U.S. History and Government Quiz

What was the first constitution of the United States?

• Articles of Confederation

• Bill of Rights

• Declaration of Independence

• Federalist Papers

Who published 'Common Sense' in 1776?

• John Locke

• James Madison

• Thomas Paine

• Alexander Hamilton

Which document includes the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

• Articles of Confederation

• Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

• Declaration of Independence

What is the principle that no one is above the law?

• Rule of law

• Consent of the governed

• Separation of powers

• Social contract

Which event demonstrated a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Boston Tea Party

• Shays's Rebellion

• Signing of the Magna Carta

• Constitutional Convention

What is the term for rights an individual is born with that cannot be taken by the government?

• Economic rights

• Natural rights

• Civil rights

• Political rights

Which philosopher is known for the idea of separation of powers?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Montesquieu

What is the term for a government where power is limited by a constitution?

• Constitutional republic

• Theocracy

• Absolute monarchy

• Oligarchy

Which document was adopted on July 4, 1776?

• Mayflower Compact

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• English Bill of Rights

What is the idea that government gains its power from the people?

• Consent of the governed

• Federalism

• Judicial review

• Tyranny