USG Unit Test: Constitution

Read this prompt for an argumentative essay.

Abraham Lincoln once stated, “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves—in their separate, and individual capacities.” Do you agree or disagree with this position? Write an argumentative essay that explains your opinion of the quotation.

What will be the topic of the essay?

• the purpose of government

  
  

• the presidency of Lincoln

  
  

• the need for community

  
  

• the rights of individuals

  
  

Which question can help a writer revise an argumentative essay?

• Do details help support the claim?

  
  

• What kind of research would help?

  
  

• What will I be writing about?

  
  

• Why will I be writing?

  
  

What is judicial review?

• a decision about which cases go to the Supreme Court

  
  

• the power to determine if an act is constitutional

  
  

• the system by which the Constitution is reviewed

  
  

• a review of acts that have been allowed by Congress

  
  

Which statement reflects Aaron Ogden’s view of interstate commerce?

• Steamboat operators without a state license could not operate full time in New York waters.

  
  

• Steamboat operators with only a federal license must have his permission to operate in New York waters.

  
  

• Federal and state governments shared powers over interstate commerce.

  
  

• Federal and state governments should not require licensing to operate a steamboat.

  
  

Anti-Federalists believed that most of the government’s power should lie with

• states

• the president.

  
  

• Congress

• individuals

Which statement reflects the Federalists’ view on abuses of power?

• Separating government into branches can lead to abuses of power.

  
  

• A bill of rights can address abuses of power.

  
  

• A republic can’t protect people from governmental abuses of power.

  
  

• Government controls can guard against abuses of power.

  
  

Which statement best summarizes the purpose of Article IV of the Constitution?

• Article IV outlines the powers given to state governments.

  
  

• Article IV outlines the powers given to the federal government.

  
  

• Article IV outlines the structure of the federal government.

  
  

• Article IV outlines the structure of the state governments.

  
  

Which accurately describes the Supremacy Clause?

• States can violate federal law with a judge’s consent.

  
  

• No state can contradict federal law.

  
  

• Only judges may amend the Constitution.

  
  

• Federal judges may never contradict state laws.

  
  

Article III of the Constitution gives Congress the power to create a system of federal courts, other than the Supreme Court, known as

• superior courts.

  
  

• inferior courts.

  
  

• original courts.

  
  

• appellate courts.

  
  

The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction mainly includes

• criminal cases.

  
  

• cases of constitutional importance.

  
  

• lawsuits between citizens.

  
  

• lawsuits between companies.