2022-2023 Civics Semester 1 Review

What are the two ways in which one can be an American birthright citizen?

(select 2 answers)

• Law of Blood

• Law of Soil

• Law of Nature

• Rule of Law

Answer explanation

The "Law of Soil" is becoming an American citizen because one is born inside of the United States, or any of its territories. The "Law of Blood" is when one is born an American citizen because their parents are already American citizens.

The process for becoming an American citizen.

• naturalization

• acclimation

• assimilation

• familiarization

Answer explanation

If someone is not born as an American citizen, they can go through the naturalization process to become one. But there are requirements. Do you know what they are?

Tommy is 24 years old. He was born in the United States, but moved to Canada at the age of 4 with his parents. When he became an adult, he moved back to the United States. What is Tommy's citizenship status>?

• Tommy is an American citizen by the Law of Blood

• Tommy is an American citizen by the Law of Soil

• Tommy is a naturalized American citizen

• Tommy is a permanent legal resident eligible for citizenship.

What is required in order to become a naturalized citizen?

(Select all that apply)

• Voting in the previous presidential election

• Knowledge of US history and government

• Be of "good moral character"

• Being a lawful permanent resident for 5 years

Answer explanation

In order to vote, one must be either a born or naturalized citizen first.

The requirements to become a naturalized citizen include:

1. Be at least 18-years-old

2. Live in the United States for five years.

3. Pass a background test.

4. Take a citizenship test (knowledge of basic US history)

5. Be of "good moral character" or not break any laws.

6. Take an Oath of Allegiance

What constitutional principle protects citizens from tyranny and makes sure that the rules are applied equally?

• rule of law

• popular sovereignty

• free speech

• right to bear arms

Answer explanation

The rule of law means that NOBODY, even the President of the United States, is above the law

(meaning they can't just do whatever they want).

The United States government is a

• representative democracy

  (republic)

• direct democracy

• autocracy

• oligarchy

Answer explanation

Also known as a "republic," a representative democracy means that the citizens vote for other people called "representatives" to make decisions in government for them.

This form of government is ruled by one person.

• oligarchy

• democracy

• autocracy (dictatorship)

• constitutional monarchy

Answer explanation

Think of "auto" as in "automobile. Only one person can drive a car at a time, and they have full control of it.

In an "autocracy," this is a government ruled by a dictator.

An "oligarchy" is ruled by a group of people, like a wealthy family.

A "democracy" is ruled by the people, as in the United States.

A "constitutional monarchy" is ruled by a King or Queen with power limited by a Constitution, like Great Britain.

This form of government is ruled by a King or a Queen. It can be a form of an autocracy IF the King or Queen has absolute power.

• monarchy

• representative democracy

• oligarchy

• plutocracy

This system of government shares power between the federal government and state governments

• confederal

• federal

• unitary

• parliamentary

Answer explanation

The United States uses a federal system of government today.

John Locke is best known for his theories regarding...

• separation of powers

• natural law and the social contract

• checks and balances

• divine rights of the king