FTCE Social Science Competency 3—Knowledge of Civics + Gov 25%

What is the primary purpose of government?

• To control all aspects of daily life

• To maintain order, provide services, and protect citizens

• To make money for leaders

• To entertain the public

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of government is to maintain order, provide essential services, and protect citizens' rights and safety, ensuring a stable and functioning society.

Which branch of the U.S. government is responsible for making laws?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• Administrative

Answer explanation

The Legislative branch of the U.S. government is responsible for making laws. It consists of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, tasked with drafting and passing legislation.

What document established the framework for the U.S. government?

• Declaration of Independence

• U.S. Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution established the framework for the U.S. government, outlining the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the government. The Declaration of Independence declared independence, while the Bill of Rights lists individual rights.

What is federalism?

• A system where power is divided between national and state governments

• A dictatorship

• A monarchy

• A parliamentary system

Answer explanation

Federalism is a system where power is divided between national and state governments, allowing for a balance of authority and responsibilities. This distinguishes it from systems like dictatorship, monarchy, or parliamentary systems.

Which political system is ruled by a king or queen with limited powers?

• Absolute monarchy

• Constitutional monarchy

• Totalitarianism

• Democracy

Answer explanation

A constitutional monarchy is a political system where a king or queen's powers are limited by a constitution or laws, distinguishing it from an absolute monarchy where the monarch has unrestricted power.

In a parliamentary system, who is typically the head of government?

• President

• Prime Minister

• Monarch

• Governor

Answer explanation

In a parliamentary system, the head of government is typically the Prime Minister, who is responsible for running the government and making policy decisions, unlike a President or Monarch who may have different roles.

What does "rule of law" mean?

• The leader has absolute power

• Everyone must follow the law, including leaders

• Laws can be ignored by citizens

• Laws only apply to certain groups

Answer explanation

The "rule of law" means that all individuals, including leaders, are subject to the law. This ensures fairness and accountability, contrasting with absolute power or selective application of laws.

What is the role of the executive branch?

• Interpret laws

• Enforce laws

• Make laws

• Review laws

Answer explanation

The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, ensuring they are implemented and followed. This distinguishes it from the legislative branch, which makes laws, and the judicial branch, which interprets and reviews them.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

Answer explanation

The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties and rights from government infringement, ensuring fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly are safeguarded.

Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?

• First Amendment

• Second Amendment

• Fifth Amendment

• Tenth Amendment

Answer explanation

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, protecting individuals' rights to express themselves without government interference.