Civics Literacy Practice Test

The statements below are from the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.

1) That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand... evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury...

2) That the legislative, executive, and judiciary department shall be separate and distinct...

3) That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained...

4) That a well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state...

Source: Public Domain / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Which statement reflects the Enlightenment ideas of government as expressed by Montesquieu?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

If the Magna Carta led to a limited monarchy, what did the Mayflower Compact lead to?

• Separation of powers

• Economic freedom

• Self-government

• Individual rights

Below is a chronological list of events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

1) British policies limit colonial rights.

2) ???

3) British ignore colonial grievances.

4) Declaration of Independence is approved.

Which statement goes with event #2?

• Colonial agricultural trade increases.

• Colonial religious devotion increases.

• Colonial demand for political change increases.

• Colonial demand for military assistance increases.

The passage below was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 book, Common Sense.

Source: Public Domain / Project Gutenberg

"The powers of governing... in the hands of the king... himself such an... enemy to liberty... is he... a proper person to say to these colonies, 'YOU SHALL MAKE NO LAWS BUT WHAT I PLEASE.' ”

Based on this passage, with which complaint against the king from the Declaration of Independence would Thomas Paine agree?

• persecuting immigrant groups

• taking away religious rights

• taking away political rights

• persecuting racial groups

How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation?

• It avoided the issue of states’ rights.

• It allowed the states to elect representatives.

• It prevented the amendment of federal laws.

• It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.

In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase “We the People”?

• The people express their will through political parties.

• The people express their will by directly creating laws.

• Government receives taxes from the people and exists to support them.

• Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them.

The passage below is from Federalist No. 47, written by James Madison in 1788.

Source: Public Domain / Project Gutenberg

...Montesquieu was guided... in saying “There can be no liberty where the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or body”... he did not mean that these departments ought to have... no CONTROL over, the acts of each other.

Based on this passage, which constitutional principle does Madison describe?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• popular sovereignty

• judicial review

Which statement supports the Anti-Federalists in the struggle over ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

• The Constitution should limit state government.

• The Constitution should protect fundamental rights.

• The Constitution should create a strong national government.

• The Constitution should prevent the election of amateur politicians.

Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States?

• the commerce clause

• the elastic clause

• the right to trial

• the rule of law

Below are some general eligibility requirements.

-Be of good moral character.

-Read, write, and speak English.

-Possess basic knowledge of U.S. History and Government.

What are these eligibility requirements for?

• Joining a Military Service

• Obtaining a Driver’s License

• Becoming a Naturalized Citizen

• Receiving a Social Security Card