Social Studies: Unit 3 Benchmark Review

What was the main reason for the Founding Fathers to create three separate branches of government?

• So citizens' rights are not ignored

• It created a system of checks and balances.

• All of the branches can make laws for the U.S.

• It limits the power of one person or branch

Answer explanation

By having three branches, the United States government creates a system of checks and balances. This system lets one branch check another branch and keeps power balance among all three branches.

What was the purpose of the 19th amendment?

• It ended slavery.

• It gave black people the right to vote.

• It gave slaves citizenship in the United States.

• It women the right to vote.

Answer explanation

In August of 1920, women in the United States were legally given the right to vote under the 19th Amendment.

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

What is an amendment to the Constitution?

• It creates checks and balances for all the branches of the government.

• It is an addition or change to the constitution.

• It gives citizens a voice in government.

• It is the first portion of the constitution that begins with the words, "We the people"

Answer explanation

The first 10 amendments of the United States Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights!

The government and the constitution were created by the __________ and for the __________ of the United States.

Answer explanation

Select two rights that are protected by the Constitution.

• must pay taxes to support the government

• a person may be tried only by a judge

• cannot be searched without a warrant

• soldiers can stay in the homes of U.S. citizens

• freedom of religion

Answer explanation

The ​ (a)   the leader of the Executive Branch.

• President
• Vice President
• Speaker of the House
• Supreme Court

Grandfather clauses and poll taxes made it difficult for black people to vote.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses were put in place at many voting sites throughout the south to prevent black people from voting.

The president of the United States vetoes a bill and Congress overriding the veto is an example of

• Judicial review

• Democracy

• Checks and balances

• Monarchy

Answer explanation

What is the importance of Seneca Falls, New York in United States history?

• Paul Revere started his ride there.

• This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

• The March on Washington took place there.

• A meeting discussing voting rights for women was held there.

Answer explanation

The Seneca Falls Convention held July 19–20, 1848, was the first women's rights convention organized by women for the purpose of discussing women's rights as such.

What was the purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment?

• Freed slaves were given citizenship.

• Freed slaves were given the right to vote.

• Freed slaves were freed from slavery.

• Freed slave women were given the right to vote.