Founding Docs Quiz

1. In the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, what is Thomas Jefferson explaining?

• a. He’s appealing to reason so he can get financial support from the French for the American Revolution.
• b. He’s explaining why the colonists have a just cause for separating and thinks it’s important to share those reasons with the world.
• c. He’s explaining why the colonists have a just cause for separating and thinks it’s important to immediately end slavery in the colonies.
• d. He lists specific reasons why the colonists need to form the United States of America.

2. At the end of the Declaration of Independence, what does Thomas Jefferson say about the American colonies?

• a. They’re grateful to Britain for their mutual kinship.
• b. They’re willing to remain British colonies under certain circumstances.
• c. They are a free and independent nation.
• d. They will no longer allow ex post facto laws.

3. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson states that “all men are created equal.” Yet which of the following groups faced discrimination under the new American government?

• a. Women
• b. Enslaved African Americans
• c. Native Americans
• d. All of the above.

6. Which of the following is a check on the judicial branch by the legislative branch?

• a. Power to approve judicial appointments
• b. The Supreme Court may strike down legislation passed by Congress.
• c. The President appoints Supreme Court Justices.
• d. The President may veto a bill.

7. Which of the following is a check on the legislative branch by the executive branch?

• a. The President may introduce legislative ideas to Congress.
• b. Congress can override the President’s veto by 2/3 vote.
• c. The President may veto a bill passed by both houses of Congress.
• d. The President is elected by the people.

8. Of the following rights, which one is NOT specifically stated in the Bill of Rights?

• a. The right to a trial by jury.
• b. The right to remain silent.
• c. The right to petition the government for any wrongdoing.
• d. The right to privacy

9. The 1st Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” This clause specifically ensures the

• a. separation of Church and State.
• b. freedom of religion.
• c. freedom to create any religion you choose.
• d. ability of the state to mandate the citizens follow a specific religion.

10. According to the Bill of Rights, any power not given to the federal government goes directly to

• a. the President.
• b. representatives making laws.
• c. the states or the people of the United States.
• d. Washington, D.C.