United States Constitution Quiz

Use the excerpt to answer the following question. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. —Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution The Tenth Amendment was added to the Constitution to resolve which of the following topics of debate surrounding the development of the Constitution?

• division of powers among branches of government

• the annexation of new lands into the country

• balance between national and state government power

• the representation of states in the legislative houses

Which of these parts of the United States Constitution contains fundamental liberties of American citizens?

• Preamble

• Article I, Section 8 — Enumerated Powers

• Article III — Judicial Branch

• Amendments 1–10 — Bill of Rights

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States were intended to solve problems relating to

• government organization

• civil rights

• checks and balances

• rapid economic change

The Bill of Rights gives Americans freedom of the press. What does this freedom mean?

• All newspapers should be free for anyone who wants them.

• The government cannot say what should be printed in newspapers.

• Printing presses should be available for everyone to use for free.

• The government cannot stop anyone from giving speeches.

Americans are able to criticize their government without fear of punishment because they have a right to

• a fair trial.

• assemble peacefully.

• practice any religion.

• free speech.

Which guarantee is not included in the First Amendment?

• right to bear arms.

• freedom of religion.

• freedom of assembly.

• right to free speech.

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the United States Constitution?

• to ensure rights of foreigners

• to ensure slaves' right to vote

• to protect the federal government from the states

• to protect the individual rights of citizens from government abuse

Who among the following most influenced the passage of the Bill of Rights?

• John Adams

• Benedict Arnold

• James Madison

• Roger Williams

Read the excerpt below. "No freeman [person] shall be taken or imprisoned, . . . or outlawed, or banished, or in any way destroyed, unless by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. . . ." —Magna Carta, 1215 Which of these principles found in the Bill of Rights is based on the Magna Carta?

• guarantee of free speech

• protection of the right of the state to organize a militia

• provision for due process

• prohibition against excessive bail and fines

One of the main purposes of the Bill of Rights is to

• limit individual rights

• strengthen criminal laws

• limit the power of government

• improve the court system