The Declaration of Independence lists “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” as —

• state’s rights

• legislative duties

• unalienable rights

• governmental powers

The founding of the United States has traditional roots in Judeo-Christian teachings as well as philosophies developed primarily during the —

• Renaissance

• Reformation

• Enlightenment

• Commercial Revolution

This principle, incorporated into the Declaration of Independence, is found in the written work of —

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Which individual’s writings, noted for systemizing English common law, were studied by the early founders of the United States?

• Blackstone

• Locke

• Montesquieu

• Moses

Which Founding Father demanded the U.S. Constitution describe the rights of states and individuals that the federal government should protect?

• James Madison

• George Mason

• Roger Sherman

• James Wilson

Which of the following Founding Fathers is remembered as both a strong supporter of central government as well as the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• George Mason

Why is a written constitution important to limited governments?

• It details the political theory that is the foundation of the political system.

• It ensures against corrupt, ineffectual, or ineffective leaders having power.

• It provides the purposes of the government and defines the rights of citizens.

• It outlines the responsibilities and role of political parties in the election process.

By adopting the Bill of Rights, the Founding Fathers demonstrated a belief in the importance of —

• federalism

• republicanism

• individual rights

• separation of powers

While the U.S. Constitution can be amended in various ways, which method has been used most often?

• Proposed in Congress and ratified by state legislatures

• Proposed in state legislatures and ratified by Congress

• Proposed in Congress and ratified by state constitutional conventions

• Proposed in state legislatures and ratified by state constitutional conventions

In which instance would the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

• The state of Mississippi disputes a land claim with the state of Louisiana.

• A U.S. citizen in Michigan is accused of committing acts of terrorism in Virginia.

• A large computer firm is alleged to hold a market monopoly on widely used software.

• The captain of an oil tanker causing a spill along protected U.S. waters is suspected of negligence.