Civics Fundamentals: Government Structure & Historical Documents

Lawmakers legislate in response to —

• constitutional necessity

• problems and issues in the community

• demands from political action committees

• supreme court appointments

Which document extended the rights of Englishmen to colonists?

• Charters of the Virginia Company of London

• Declaration of Independence

• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

What is missing in the diagram?

• Congress

• Virginia Supreme Court

• House of Delegates

• House of Representatives

What is the President’s annual speech to Congress in which he gives legislative guidance?

• State of the Union Address

• State of the State Address

• State of the Commonwealth Address

• Annual Press Conference

The Federal legislative branch's job is to make the laws. What part of the Federal government is responsible for interpreting federal laws?

• United States Supreme Court

• Governor

• Virginia Supreme Court

• President

Which document gives cities, towns and counties in Virginia their power to govern?

• Virginia Constitution

• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

• United States Constitution

• Declaration of Independence

What do you call laws passed by cities, towns and counties?

• Bills

• Regulations

• Rules

• Ordinances

Why was the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution written?

• It reveals why the colonies declared their independence.

• It states freedom of religious beliefs and opinions

• It explains the purposes of federal government.

• It lists the grievances against the English government.

An ordinance has been created by the legislative body of the county to establish a requirement for all animals to be on a leash. Which legislative body would create this ordinance?

• House of Representatives

• General Assembly

• City council

• Board of supervisors

Which box above outlines the Virginia Constitution Amendment process?

• 4

• 1

• 2

• 3