WorksheetsAmerican Government Final
Total questions: 150
Worksheet time: 46mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
The decision in Brown v. Board of Education addressed the issue of:
a)
segregation
b)
voting rights
c)
school funding
d)
affirmative action
2.
Which of these phrases was part of the original "Pledge of Allegiance" as written in 1892?
a)
We the people
b)
one Nation under God
c)
an the home of the brave
d)
I pledge allegiance to my flag
3.
A man is accused of Federal income tax evasion and will be tried. Which court will be the first to hear his case?
a)
U.S. Appeals Court
b)
U.S. Circuit Court
c)
U.S. Supreme Court
d)
U.S. District Court
4.
Only Texas has more counties than Georgia. How many counties are in Georgia?
a)
62
b)
100
c)
159
d)
254
5.
The minimum age for election to the U.S. House of Representatives is _____ years.
a)
18
b)
21
c)
25
d)
30
6.
The role of a lobbyist is to:
a)
try to influence government policy
b)
work in an agency of the executive branch
c)
serve on the staff of a member of Congress
d)
represent defendants who cannot afford lawyers
7.
Marbury v. Madison; McCulloch v. Maryland; Gibbons v. Ogden
All of these landmark cases were heard under the leadership of WHICH Supreme Court Chief Justice?
a)
John Jay
b)
Earl Warren
c)
Roger Taney
d)
John Marshall
8.
Of the following positions, which works as the accountant of a county?
a)
mayor
b)
sheriff
c)
probate judge
d)
tax commissioner
9.
Samuel has been criticizing the policies of the state government, which has led law enforcement officials to conduct a raid on his home. He could be protected, though, by which Constitutional Amendment?
a)
8th
b)
5th
c)
2nd
d)
3rd
10.
Leadership in House committees is decided primary by:
a)
the President
b)
the majority party
c)
the Vice-President
d)
the vote of Congress
11.
Congress called for a convention to be held in Philadelphia in 1787 in order to:
a)
declare independence from England
b)
revise the Articles of Confederation
c)
establish a new Constitution for the United States
d)
direct the Revolutionary War effort against England
12.
A student can participate in civic life by volunteering in the community. Community volunteering is an example of which type of civic action?
a)
duty
b)
obligation
c)
responsibility
d)
right
13.
The _____ clause prevents our government from interfering with the religious practices of American citizens.
a)
due process
b)
establishment
c)
free exercise
d)
equal protection
14.
Before a person can stand trial for a capital offense, he or she must be indicted. This duty is left up to whom?
a)
a bailiff
b)
a grand jury
c)
a petit jury
d)
an appellate judge
15.
Though most Presidents have claimed affiliation with a Christian church, the only Roman Catholic president has been:
a)
Abraham Lincoln
b)
John F. Kennedy
c)
George Washington
d)
Franklin D. Roosevelt
16.
Which form of government would have the MOST amount of citizen participation?
a)
a democracy
b)
an oligarchy
c)
an autocracy
d)
a confederation
17.
Federal elections are administered by:
a)
corporate sponsors
b)
private sponsors
c)
state and local governments
d)
the federal bureau of investigation
18.
U.S. Federal judges serve in their positions:
a)
for a maximum of 10 years
b)
until they turn 65 years of age
c)
until a new President replaces them
d)
for a long as they fulfill their responsibilities
19.
How did the Constitutional Convention delegates resolve the issue of Southern representation in Congress?
a)
The legislative branch was organized into two separate houses.
b)
Every five enslaved persons would county as three free persons.
c)
The Senate and House of Representatives were given special powers.
d)
The Electoral College would select the president and vice-president.
20.
What is the difference between an authoritarian government and a democratic government?
a)
In authoritarian governments, the people rule.
b)
In authoritarian governments, many have power.
c)
In democracies, the power of the government is limited.
d)
in democracies, government officials gain power through force.
21.
The institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies.
a)
dictatorship
b)
government
c)
court
d)
school
22.
All the things a government decides to do.
a)
public policies
b)
legislative power
c)
government power
d)
government polices
23.
The power to make laws.
a)
executive power
b)
legislative power
c)
judicial power
d)
state power
24.
The power to enforce the laws.
a)
legislative power
b)
judicial power
c)
executive power
d)
federal power
25.
The power to interpret the laws.
a)
executive power
b)
legislative power
c)
judicial power
d)
government power
26.
A government in which all power rests with an individual or small group.
a)
democracy
b)
dictatorship
c)
republic
d)
federalism
27.
A government in which supreme authority rests with the people.
a)
dictatorship
b)
federalism
c)
democracy
d)
state
28.
A body of people, living in a defined territory, with a government that can make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority.
a)
federal
b)
state
c)
government
d)
democracy
29.
