HN Civics Study Quiz 1

No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land. —Magna Carta, 1215

What best identifies a similar principle as it appears in the United States government?

• the separation of powers as designed in the Constitution

• due process protections as provided for in the Bill of Rights

• judicial review as established in the Marbury v. Madison decision

• the belief in human equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence

. . . Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience . . . —Mayflower Compact, 1620

What best explains why this document is important?

• It was an early step towards self-government in the American colonies.

• It established the principle of religious toleration in the American colonies.

• It pledged representatives of the thirteen American colonies to work together.

• It led to conflict between the American colonists and the English government.

What is the purpose of the U.S. system of checks and balances?

• to increase voter participation

• to limit authority of government branches

• to improve procedures for the legislature

• to limit state powers

Which feature of the U.S. government prevents this type of situation?

• the guarantee of legal protection against self-incrimination

• the Constitutional system of checks and balances

• the Constitutional protection of free expression

• the division of powers between federal and state governments

Which statement best explains why direct democratic participation is more effective at the local level than at the state and national levels of government?

• Issues with more immediate impact can be discussed in greater depth.

• Larger groups with voting power often make more reasonable decisions.

• Citizens in small communities are more likely to be neutral on matters.

• Problems that affect large regions can be solved by separate, small groups.

Generation18 (formerly known as 18 in ‘08) is the largest national nonpartisan youth engagement organization run by youth. Generation18 was created to register, engage, and mobilize young voters specifically for the 2008 election and now works to engage young people in policy and politics year round specifically through film and new media.

—“About the Organization,” Generation 18, 2012

Which factor most likely motivated the establishment of this organization?

• the lack of oversight by the federal government

• the need for accountability by state legislators

• the need for modifications in voter requirements

• the absence of a diverse voting population

Article. I.

Section. 1.

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

Section. 3

aThe Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote

Based on the reading, the Constitution established a system of equal representation by creating

• the Electoral College

• a bicameral legislation

• a system of federal courts

• three branches of government

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

What is the source of this quotation?

• United States Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

• Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

. . . Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . .

—The Declaration of Independence, 1776

This excerpt is based on which philosophical argument?

• rule of law

• social contract theory

• civil disobedience

• divine right of kings

According to the Baron de Montesquieu, what are the three main parts of government whose powers should be separated?

• national, state, and local

• feudalism, mercantilism, and capitalism

• the monarchy, the military, and the church

• the executive, the judicial, and the legislative