Foundations of American Government

Which Enlightenment thinker's ideas on natural rights influenced the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Niccolò Machiavelli

• Karl Marx

The concept of separation of powers was introduced to prevent:

• The expansion of state governments

• Any one branch from becoming too powerful

• The growth of the military

• The judiciary from interpreting laws

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of checks and balances?

• The House of Representatives creates a law, and the Senate automatically approves it

• The Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional

• The President appoints a Supreme Court justice without Senate approval

• Congress overrides a presidential veto with a simple minority

Under the U.S. Constitution, the power to regulate interstate commerce belongs to:

• The President

• State governments

• The federal government

• Local governments

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that powers not given to the federal government are:

• Reserved for the states or the people

• Transferred to the Supreme Court

• Given to the military

• Controlled by Congress

Which principle is demonstrated when a governor vetoes a state bill?

• Popular sovereignty

• Rule of law

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

How can the Constitution be formally changed?

• Congress can make changes through simple legislation

• A Supreme Court ruling can amend the Constitution

• A constitutional amendment process outlined in Article V

• The President can issue an executive order

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution primarily to:

• Expand the power of the federal government

• Limit the power of state governments

• Guarantee individual liberties and limit government power

• Give the president greater authority

What is an example of federalism?

• Congress passing a law requiring states to issue driver’s licenses

• States having control over their own education systems

• The President appointing Supreme Court justices

• The federal government creating state police forces

The division of power between the federal and state governments is called:

• Separation of powers

• Republicanism

• Federalism

• Popular sovereignty