American History Quiz

What are the First Ten Amendments called?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Basic Laws

• The Fundamental Ten

• The Primary Amendments

The Bill of Rights was added to the U.S. Constitution primarily to —

• provide the President with power in times of emergency

• establish fair and impartial elections

• protect individual liberties

• guarantee voting privileges to minorities

Which guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion to individuals in the United States?

• the Treaty of Paris of 1783

• the Articles of Confederation

• the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

• the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Which of the following words are part of the Declaration of Independence?

• "They are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

• "All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States."

• "No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner."

• "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Which action would be protected by the First Amendment?

• A reporter publishes an article critical of city officials.

• A man on trial refuses to testify against himself.

• A woman asks to see a lawyer before answering questions from the police.

• A family refuses to permit soldiers to be housed in their home.

Which principle was adopted in the U.S. Constitution to ensure that no one branch of the federal government became too powerful?

• Republican government

• Popular sovereignty

• Judicial review

• Checks and balances

What has been the impact of the First Amendment’s separation of church and state on the American way of life?

• It has brought about an end to religious differences.

• It has helped to promote religious freedom.

• It has increased American interest in religion.

• It has fostered inequality between religious groups.

The “due process” clause in the Fifth Amendment and the right to an attorney in the Sixth Amendment were both designed to —

• Protect freedom of expression

• Assure that laws are properly enacted

• Ensure fair treatment for those accused of crimes

• Provide for judicial review of laws