Chapter 8 - The Constitution

Who can become an American citizen through the process of naturalization?

• a person born on U.S. soil to parents who are U.S. citizens

• a person born on U.S. soil to parents who are not U.S. citizens

• a person born on foreign soil to parents who are U.S. citizens

• a person born on foreign soil to parents who are not U.S. citizens

“Wong Kim Ark was born in 1873 in the city of San Francisco, in the State of California and United States of America, and was and is a laborer. His father and mother were persons of Chinese descent, and subjects of the Emperor of China;

. . . [In 1894] he (being about twenty-one years of age, but whether a little above or a little under that age does not appear) . . . departed for China on a temporary visit and with the intention of returning to the United States, and he did return thereto by sea in August, 1895, and applied to the collector of customs for permission to land, and was denied such permission upon the sole ground that he was not a citizen of the United States.”

In 1898, the Supreme Court decided an important case on citizenship, United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Read the excerpt from the decision and answer the question.

The Supreme Court ruled in Wong Kim Ark’s favor, saying that he was an American citizen based on the Fourteenth Amendment. Upon which idea would this ruling have been based?

• Wong Kim Ark was born on American soil.

• Wong Kim Ark was over 18 years of age.

• Wong Kim Ark’s parents were American citizens.

• Wong Kim Ark’s parents were American citizens.

• Wong Kim Ark was a naturalized citizen.

Which statement describes the right of citizens to due process of law?

• The government must treat people the same under the law, regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs.

• The government must treat people fairly and follow established procedures.

• The government can exercise only those powers granted to it specifically in the Constitution.

• The government cannot make a law prohibiting the right of citizens to petition the government.

Which passage from the Constitution describes the First Amendment rights of Americans?

• “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

• “The right of the citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

• “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

• “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place, to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Which line in the table correctly matches the amendment with the segment of the population that was granted voting rights?

• Line 1

• Line 2

• Line 3

• Line 4

How did the Twenty-Fourth Amendment help expand voting rights?

• It outlawed poll taxes as a qualification to vote.

• It outlawed written tests as a qualification to vote.

• It required voting districts to be redrawn to accurately reflect population growth.

• It required all states to allow naturalized citizens to vote.

The Supremacy Clause relates most closely to which principle of the Constitution?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• federalism

• individual rights

Which terms complete this graphic organizer?

• Federal powers: reserved powers; State powers: enumerated powers

• Federal powers: reserved powers; State powers: implied powers

• Federal powers: enumerated powers; State powers: reserved powers

• Federal powers: enumerated powers; State powers: implied powers

In what way can the executive branch check the power of the judicial branch?

• The executive branch can refuse to approve treaties.

• The executive branch can appoint judges.

• The executive branch can impeach judges.

• The executive branch can veto legislation.

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights protects individual rights. Which of the following behaviors are protected by this amendment?

Select all that apply.

• gathering to protest a new law

• owning a gun

• asking Congress to repeal a law

• writing a blog criticizing the president

• practicing a religion