaved people.

Which of the following was a characteristic of the Virginia House of Burgesses?

• It had 435 members.

• Members were chosen by the governor.

• The governor had no power in its decisions.

• Representatives were elected by the people.

Based on the information in the excerpt, which principle was first recognized by the rulers of the Rhode Island Colony?

• Individual religious choices were allowed.

• Colonial leaders advocated for only one religion.

• Most people living in the colony were not religious.

• Religious practices in the colony were led by the governor.

Why was the creation of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut an important milestone in the growth of representative government in the colonies?

• It was a written constitution and is considered the first in the colonies.

• It was a social contract requiring settlers to sign a loyalty oath to Britain.

• It established the first legislature in the colonies, the House of Burgesses.

• It set the precedent for the idea of judicial review for laws from Congress.