Civics Unit 1 Topic 1 Lesson 1 Purpose of Government

What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?

• Bill of Rights

• Declaration of Independence

• Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

What does the Constitution do?

• Creates political parties

• Establishes the framework for the American government, defines its powers, and protects the basic rights of citizens

• Grants the president unlimited power

• Decides state tax rates

What does the phrase common good refer to?

• Laws that only benefit the wealthy

• Things a society is expected to provide or protect for everyone’s benefit

• Personal freedoms only

• The majority’s opinion

Which of the following is an example of a decision that serves the common good?

• Selling park land to create a private resort

• Repressive censorship

• Protecting freedom

• Allowing only some citizens to vote

Why did Patrick Henry disagree with the British government in the Parson’s Cause?

• He wanted independence immediately

• He believed Virginia should decide local matters, including clergy pay

• He opposed religious leaders entirely

• He wanted to raise taxes

In both the Parson’s Cause and his 1775 speech, Patrick Henry was arguing what main point?

• That Britain should appoint colonial leaders

• That colonists should be able to make decisions for themselves

• That Britain should reduce taxes

• That clergy should be unpaid

What would happen if we had no government at all?

• Everything would run smoothly

• Chaos; important things wouldn’t get done

• Everyone would be richer

• There would be more cooperation

What is politics?

• A set of rules to govern citizens

• The process of debate, compromise, and competition by which people decide what government will do and who will be in charge

• Military decision-making

• The same as governance

What type of government does the United States have?

• Absolute monarchy

• Republic and democracy

• Dictatorship

• Theocracy

How can citizens actively participate in government?

• Voting

• Contacting representatives

• Campaigning

• All of the above