U.S. Government and History Concepts

This video is a comprehensive guide to the eighth-grade social studies STAAR test, focusing on government and civics. It covers the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the formation of the U.S. Constitution. Key compromises like the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise are discussed. The video also highlights George Washington's presidency, the judicial branch, and landmark Supreme Court cases. It concludes with a discussion on civic duties and responsibilities, and provides practice questions for review.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Excessive presidential power

• Too many taxes

• Strong central government

• Lack of a judicial branch

Which group supported a strong central government during the Constitutional Convention?

• Anti-Federalists

• Federalists

• Democrats

• Republicans

Which document includes the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Magna Carta

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

What was the purpose of the Great Compromise?

• To balance representation in Congress

• To establish a national bank

• To end slavery

• To create a new currency

Which compromise counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation?

• Missouri Compromise

• Great Compromise

• Connecticut Compromise

• Three-Fifths Compromise

Who was the first President of the United States?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• John Adams

• Alexander Hamilton

What did the Marbury v. Madison case establish?

• The two-party system

• The Bill of Rights

• Judicial review

• The National Bank

What is a civic duty of American citizens?

• Obeying the law

• Attending community events

• Running for office

• Voting

What is required to become a naturalized U.S. citizen?

• Having a U.S. job

• Passing a citizenship test

• Owning property

• Being born in the U.S.