Unit 1 Review: Government

By using the phrase “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson and the American Founders were arguing that —

• the Anglican Church did not have sole religious authority

• the British government was based on the divine-right theory

• the colonies had the right to independence because of natural law

• the colonies can establish a separate church free of government influence

The Declaration of Independence lists “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” as —

• state’s rights

• legislative duties

• unalienable rights

• governmental powers

The Founding Fathers considered that the idea of natural law should be —

• similar to the divine right of kings

• naturally easy for all of society to agree upon

• made in accordance with long-held traditions

• based on justice and transcend man-made law

Which political idea is based on the belief that citizens must be willing to give up some freedoms in exchange for the protection of rights?

• Divine right

• Natural rights

• Social contract

• Rule by the majority

Which major political tradition argues that a legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed?

• Federalism

• Common law

• Natural rights

• Republicanism

The founding of the United States has traditional roots in Judeo-Christian teachings as well as philosophies developed primarily during the —

• Renaissance

• Reformation

• Enlightenment

• Commercial Revolution

Which individual’s writings, noted for systemizing English common law, were studied by the early founders of the United States?

• Blackstone

• Locke

• Montesquieu

• Moses

In his service at the Constitutional Convention, Alexander Hamilton argued that the Founders should establish a government characterized by —

• a powerful aristocracy

• a growing merchant class

• a strong central authority

• a loose confederation of states

Which of the following Founding Fathers is remembered as both a strong supporter of central government as well as the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• George Mason

Which Founding Father demanded the U.S. Constitution describe the rights of states and individuals that the federal government should protect?

• James Madison

• George Mason

• Roger Sherman

• James Wilson