SOL CE 2 Part A - The Basics

What principle states that Citizens give authority to the government in exchange

for the protection of their rights.

• Rule of Law

• Limited Government

• Consent of the Governed

• Representative Government

Answer explanation

Consent of the Governed means that the government gets its power from us. We can always change who is in charge or the form of government if we choose. The Constitution begins with the words "We the People" for this reason.

What principle states that the Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do?

• Rule of Law

• Judicial Review

• Limited Government

• Democracy

Answer explanation

Limited Government simply means there are things the government can't do. They can't tell you where to work, where to live, or what to think. Many of the limitations on the government are set by the U.S. Constitution since it outlines the powers of the government and our rights.

What principle states that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law?

• Democracy

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Consent of the Governed

Answer explanation

Prior to the Magna Carta it was assumed that royalty especially Kings could act in any way they chose including in breaking laws that they had written. However the concept of rule of law means that no matter what your position you will face punishment for breaking the law.

What principle states that the people rule?

• Representative Government

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Democracy

Answer explanation

Democracy simply means that we are in charge. There are two types of democracy. Direct democracy means that the people would vote for all new laws, while in a representative democracy people that we elect would vote for new laws. We have a representative democracy.

What principle states that the people elect public office holders to make laws and conduct government on the people’s behalf?

• Rule of Law

• Checks and Balances

• Representative Government

• Due Process

Answer explanation

Every November we choose individuals who will represent us locally and at the state and national levels. They represent the views of all the people in that area. Every 2, 4, or 6 years we have the opportunity to decide if we want them to continue or choose someone else.

What document established for the first time the principle that everyone including the king was subject to the law, and gave Englishmen basic rights and freedoms?

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

• U.S. Constitution

• Magna Carta

• Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta was written by English rebel barons and signed by King John of England in 1215 in an attempt to stop civil war. It's most important concept is that the King must follow the same laws as his subjects. this concept became the rule of law.

What document guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists?

• Magna Carta

• Articles of Confederation

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

• Charters of the Virginia Company of London

Answer explanation

Written by King James I (Jamestown) in 1606 this charter established a trading company that hopefully would bring money to England. In order to encourage individuals to travel to the new colony, James promised them a voice in government and protected rights.

What document served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States?

• Articles of Confederation

• Charters of the Virginia Company of London

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

• Magna Carta

Answer explanation

George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776. It was part of laying the foundation for a new state government as part of independence from Great Britain. James Madison proposed the Bill of Rights to gain support for passing the Constitution.

What document stated grievances against the king of Great Britain, declared the colonies’ independence from Great Britain, affirmed “certain unalienable rights” (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), and affirmed the idea that all people are created equal?

• Articles of Confederation

• U.S. Constitution

• Declaration of Independence

• Virginia Declaration of Rights.

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence was basically a break up letter. It gave the reasons we were upset, talked about rights that everyone should have, and ended with reasons for leaving. Some believed even after its writing that eventually we would resolve our differences with England.

What document established the first form of national government for the independent states, maintained that major powers resided with individual states, created weak central government (e.g., no power to tax or enforce laws), and led to the writing of the Constitution of the United States?

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• U.S. Constitution

• Charters of the Virginia Company of London.

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation feared placing too much power with the national government so instead the states got most of the power. For this reason it failed because the national government wasn't strong enough to enforce laws and hold the states together. It was replaced in only a few years by the U.S. Constitution.