Structures and Origins of Government

Which Enlightenment philosopher argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property?

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Montesquieu

What principle is described as the idea that government is created by and subject to the will of the people?

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Separation of Powers

• Judicial Review

Which document first articulated the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed?

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• Magna Carta

• U.S. Constitution

What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It gave too much power to the national government

• It did not allow for a legislative branch

• It lacked the power to tax and regulate commerce

• It made the President too powerful

Which principle divides power between the national and state governments?

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Consent of the Governed

The system of checks and balances was designed to prevent which of the following?

• Economic inequality

• Tyranny by one branch of government

• Political parties

• Taxation without representation

Which of the following best describes a representative democracy?

• Citizens vote on all laws directly

• Power is inherited through monarchy

• Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf

• One ruler holds absolute power

The principle of separation of powers ensures that:

• The military is separate from the government

• Different branches of government have distinct powers

• Power is centralized in the executive branch

• States have more power than the national government

Which of the following was a primary goal of the Bill of Rights?

• To increase the power of the President

• To protect individual liberties and limit government power

• To expand federal government authority

• To give more power to state governments

How does the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• By creating a monarchy

• By establishing three branches of government with checks and balances

• By removing the power of Congress to levy taxes

• By making the federal government weaker