Locke and the Commonwealth: Reading Comprehension Quiz

What is the best meaning of “vindicated” in paragraph 3?

• ignored

• justified

• punished

• rewarded

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

How does paragraph 2 support the excerpt’s central idea?

• It refutes the need for a commonwealth

• It establishes that individuals cannot be trusted to govern themselves

• It specifies the relationship between the individual and the commonwealth

• It explains why the commonwealth should never show favor in making decisions

According to Locke, what is the ultimate purpose of the commonwealth?

• The protection of people’s individual rights

• The preservation of people’s property

• The establishment of a military

• The collection of taxes

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

What is the overall purpose of the excerpt?

• To criticize the rationale for a commonwealth

• To explain how the commonwealth gets its power

• To persuade individuals to give up certain freedoms

• To praise man’s nature as ultimately just and righteous

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

According to paragraph 1, men are born with:

• Limited rights and privileges

• Perfect freedom and rights under the law of nature

• The need for a monarch to control them

• Only the right to life

What must individuals do to form a successful political society?

• Fight for power over others

• Ignore the laws of nature

• Give up their natural power to the political society

• Follow the ruler without question

How is the governing body metaphorically described in paragraph 2?

• As a teacher

• As a parent

• As an umpire

• As a soldier

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

Why does Locke use the “umpire” metaphor?

• To suggest government should take sides

• To show government should be impartial

• To argue for a strong military

• To emphasize the need for strict laws

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

What defines a civil society, according to Locke?

• Individuals living independently

• People fighting over property

• A group united under common laws and authorities

• A monarchy with absolute power

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

In paragraph 3, what powers does the commonwealth have?

• To enforce religion

• To punish internal and external offenders

• To distribute wealth

• To educate citizens

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2