Practice for Civics Bowl

A governor is caught accepting bribes, but he argues that he shouldn’t be punished because he is in charge. What does the rule of law say about this situation?

• He must follow the law like everyone else.

• He should be excused because of his position.

• He can decide whether or not to punish himself.

• He can avoid punishment if enough people support him.

A police officer is caught stealing from a store, but the judge decides not to punish him because he works for the government. Does this follow the rule of law?

• Yes, because police officers have special rights.

• No, because the law applies to everyone equally.

• Yes, because he protects the community.

• No, because only elected officials must follow the law.

Jake notices his neighbor’s trash cans have fallen over. What is the responsible thing for him to do?

• Pick them up, even though he doesn’t have to.

• Call the police to report it.

• Leave them because it’s not his problem.

• Demand money from his neighbor before helping.

Sarah enjoys reading and wants to help others. Which of the following is a responsibility she could take on?

• Volunteering at the library to help younger kids read.

• Making a law that requires everyone to read.

• Ignoring people who struggle with reading.

• Refusing to read because no one can force her.

Which of the following is a legal obligation of U.S. citizens?

• Serving on a jury when called.

• Helping neighbors with their yard work.

• Donating to charity.

• Voting in every election.

Jason is 18 years old and receives a letter for jury duty. What is the correct action for him to take?

• Ignore it because he is too busy.

• Attend because it is a legal obligation.

• Pay someone else to go in his place.

• Pretend he never received the letter.

Maria was born in Florida, but her parents are from another country. What does the 14th Amendment say about her citizenship?

• She is a U.S. citizen because she was born in the U.S.

• She is not a citizen because her parents are from another country.

• She must take a test to become a citizen.

• She must apply for a visa to live in the U.S.

Which of the following describes a person who is a U.S. citizen under the 14th Amendment?

• Someone born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents.

• Someone who has lived in the U.S. for 10 years.

• Someone who works in the U.S. but is from another country.

• Someone who owns property in the U.S. but is not a citizen.

The president wants to ban all video games nationwide. Can he do this?

• No, because the government has limited power.

• Yes, because the president controls all laws.

• No, because only states can make laws.

• Yes, because the government can do anything.

A town’s mayor decides to raise taxes without approval from the town council or citizens. Why is this a violation of limited government?

• Leaders must follow legal procedures before making decisions.

• Mayors have unlimited power to change tax laws.

• Only the president can raise taxes.

• Limited government only applies to the federal government.