Civics Benchmark Study Guide

In which type of government are citizens most able to participate?

• absolute monarchy

• democracy

• oligarchy

• totalitarian dictatorship

Answer explanation

In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote, run for office, and participate in decision-making processes, allowing for greater involvement compared to absolute monarchies, oligarchies, or totalitarian dictatorships.

All of the following are fundamental principles of the American constitutional government except —

• absolute rule

• consent of the governed

• rule of law

• representative government

Answer explanation

The fundamental principles of American constitutional government include consent of the governed, rule of law, and representative government. Absolute rule contradicts these principles, as it implies unchecked authority.

Which early American document did the following:

• Established first form of national govt for the independent states

• Maintained that major powers resided with individual states

• No power to tax or enforce laws

• The Declaration of Independence

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Virginia Declaration of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation established the first national government for the independent states, with major powers residing in individual states, and lacked the authority to tax or enforce laws.

Select the purposes of the United States government as stated in the Constitution.

• Promote the general welfare

• Form a more perfect union

• Establish absolute rule

• Secure the blessings of liberty

• expand territory worldwide

Answer explanation

The Constitution outlines the government's purposes, including to 'Promote the general welfare,' 'Form a more perfect union,' and 'Secure the blessings of liberty.' 'Establish absolute rule' and 'expand territory worldwide' are not stated.

A new amendment to the Constitution is proposed in Congress.

What would most likely occur next?

• Three-fourths of state legislatures ratify new amendment

• Supreme court upholds amendment

• President approves new amendment

• Congress passes new amendment with three-fourths vote

Which constitutional amendment identifies the two ways a person can become a U.S. citizen?

• 10th

• 12th

• 14th

• 16th

Answer explanation

The 14th Amendment defines U.S. citizenship through birthright (jus soli) and naturalization (jus sanguinis), making it the correct choice for identifying how a person can become a U.S. citizen.

What is the legal process by which non-citizens become citizens?

• Democracy

• Naturalization

• Immigration

• Alienated

Answer explanation

The legal process by which non-citizens become citizens is called naturalization. This process involves fulfilling specific requirements set by law, unlike immigration, which refers to the act of moving to a new country.

Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition are found in the -

• 1st amendment

• 5th amendment

• 8th amendment

• 14th amendment

Answer explanation

Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition are protected by the 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution, making it the correct choice for this question.

Which 1st amendment freedom is illustrated in these pictures?

• Petition

• Press

• assembly

• religion

Answer explanation

The pictures likely depict a gathering of people, illustrating the 1st Amendment freedom of assembly, which allows individuals to come together for a common purpose, such as protests or demonstrations.

All of the following are duties (of US citizens) EXCEPT-

• Serving on a jury or as a witness in court

• Serving in the armed forces if called

• Voting

• Paying taxes

Answer explanation

Voting is a right and privilege of US citizens, not a duty. The other options, such as serving on a jury, serving in the armed forces, and paying taxes, are legal obligations.