FCLE Practice

Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?

• Roman

• Egyptian

• Greek

• Persian

Answer explanation

The Roman civilization is known for establishing a republican form of government, particularly during the Roman Republic era, which allowed for elected officials and a system of checks and balances. The other civilizations did not have a republican structure.

During the 6th century B.C.E., the ancient Athenians divided the powers of their government between two assemblies and guaranteed certain political rights to all male citizens. How do these political reforms best illustrate how societies develop?

• by limiting government authority

• by choosing government leaders

• by improving government services

• by reducing government expenditures

Answer explanation

These political reforms illustrate how societies develop by limiting government authority, as they distribute power between assemblies and ensure political rights for male citizens, promoting a more balanced governance.

A certain country is characterized by the following traits:  

1. power achieved through inheritance 

2. same ruling family for over a century 

3. finite freedoms and rights 

4. hierarchical social status 

5. single established state religion

The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the following principles?

• popular sovereignty

• due process of law

• social contract theory

• divine right of kings

Answer explanation

The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on the divine right of kings, which asserts that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, legitimizing their rule and traits associated with it.

Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?

• the referendum

• the presidential election

• the primary election

• the nominating convention

Answer explanation

The referendum allows citizens to vote directly on specific issues, similar to the ancient Greek practice of direct democracy where citizens participated in decision-making. This contrasts with elections for representatives.

What is the principal function of a written constitution?

• resolving disagreements between competing parties

• confirming resistance to civil disobedience

• declaring the independence of a state

• outlining the structure and powers of a government

Answer explanation

The principal function of a written constitution is to outline the structure and powers of a government, establishing the framework within which the government operates and ensuring the rule of law.

Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances, as defined in the U.S. Constitution?

• establishing accountability for the government when levying taxes

• maintaining a healthy economy and establishing trade with other governments

• keeping any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful

• assuring that the government spends only as much money as it takes in

Answer explanation

The system of checks and balances is designed to prevent any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring a separation of powers and protecting against tyranny.

Which modern process would be supported by the ancient Greeks?

• electing governors

• hiring press secretaries

• nominating an ambassador

• appointing a majority leader

Answer explanation

The ancient Greeks practiced democracy, which included electing officials. Therefore, the modern process of electing governors aligns with their democratic principles, unlike the other options that involve appointments or specific roles.

Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent which legal concern underlying most Western nations?

• criminal law

• military law

• civil law

• juvenile law

Answer explanation

Laws against defamation, property damage, and breach of contract fall under civil law, which addresses disputes between individuals or organizations, unlike criminal law that deals with offenses against the state.

Use the passage below, from an exchange between former president Nixon and a television interviewer, to answer the question that follows. “Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal”--Richard M. Nixon Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?

• separation of powers

• republicanism

• rule of law

• equality

Answer explanation

Nixon's statement contradicts the rule of law, which asserts that no one, including the president, is above the law. His claim implies that presidential actions can be exempt from legality, undermining this fundamental principle.

Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?

• communism

• dictatorship

• monarchy

• republic

Answer explanation

A republic is a form of government where power resides with the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, embodying the principle of popular sovereignty. The other options do not prioritize popular consent.