Civics Pre-Quiz

The idea behind our system of checks and balances is

• only citizens can vote
• no one branch of the government can take over the whole government
• we need a free press to report on what the government is doing
• a balanced budget is good for the economy

The phrase “all men are created equal” is found in the

• US Constitution
• Declaration of Independence
• Declaration of Rights and Sentiments
• Gettysburg Address

The idea that no one is above the law and everyone should be punished equally for breaking it is

• popular sovereignty
• federalism
• constitutionalism
• rule of law

Typically, in order for a bill to become a law,

• it has to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate by a simple majority, and then get signed by the President.
• it has to get proposed by the President and passed by the House and Senate by a super majority.
• it has to be approved by the Supreme Court.
• it has to get approved by a majority of the states.

Who has the final say in determining the constitutionality of a law?

• the President
• Congress
• the Supreme Court
• the Senate

Which of the terms below describes the sharing of powers and responsibilities between the federal and state governments?

• checks and balances
• federalism
• rule of law
• popular sovereignty

Which of the following is NOT an example of civic participation in the United States?

• voting
• paying taxes
• getting married
• working for a political party

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of all US Citizens?

• run for federal office
• serve on a jury
• pay taxes
• obey and uphold laws

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of free speech?

• People get to argue the strengths and weaknesses of different points of view and decide for themselves which ideas are better.
• People get to express themselves.
• It makes it easier for people in power to make everyone conform.
• It makes it possible for the country to respond to criticism.

The right to peacefully protest comes from the

• I Have A Dream Speech
• US Constitution
• Farewell Address
• Declaration of Independence