Principles of Constitution (Unit 2)

Read the excerpt below.

“No freeman [person] shall be taken or imprisoned,...or outlawed, or banished, or in any way destroyed, unless by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land...”

–Magna Carta, 1215

Which of these principles found in the Bill of Rights is based on the Magna Carta?

• guarantee of free speech

• protection of the right of the state to organize a militia

• provision for due process

• prohibition against excessive bail and fines

Which of these is a similarity between the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

• They list the rights of those accused of a crime.

• They divide powers of government among three branches.

• They list the grievances of American colonists against Great Britain.

• They state that government gains authority from the people.

One of the main purposes of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is to

• limit individual rights

• limit the power of government

• strengthen criminal laws

• improve the court system

Which of these principles of government is demonstrated when the governor of Maryland vetoes a bill?

• federalism

• popular sovereignty

• checks and balances

• representative democracy

The United States Constitution is called a “living document” because it

• can be changed when needed

• outlines the government's structure

• refers to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• supports every citizen's right to make a good living

Which of these statements is most likely true about a representative democracy?

• citizens have unlimited individual rights

• citizens vote directly on all legislative issues

• government leaders rule by military force

• the people elect government leaders

"The purse and sword must not be in the same hands.” Which principle of government is expressed?

• Limited Government

• Executive Privilege

• Separation of Powers

• Popular Sovereignty

Which of these principles of government is used by the U.S. Supreme Court when it rules that a law is unconstitutional?

• judicial review

• federalism

• individual rights

• popular sovereignty

"In all that people can individually do for themselves, government ought not to interfere.”

~Abraham Lincoln

• checks and balances

• limited government

• due process of law

• separation of powers

Which case established the right of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of law?

• McCulloch v. Maryland

• Plessy v. Ferguson

• Marbury v. Madison

• Brown v. Board of Education