Foundations of American Government Quiz

What document, signed in 1215, limited the power of the English monarch and laid the foundation for future constitutional governments?

• The Magna Carta

• The Petition of Right

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

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DOK Level 1: Recall

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

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the main idea behind John Locke's theory of government?

• Absolute monarchy is the best form of government.

• Government should be based on a social contract and protect natural rights.

• Separation of powers is necessary to prevent tyranny.

• People are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Explain how the Magna Carta influenced the development of constitutional government.

• It established the principle of absolute monarchy.

• It introduced the idea of a parliamentary system.

• It limited the power of the king and established the rule of law.

• It created a system of checks and balances.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which document, signed in 1628, further limited the powers of the English monarch and influenced American constitutional development?

• The Magna Carta

• The Petition of Right

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Mayflower Compact

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe the impact of the English Bill of Rights on the American colonies.

• It established a monarchy in the colonies.

• It served as a model for the American Bill of Rights.

• It led to the American Revolution.

• It abolished colonial legislatures.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on the state of nature and the necessity of government?

• People are naturally good and government is unnecessary.

• People are naturally selfish and need a strong government to maintain order.

• Government should be based on the consent of the governed.

• Separation of powers is essential to prevent tyranny.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Analyze how John Locke's ideas about government influenced the American Declaration of Independence.

• Locke's ideas were rejected in favor of Hobbes' views.

• Locke's concept of natural rights and government by consent were foundational.

• Locke advocated for a monarchy, which was adopted in the colonies.

• Locke's ideas led to the establishment of a theocracy.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which of the following best describes the concept of separation of powers?

• The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

• The merging of legislative and executive powers to streamline decision-making.

• The establishment of a single, all-powerful ruler.

• The creation of a federal system with shared powers between national and state governments.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the philosopher who argued that life in the state of nature would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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DOK Level 1: Recall