Beginner STAAR Government Questions

Study the diagram and answer the question that follows.

• These Groups are allowed to share and promote their beliefs.

• These Groups are allowed to join together to form a national religion

• These groups are prevented from having worship services in public places.

• These groups are prevented from establishing religious schools.

Answer explanation

The government cannot establish a national religion. You are allowed to believe/promote your religions beliefs without fear of government intervention.

Which situation violated the Eighth Amendment protections regarding criminal punishment?

• A protester is jailed for violent acts at a political rally.

• A person is sentenced to life in prison for shoplifting.

• A person is sentences to ten years imprisonment for assault and robbery.

• A judge orders that an accused person be jailed until bail is paid.

Answer explanation

No cruel or unusual punishment/excessive fines. Life in prison for shoplifting would fall under cruel or unusual punishment.

Which government principle is illustrated in this diagram?

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Republicanism

• Separation of powers

Which idea correctly replaces the question mark in this diagram?

• Due Process

• Eminent Domain

• Free Speech

• Federalism

Answer explanation

These are all part of the 6th amendment. Do you know your hand signs?

Which historic document had the greatest influence on the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

• The Articles of Confederation

Which historical action was protected by the First Amendment guarantee regarding religion?

• The nativist Know-Nothing Party attracted more members.

• Eastern communities forced Mormons to migrate to the West.

• City officials worked to reduce the political power of Catholic immigrants

• Evangelists led revivals in New England.

Which grievance from the Declaration of Independence is addressed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

• "He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly"

• "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury..."

• "He has obstructed the... Laws for establishing Judiciary powers."

• "For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us..."

What was the purpose of this amendment?

• To encourage citizens to monitor the federal government

• To prevent conflicts between state and local governments

• To limit the authority of the federal government

• To increase the participation of citizens in state government

Answer explanation

This amendment makes it known that the federal government only has the power given to it by the constitution. Anything not specified, is reserved for the states.

Which law would be considered unconstitutional on the basis of the First Amendment guarantees?

• A ban on the publication of classified information by government employees

• A requirement that church employees pay income tax

• A requirement that churches get a permit before building a new chapel

• A prohibition on electing religious leaders to government office

Which sentence completes this diagram?

• People cannot be forced to be witnesses against themselves

• Cruel and unusual punishment cannot be inflected

• Warrants cannot be issues unless probable cause is established

• A defendant cannot be denied a speedy and public trial