To have supreme and absolute power within a territory.
a)
sovereign
b)
dictatorship
c)
judicial
d)
leader
30.
The theory that governments gain their authority from the will of God.
a)
creation
b)
religion
c)
divine right
d)
religious right
31.
Government in which a single person holds all political power.
a)
oligarchy
b)
democracy
c)
autocracy
d)
federalism
32.
Government in which a small, usually self-appointed group has the sole power to rule.
a)
autocracy
b)
oligarchy
c)
federalism
d)
dictatorship
33.
A government in which all power belongs to one central agency.
a)
federal government
b)
unitary government
c)
democracy
d)
autocracy
34.
A government in which power is divided between one central and several local governments.
a)
unitary government
b)
federal government
c)
state government
d)
federalism
35.
The split of power between central and local governments.
a)
division of powers
b)
federalism
c)
autocracy
d)
democracy
36.
An alliance of independent states.
a)
federation
b)
confederation
c)
federalism
d)
autocracy
37.
A government with separate executive and legislative branches.
a)
parliamentary government
b)
presidential government
c)
state government
d)
federalism
38.
A government in which the executive branch is part of the legislative branch and subject to its control.
a)
presidential government
b)
parliamentary government
c)
federalism
d)
federal government
39.
Every government has three basic types of power:
a)
enforce laws, write laws, interact with laws
b)
executive, legislative and judicial
40.
Every government has three basic types of power:
a)
enforce laws, write laws, interact with laws
b)
executive, legislative and judicial
41.
A state is not strictly the same thing as a nation.
a)
true
b)
false
42.
Every state has four basic characteristics:
a)
population, sovereignty, territory and government
b)
border, president, population and government
43.
Holds that an individual or group claims control over a territory and forces the population to submit.
a)
social contract theory
b)
force theory
c)
divine right theory
d)
evolutionary theory
44.
A population formed out of primitive families.
a)
social contract theory
b)
force theory
c)
evolutionary theory
d)
divine right theory
45.
Holds that God created the state, making it sovereign.
a)
social contract theory
b)
force theory
c)
evolutionary theory
d)
divine right theory
46.
Holds that
the people chose to give
the state enough power
to promote the well-being of
everyone and that all political
power comes from the will of
the people.
the people chose to give
the state enough power
to promote the well-being of
everyone and that all political
power comes from the will of
the people.
a)
divine right theory
b)
evolutionary theory
c)
social contract theory
d)
force theory
47.
Government in which a single person holds all political power.
a)
oligarchy
b)
autocracy
48.
Government in which a small, usually self-appointed group has the sole power to rule.
a)
autocracy
b)
oligarchy
49.
A government in which all power belongs to one central agency.
a)
unitary government
b)
federal government
50.
A government in which power is divided between one central and several local governments.
a)
unitary government
b)
federal government
51.
The split of power between central and local governments.
a)
confederation of powers
b)
division of powers
52.
An alliance of independent states.
a)
federation
b)
confederation
c)
federal
d)
colonies
53.
A government with separate executive and legislative branches.
a)
presidential government
b)
parliamentary government
54.
A government in which the executive branch is part of the legislative branch and subject to its control.
a)
presidential government
b)
parliamentary government
55.
Democracies and dictatorships are classified according to who can participate in government.
a)
true
b)
false
56.
Unitary, federal, and confederation-style governments are classified based on how power is divided geographically.
a)
true
b)
false
57.
In a indirect democracy, the people pass laws by discussing and voting on them in meetings, such as town meetings.
a)
true
b)
false
58.
In a direct or pure democracy, the people pass laws by discussing and voting on them in meetings, such as town meetings.
a)
true
b)
false
59.
In an indirect or representative democracy, the people elect agents who make and carry out the laws.
a)
true
b)
false
60.
In an direct or representative democracy, the people elect agents who make and carry out the laws.
a)
true
b)
false
61.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy.
a)
true
b)
false
62.
The United States is a constitution-based federal republic.
a)
true
b)
false
63.
In a unitary model, all power belongs to the central government, which may grant some powers to local governments.
a)
true
b)
false
64.
In the federal model, power is divided between a central government and several local governments, usually according to a constitution.
a)
true
b)
false
65.
The principle that the will of the majority controls the actions of government.
a)
majority rule
b)
minority rule
66.
The process of blending and adjusting competing views and interests.
a)
majority rule
b)
compromise
c)
debate
d)
argue
67.
One who holds certain rights and responsibilities within a state.
a)
president
b)
citizen
c)
alien
d)
undocumented worker
68.
An economic system characterized by the private ownership of capital goods, private investment, and a competitive marketplace that determines success or failure.
a)
capitalism
b)
free enterprise system
c)
communism
d)
socialism
69.
One of the basic concepts of democracy is the recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person.
a)
true
b)
false
70.
