Civics Benchmark Assessment

SS.7.C.1.6
In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase "We the People"?

• The people express their will through political parties
• The people express their will by directly creating laws
• Goverment received taxes from the people and exists to support them
• Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them

SS.7.C.1.8
Which statement supports the Anti-Federalists in the struggle over ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

• The Constitution should limit state government
• The Constitution should protect fundamental rights
• The Constitution should create a strong national government
• The Constitution should prevent the election of amateur politicians

SS.7.C.2.8
In the modern political system, which issue represents a basic disagreement between Republicans and Democrats?

• the responsibilities of government
• the frequency of national elections
• the legality of the U.S. Constitution
• the support for the U.S. military soldier

SS.7.C.3.10
Which type of law is used to help solve disputes between people or organizations?

• civil
• constitutional
• criminal
• military

SS.7.C.3.6
What has been one long-term result of the constitutional protection of free speech?

• fewer court cases involving minors
• fewer laws limiting minority rights
• a more accurate election
• a more informed society

SS.7.C.1.9
Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States?

• the commerce clause
• the elastic clause
• the right to trial
• the rule of law

SS.7.C.3.12
What lessons did future U.S. leaders learn from the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case United States vs. Nixon?

• The president is accountable for obeying the law
• The president is responsible for enforcing the law
• The president is not allowed to hold secret talks with foreign governments
• The president is not allowed to have private meetings with cabinet members

SS.7.C.2.10
Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television
• discussing political issues at work
• collecting opinions for a yearbook
• gathering signatures for a petition

SS.7.C.4.1
Which action is an example of a foreign-policy decision?

• Congress increased providing support to newly arrived immigrants
• The president requested a law to regulate pollution near international borders
• Congress raised educational standards to make standards competitive in a global market
• The president signed an executive order restoring relations with a communist government

SS.7.C.4.3
A country with very strong economic ties to the United States is allowing human rights violations to take place.  Based on U.S. foreign policy, which is an appropriate first response?

• Initiate a trade ban
• Initiate public protests
• Initiate diplomatic talks
• Initiate a military operation