The American Government

The principle of limited government in America is best illustrated by which of the following documents? 

• English Bill of Rights
• Declaration of Independence
• US Constitution
• Mayflower Compact

If the accused decides not to take the stand (testify) during a criminal trial, he/she has taken advantage of:

• the right of legal privacy protection
• the right to legal representation
• the protection against self-incrimination
• the protections offered by the 8th amendment

Which statement best describes the impact of checks and balances on the legislative process?

• The supremacy of the legislature is guaranteed
• The Supreme Court is able to overpower the other branches
• One branch cannot dominate the others because power is distributed equally
• The chief executive always has the final say

Which of the following provides the best description for the rule of law?

• Elected officials are responsible for establishing the country's laws
• The citizens are free to protest against the national government and its laws
• All members of society must obey the law
• The laws passed by Congress are the supreme law of the land

Government actions prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities are designed to:

• maintain gender equality
• promote cultural diversity
• stimulate economic growth & development
• protect civil rights & guarantee equal treatment

According to John Locke, the government's power comes from the ... 

• monarch
• president
• military
• consent of the governed

Which of the following best explains why the Constitution is referred to as a "living" document?

• It is still in use today
• The US Supreme Court refers to it when making decisions
• High school students in Missouri must pass an exam about it
• It has been amended 27 times throughout history

Which of the following amendments is not related to the expansion of suffrage?

• 13th
• 15th
• 19th
• 26th 

The term "federalism" refers to which of the following characteristics of American government?

• The ability of each branch to restrain the power of the others
• The focus on protecting individual rights 
• The Court's power to declare a law unconstitutional
• The division of power between the national government & the states

The creation of a bicameral legislature led to ... 

• the development of a unicameral Congress
• the formation of the Senate & the House of Representatives
• the establishment of the executive branch
• the principle of judicial review being used for the first time