Mini-Assessment 4 Review

Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the six purposes of government?

• Bill of Rights

• Article IV

• Preamble

• Article I

Answer explanation

The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution serves as the introduction to the U.S. Constitution and includes the six purposes of government.

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SS.7.C.1.6

The statement below was made by President Lyndon B. Johnson during an address to the nation on March 31, 1968.

"I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President."

Which intention of the Preamble is reflected in the statement?

• Government holds frequent elections.

• Government exists to serve the people.

• Government promotes the general welfare.

• Government provides for the common defense.

Answer explanation

The president’s statement is connected with “We the People” from the Preamble because the president stated that he would not be seeking election for president for another term, using the phrase ‘your president’ in doing so.

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SS.7.C.1.6

Why did the Framers require that the U.S. House of Representatives have the sole power to introduce tax bills?

• Laws are easier to debate and pass in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are directly elected by the people.

• Elections are more frequent and expensive for the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are required to have legal experience.

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence included the colonists’ concern that taxes were imposed on them without their consent. Directly electing members of the U.S. House of Representatives gives the people a direct say in who passes tax bills, and originally the Senate was NOT directly elected.

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SS.7.C.1.6

This newspaper headline describes an event in U.S. history.

Which government purpose identified in the Preamble is reflected in the headline?

• ensure domestic tranquility

• promote the general welfare

• secure the blessings of liberty

• provide for the common defense

Answer explanation

The president’s power as commander-in-chief includes the power to use troops to ensure domestic tranquility.

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SS.7.C.1.6

The statement below is from a historical document.

"We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

How is this statement reflected in the modern American political system?

• Voters elect Congress members

• The Electoral College elects Congress

• Congress enforces policies

• The president enacts policies

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution has been amended to include the direct election of senators (in addition to members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are directly elected, according to Article I).

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SS.7.C.1.6

What check does the U.S. Senate have on the president?

• overriding vetoes

• appointing judges

• declaring laws unconstitutional

• refusing to confirm appointments

Answer explanation

Presidential appointments are subject to Senate confirmation in order to take effect.

The statement attached was written by John Adams in April 1776.

Which basic principle of American government is John Adams describing in this statement?

• separation of powers

• individual rights

• natural laws

• civic virtue

Answer explanation

Adams is stating that separating powers is one way to ensure that the people be free.

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SS.7.C.1.7

The table attached describes several powers of the U.S. government.

Which two principles are described in this table?

• separation of powers and checks and balances

• separation of powers and popular sovereignty

• federalism and judicial review

• federalism and republicanism

Answer explanation

The table separates the powers of government among legislative (Senate), executive (president) and judicial (Supreme Court).

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SS.7.C.1.7

Which principle does the U.S. Supreme Court apply when it declares an act of Congress unconstitutional?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• advice and consent

• executive privilege

Answer explanation

The principle of checks and balances allows one branch to challenge, or check, the actions of one or more branches.

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SS.7.C.1.7

Which principle supports President Eisenhower’s action to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that public schools should be integrated?

• judicial review

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• constitutional government

Answer explanation

The president’s decision to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court decision is an example of constitutional government because the president supported the Supreme Court by upholding its decision.

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SS.7.C.1.7