U.S. Vocabulary Pre-Test (American Democracy : Origins

Which vocabulary word means "to examine in detail for the purpose of explanation and interpretation"?

• Assert

• Analyze

• Upbraid

• Divest

Which term refers to someone who opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, favoring stronger state governments?

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

• Iroquois

• Outcast

Which word means "to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively"?

• Assert

• Exalted

• Erring

• Roundly

Which term describes a system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches?

• Checks and Balances

• Precedent

• Distinction

• Founding

What is a "confederacy" in terms of government structure?

• A system where a king rules

• An alliance of independent states with a weak central authority

• A government ruled by the people

• A system with checks and balances

If a person is described as "contumacious," how are they likely to behave?

• Obedient and respectful

• Rebellious and disobedient

• Generous and kind

• Quiet and reserved

If a law is described as "defective," what does this imply about the law?

• It is perfect and without error.

• It is flawed or has faults.

• It is widely accepted.

• It is based on precedent.

Which term describes a government in which the people have the power to rule, either directly or through elected representatives?

• Monarchy

• Democracy

• Confederacy

• Federalist

The "Declaration of Independence" is best described as:

• A document that established the U.S. Constitution

• A statement announcing the American colonies' separation from Britain

• A treaty with the Iroquois Confederacy

• A law limiting government power

Which word means "to strip or remove (a title or position) from someone"?

• Divest

• Upbraid

• Exalted

• Distinction