Unit 1 Govt

Which individual’s writings, noted for systemizing English common law, were studied by the early founders of the United States?

• Locke

• Blackstone

• Moses

• Montesquieu

Which major political theory about governmental power is presented in this excerpt?

• Enlightened monarchy

• Divine right of kings

• Natural rights

• Consent of the governed

The Founding Fathers considered that the idea of natural law should be —

• naturally easy for all of society to agree upon

• similar to the divine right of kings

• made in accordance with long-held traditions

• based on justice and transcend man-made law 

The Declaration of Independence lists “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” as —

• state’s rights

• governmental powers

• legislative duties

• unalienable rights

Which democratic principle of the U.S. Constitution is Madison describing?

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Republicanism

• Popular sovereignty

Which phrase from the excerpt recognizes that all people are born with rights which should be protected by the government?

• “Endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”

• “Governments are instituted among Men”

• “That to secure these rights”

• “All men are created equal”

By using the phrase “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson and the American Founders were arguing that —

• the Anglican Church did not have sole religious authority

• the colonies had the right to independence because of natural law

• the British government was based on the divine-right theory

Which political idea is based on the belief that citizens must be willing to give up some freedoms in exchange for the protection of rights

• Social contract

• Rule by the majority

• Divine right

• Natural rights

In what way did this idea expressed by Montesquieu influence the writing of the U.S. Constitution?

• Two separated representative bodies must approve all laws. 

• A bill of rights was added to specify individual rights.

• Government is organized into three branches.

• The President has the power to veto any bill.

The inclusion of the phrase “the Law of Nature and of Nature’s God” is most likely a reference to which of the following?

• All governments, even tyrannical ones, are just.

• All revolutions must be explained to the world.

• Establishing a new nation should be based on reason and moral principles.

• There is no standard by which to judge good versus bad governments.