Understanding U.S. Government Foundations

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights in the United States?

• To establish a new government

• To protect individual freedoms and rights

• To outline the structure of the government

• To declare independence from Britain

Which document did the framers of the United States use as a model to draft the Constitution?

• The Magna Carta

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Mayflower Compact

Explain how the Bill of Rights impacts the daily lives of American citizens.

• It allows the government to control all aspects of life.

• It provides guidelines for state governments only.

• It ensures that citizens have protected rights such as freedom of speech and religion.

• It limits the rights of citizens to only those listed in the Constitution.

Identify one reason why the framers of the United States Constitution included a system of checks and balances.

• To allow the President to have unlimited power

• To ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful

• To make the legislative process faster

• To give more power to the states

Describe the process by which a new amendment can be added to the U.S. Constitution.

• It must be approved by the President alone.

• It must be proposed by Congress and ratified by the states.

• It must be voted on by the citizens directly.

• It must be approved by the Supreme Court.

What was the main goal of the framers when creating the U.S. Constitution?

• To create a monarchy

• To establish a strong central government with limited powers

• To give all power to the states

• To abolish all forms of government

How does the Bill of Rights limit the power of the federal government?

• By allowing the government to pass any law it wants

• By listing specific rights that the government cannot infringe upon

• By giving all power to the President

• By allowing states to ignore federal laws

Analyze the impact of the First Amendment on American society.

• It restricts freedom of speech and religion.

• It allows citizens to express their opinions and practice their religion freely.

• It only applies to government officials.

• It limits the press from reporting on government actions.

Which of the following is a right protected by the Bill of Rights?

• The right to vote

• The right to a fair trial

• The right to free healthcare

• The right to own property

What role did the framers of the Constitution envision for the judicial branch?

• To create laws

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws and ensure they are applied fairly

• To control the military