Gov - Unit 1 Pre-Assessment

The social contract theory argues that

• every person must respect the beliefs of other people.

• we have a duty to protect each other from common threats.

• democracy is the only form of government that can ensure the voice of the people is heard.

• people give up certain power to the government for protection and governance.

John Locke is important to the US government for

• writing the Articles of Confederation

• his philosophical influence on American democracy

• writing as Brutus as an Anti-Federalist in debating the Federalists

• serving as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

The person credited with writing much of the Constitution and contributing significantly to its structure is

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Jay

• John Madison

Which of the following broke the stalemate between big and small states at the Constitutional Convention?

• The Connecticut Plan (Great Compromise)

• The New Jersey Plan

• The Virginia Plan

• The pamphlet Common Sense

The key argument in Federalist No. 10 was that a large republic would be key to

• protecting the newly formed nation agains foreign invaders

• ensuring financial success for the former colonies

• limiting the influence of factions

• the Founding Fathers' goal of manifest destiny

The Constitution provides powers to each branch that help keep the other branches from having too much power. This aspect of the Constitution is better known as

• the equality clause

• checks and balances

• control and leverage

• the supremacy clause

Which percentage of the states is required to ratify a new amendment to the Constitution?

• a simple majority (26 of 50)

• 66%

• 75%

• 100%

What is the purpose of a presidential veto?

• To stop a bill from becoming a law.

• To override a nomination to the Supreme Court.

• To stop an impeachment from occurring.

• To end debate in Congress and force a vote on a bill.

Which of the following from the Constitution reserves powers for the states over the national government?

• the supremacy clause

• the commerce clause

• the 10th Amendment

• Article X - State's Rights

Which of the following is not an inalienable right defined in the Declaration of Independence?

• life

• liberty

• pursuit of happiness

• freedom of speech