Unit 2 Test Civics

Use the quotation to answer the question. “THE HORRID MASSACRE IN BOSTON, Perpetrated in the evening of the fifth day of March, 1770, by soldiers of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, which with the Fourteenth Regiment were then quartered there; with some observations on the state of things prior to that catastrophe.” —anonymous account, A Short Narrative, Horrid Massacre in Boston, 1770 Who most likely wrote this passage and for what reason?

• a Redcoat, to describe the risks faced by soldiers

• b. a Patriot, to raise fears about the British army in the colonies

• c. a Loyalist, to gain support for quartering British troops

• d. a Federalist, to raise concerns about the Stamp Act

Answer explanation

The passage's emotional language and focus on the 'horrid massacre' suggest it was written by a Patriot to incite fear against British soldiers, not a Federalist. Therefore, the correct answer is b, a Patriot, to raise fears about the British army in the colonies.

What is the correct sequence of events? 1. The Declaration of Independence is issued. 2. British Parliament passes Tea Act. 3. Boston Tea Party staged to protest British policies. 4. First battles of the American Revolution are fought.

• a. 2, 1, 4, 3

• b. 4, 2, 3, 1

• c. 2, 3, 4, 1

• d. 1, 2, 4, 3

Answer explanation

The correct sequence is: 2 (Tea Act passed), 3 (Boston Tea Party), 4 (battles of the Revolution), and finally 1 (Declaration of Independence). Thus, the answer is c. 2, 3, 4, 1.

Which newspaper headline reports a British action that angered colonists and led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence?

• “Boycott British Goods!”

• “The King Grants Independence!”

• “British Taxes: Unfair!”

• “Angry Colonists Dump Tea!”

Answer explanation

The headline "British Taxes: Unfair!" directly addresses the grievances of the colonists regarding taxation without representation, a key issue that fueled their desire for independence and led to the Declaration of Independence.

Which Enlightenment philosopher's ideas on natural law and social contract had the most significant influence on the Declaration of Independence?

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Thomas Hobbes

• Voltaire

• John Locke

Answer explanation

John Locke's theories on natural law and the social contract greatly influenced the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing individual rights and government by consent, which are foundational to the document's principles.

The concept of "rule of law" in the United States can be traced back to influences from:

• Ancient Greece

• Ancient Rome

• Judeo-Christian tradition

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The "rule of law" in the U.S. is influenced by Ancient Greece's democratic principles, Ancient Rome's legal frameworks, and the moral teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, making "All of the above" the correct choice.

Which British act imposed taxes on common products imported to the colonies, such as glass, paper, and tea?

• Sugar Act

• Stamp Act

• Townshend Acts

• Tea Act

Answer explanation

The Townshend Acts imposed taxes on imported goods like glass, paper, and tea in the American colonies, aiming to raise revenue and assert British authority, which led to colonial unrest.

The idea that government should be divided into separate branches with distinct powers is known as:

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Representative democracy

Answer explanation

The idea that government should be divided into separate branches with distinct powers is known as the Separation of powers. This principle ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful, promoting a balanced government.

Which document first established the principle of "no excessive punishments" in English law?

• Magna Carta

• English Bill of Rights

• Mayflower Compact

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The English Bill of Rights, established in 1689, explicitly prohibited excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments, making it the first document to enshrine this principle in English law.

The Enlightenment idea that humans are born with certain inherent rights is referred to as:

• Social contract theory

• Natural law

• Civic virtue

• Popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

The Enlightenment idea that humans are born with certain inherent rights is known as natural law. This concept asserts that these rights are universal and not granted by any government, distinguishing it from other theories like social contract.

Which of the following was NOT a grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence?

• Cutting off trade with all parts of the world

• Imposing taxes without consent

• Depriving trial by jury in many cases

• Establishing freedom of religion

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence lists grievances against King George III, including cutting off trade, imposing taxes without consent, and depriving trial by jury. However, it does not mention establishing freedom of religion.