Basic Principles Quiz 2025

What is the principle that states the government's right to rule comes from the people?

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Judicial Review

Answer explanation

The principle of Popular Sovereignty asserts that the government's authority is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that the power to rule comes directly from the people.

Who is associated with the concept of Popular Sovereignty?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Locke

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

Answer explanation

John Locke is associated with the concept of Popular Sovereignty, which emphasizes that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, a foundational idea in democratic theory.

What is the source of the principle of Limited Government?

• Magna Carta

• 10th Amendment

• Marbury v. Madison

• John Locke

Answer explanation

The principle of Limited Government originates from the Magna Carta, which established the idea that the monarch's power is not absolute and that the government must operate within the law, protecting individual rights.

Which branch of government makes laws according to the principle of Separation of Powers?

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

• Federal

Answer explanation

The Legislative branch is responsible for making laws, as established by the principle of Separation of Powers. The Executive enforces laws, while the Judicial interprets them.

What power does the President have in the system of Checks and Balances?

• Declare laws unconstitutional

• Veto laws

• Override vetoes

• Impeach judges

Answer explanation

In the system of Checks and Balances, the President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress, preventing them from becoming law unless overridden. This is a key check on legislative power.

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

• With a 3/4 vote

• With a 2/3 vote

• With a unanimous vote

• With a simple majority

Answer explanation

Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This supermajority requirement ensures that a significant majority supports the legislation despite the president's objection.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the system of Checks and Balances?

• Veto laws

• Declare laws unconstitutional

• Impeach the President

• Override vetoes

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court's role in Checks and Balances includes declaring laws unconstitutional, ensuring that legislative and executive actions comply with the Constitution, thus protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.

What is the process called when Congress begins the process to remove a president or judiciary member?

• Veto

• Override

• Impeachment

• Judicial Review

Answer explanation

The process called when Congress begins to remove a president or judiciary member is known as impeachment. This is a constitutional mechanism to hold officials accountable for misconduct.

What is the division of power between the federal government and the states called?

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Limited Government

• Judicial Review

Answer explanation

The division of power between the federal government and the states is called Federalism. This system allows both levels of government to operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

Which powers are shared by both the federal and state governments?

• Delegated Powers

• Reserved Powers

• Concurrent Powers

• Exclusive Powers

Answer explanation

Concurrent Powers are those powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts. This distinguishes them from Delegated, Reserved, and Exclusive Powers.