Civics Literacy Review #1

Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?

• Roman

• Egyptian

• Greek

• Persian

During the 6th century B.C., the ancient Athenians divided the powers of their government between two assemblies and guaranteed certain political rights to all male citizens. How do these political reforms best illustrate how societies develop?

• by limiting government authority

• by choosing government leaders

• by improving government services

• by reducing government expeditures

A certain country is characterized by the following traits:

1. power achieved through inheritance

2. same ruling family for over a century

3. finite freedoms and rights

4. hierarchical socail status

5. single established state religion

The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the following principles?

• popular sovereignty

• due process of law

• social contract theory

• divine right of kings

Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greek?

• the referendum

• the presidential election

• the primary election

• the nominating convention

What is the principal function of a written constitution?

• resolving disagreements between competing parties

• confirming resistance to civil disobedience

• declaring the independence of a state

• outlining the structure and powers of a government

Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances, as defined in the U.S. Constitution?

• establishing accountability for the government when levying taxes

• maintaining a healthy economy and establishing trade with other governments

• keeping any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful

• assuring that the government spends only as much money as it takes in

Which modern process would be supported by the ancient Greeks?

• electing governors

• hiring press secretaries

• nominating an ambassador

• appointing a majority leader

Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent which legal concern underlying most Western nations?

• criminal law

• military law

• civil law

• juvenile law

Which constitutional principle does the following statement from President Nixon to a television interviewer contradict?

"Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal." - Richard M. Nixon

• separation of powers

• republicanism

• rule of law

• equality

Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?

• communism

• dictatorship

• monarchy

• republic