Foundations of American Government Quick Check

What principle did the Magna Carta establish for the first time?

• The king is above the law.

• Everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

• Only nobles have rights.

• The king has absolute power.

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law, marking a significant step towards limiting royal authority and ensuring legal rights for all.

What did the Declaration of Independence affirm as "certain unalienable rights"?

• Freedom of speech, press, and assembly

• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• Right to bear arms and freedom of religion

• Right to privacy and due process

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence affirms "certain unalienable rights" as "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," highlighting the fundamental rights that cannot be taken away.

Which document established the first form of national government for the independent states?

• The Constitution of the United States

• The Magna Carta

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, established the first national government for the independent states, providing a framework for cooperation among them.

What did the Charters of the Virginia Company of London guarantee to the colonists?

• The right to vote

• The rights of Englishmen

• Freedom of religion

• Independence from Great Britain

Answer explanation

The Charters of the Virginia Company of London guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists, ensuring they had the same legal protections as those in England, which was crucial for their governance and legal status.

Who wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as a model for the Bill of Rights?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• James Madison

• George Mason

Answer explanation

The Virginia Declaration of Rights was authored by George Mason in 1776. It laid the groundwork for the Bill of Rights, influencing the protection of individual liberties in the United States.

What did the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom state?

• The king is the head of the church

• Freedom of religious beliefs and opinions

• The government can establish a national religion

• Only Christians have religious freedom

Answer explanation

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom established that individuals have the right to hold their own religious beliefs and opinions, promoting freedom of conscience and separating church from state.

What is the concept of "Consent of the Governed"?

• The government has absolute power over the people

• Citizens give authority to the government in exchange for protection of their rights

• The king rules by divine right

• Only the wealthy can govern

Answer explanation

The concept of 'Consent of the Governed' means that citizens grant authority to the government in return for the protection of their rights, emphasizing a social contract between the people and their leaders.

What does "Limited Government" mean?

• The government can do anything it wants

• The government is not all-powerful and can only do what the people allow

• The government has no power at all

• The government is controlled by a single ruler

Answer explanation

"Limited Government" means that the government is not all-powerful and can only do what the people allow, ensuring that individual rights are protected and government authority is restricted.

What is the "Rule of Law"?

• Only the king must follow the law

• Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law

• Laws apply only to common people

• Laws can be ignored by those in power

Answer explanation

The "Rule of Law" means that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. This principle ensures fairness and accountability, contrasting with the idea that only certain individuals or groups are above the law.

In a democracy, who rules?

• The king

• The people

• The military

• The wealthy

Answer explanation

In a democracy, the authority rests with the people, who exercise their power through voting and participation in governance. This distinguishes democracy from systems ruled by kings, military, or the wealthy.