US Government Quiz

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 British government was based on the divine-right theory

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

• the colonies can establish a separate church free of government influence

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

• state’s rights

• legislative duties

• unalienable rights

• governmental powers

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?

• Divine right

• Natural rights

• Social contract

• Rule by the majority

In which instance would the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

• The state of Mississippi disputes a land claim with the state of Louisiana

• A U.S. citizen in Michigan is accused of committing acts of terrorism in Virginia

• A large computer firm is alleged to hold a market monopoly on widely used software

• The captain of an oil tanker causing a spill along protected U.S. waters is suspected of negligence

The citizens’ movement shown in the photograph effectively participated in the political process by —

• serving on local city councils

• organizing various protest marches

• lobbying for constitutional changes

• voting for African American candidates

A chief function of political parties is to —

• conduct door to door surveys

• nominate candidates for office

• organize transportation to the polls

• assist in monitoring overseas elections

Which of the following belongs in Section II?

• Collect taxes

• Raise an army

• Provide school textbooks

• Ensure home fire protection

The compromise that created popular representation in the House of Representatives created a debate about —

• voting rights for women

• counting enslaved people

• protection of individual rights

• citizenship for American Indians

What resolution came about in response to the debate over legislative representation?

• The Virginia Plan

• The New Jersey Plan

• The Great Compromise

• The Article of Confederation

The Founding Fathers chose to establish a federal system in order to —

• create a government with divided power

• model the government after the one in Britain

• experiment with a new system of government

• concentrate government power at the national level