Government Fall Semester Exam Review

What were the main reasons for the American colonies declaring independence from Britain?

• Economic restrictions and lack of representation in Parliament
• Disputes over trade routes and expansion into Canada
• Religious freedom and disagreements with the Church of England
• Discontent with British military alliances

What is the Bill of Rights, and why was it added to the Constitution?

• A document listing the original 13 colonies, added to celebrate unity
• A set of 10 amendments guaranteeing individual freedoms, added to appease Anti-Federalists
• A declaration of independence from British rule, added for historical significance
• A preamble outlining the structure of the federal government, added for clarity

Which right is protected by the 1st Amendment?

• Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
• Protection against self-incrimination
• Right to bear arms
• Rights reserved to the states

What does the 5th Amendment protect?

• The right to a speedy and public trial
• Protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy
• Freedom of the press
• Right to petition the government

What does the 9th Amendment state?

• Rights not listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people
• Powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states
• Freedom of religion is protected
• The right to bear arms

What does the 10th Amendment guarantee?

• The right to vote for all citizens
• Powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states or the people
• Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures
• The right to a fair trial

What were the main arguments of the Federalists regarding the Constitution?

• They wanted a weak central government to protect state powers.
• They supported a strong central government to maintain order and stability.
• They wanted to abolish state governments entirely.
• They opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

What issue did the Great Compromise resolve, and how did it shape Congress?

• Taxation; it divided taxes evenly between states
• Representation; it created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate
• Slavery; it abolished the three-fifths clause
• Federalism; it divided power between federal and state governments

Of the following, which is NOT a goal outlined in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

• to form a more perfect union
• establish justice
• ensure domestic tranquility
• limit individual freedoms

What are the three branches of government, and what are their primary functions under the principle of separation of powers?

• Executive (makes laws), Judicial (enforces laws), Legislative (interprets laws)
• Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws), Legislative (makes laws)
• Executive (interprets laws), Judicial (makes laws), Legislative (enforces laws)
• Executive (creates state laws), Judicial (enforces federal laws), Legislative (implements laws)