Compromise is NOT a key part of the democratic process.
a)
true
b)
false
71.
What ideas and traditions influenced government in the English Colonies? English historical documents, including:
a)
Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta
b)
The Magna Carta,
The Petition of Right,
The English Bill of Rights
The Petition of Right,
The English Bill of Rights
72.
The idea that government is restricted in what it may do and that every individual has certain rights that government cannot remove.
a)
full government
b)
federal government
c)
limited government
d)
state government
73.
The Great Charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English king and guaranteed certain fundamental rights.
a)
Declaration of Independence
b)
Magna Carta
c)
Constitution
d)
Parliament
74.
Protection against the unjust taking of life, liberty, or property.
a)
due process
b)
Constitution
c)
Magna Carta
d)
federal government
75.
A document signed in 1689 that required free elections and guaranteed many basic rights, such as due process and trial by jury, to all English citizens.
a)
Magna Carta
b)
English Bill of Rights
c)
U.S. Constitution
d)
Declaration of Indepencence
76.
Having only one house, as in a one house legislature.
a)
unicameral
b)
bicameral
c)
polycameral
d)
tricameral
77.
What ideas and traditions influenced government in the English Colonies? English customs and ideas about government, including:
a)
representative government
b)
ordered government
c)
limited government
d)
all of the above
78.
Local governments should be divided into units and
ruled by officers according to law.
ruled by officers according to law.
a)
ordered government
b)
representative government
c)
limited government
d)
none of the above
79.
Individual citizens have basic rights. There are limits on government power.
a)
ordered government
b)
limited government
c)
representative government
d)
none of the above
80.
Government should serve the will of the people. In other words, people should have a say in what the government does or does not do.
a)
ordered government
b)
representative government
c)
limited government
d)
none of the above
81.
Signed by King John in 1215
Created by English barons to put limits on the once absolute power of the King.
Created by English barons to put limits on the once absolute power of the King.
a)
Declaration of Independence
b)
Magna Carta
c)
Constitution
d)
Bill of Rights
82.
Guaranteed certain fundamental rights for the privileged, such as trial by jury and due process of
law. Over time, these rights were extended to all English people.
law. Over time, these rights were extended to all English people.
a)
Bill of Rights
b)
Magna Carta
c)
Declaration of Independence
d)
Constitution
83.
Signed by King Charles I in 1628. Banned the king from imprisoning or punishing
people without first following the laws of the land. Kept the king from declaring military rule in times of peace or making people house soldiers.
Required the consent of Parliament for taxation.
people without first following the laws of the land. Kept the king from declaring military rule in times of peace or making people house soldiers.
Required the consent of Parliament for taxation.
a)
Magna Carta
b)
Petition of Right
c)
Declaration of Independence
d)
Bill of Rights
84.
Drawn up by Parliament in 1689 to prevent the abuse of
power by all future monarchs.
Required the consent of Parliament for taxationand suspension of laws.
Promised the right to a fair trial, and to petition
the monarchy to correct injustices.
power by all future monarchs.
Required the consent of Parliament for taxationand suspension of laws.
Promised the right to a fair trial, and to petition
the monarchy to correct injustices.
a)
English Bill of Rights
b)
U.S. Bill of Rights
c)
Constitution
d)
Declaration of Independence
85.
The colonies were established over a span of 125 years.
a)
true
b)
false
86.
The first colony, founded in 1607.
a)
Georgia
b)
Virginia
c)
Boston
d)
New York
87.
The last colony formed in 1733.
a)
Virginia
b)
Boston
c)
Georgia
d)
Alabama
88.
Colonies were directly controlled by the king.
a)
Royal
b)
Proprietary
c)
Charter
89.
Colonies were run by a proprietor chosen by the king.
a)
Royal
b)
Proprietary
c)
Charter
90.
Colonies were run mainly by elected legislatures and were the most independent.
a)
Royal
b)
Proprietary
c)
Charter
91.
English philosopher, Wrote "Leviathan" and believed people were naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish; he also believed only an absolute monarchy could keep an orderly society; believed people should give up some freedoms in order to achieve order- called this exchange a social contract.
a)
John Locke
b)
Thomas Hobbs
c)
Baron de Montesquieu
d)
Robert Kicklighter
92.
English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property, believed people were naturally tolerant and reasonable believed that the government was not giving everybody the rights people should have believed monarchs were not chosen by God, it was a position given to them by the people.
a)
Thomas Hobbes
b)
John Locke
c)
Robert Kicklighter
d)
Baron de Montesquieu
93.
Wrote The Spirit of Laws, urging that power be separated between executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each balancing out the others, thus preventing despotism and preserving freedom.
a)
John Locke
b)
Thomas Jefferson
c)
Thomas Hobbes
d)
Baron de Montesquieu
94.
People are greedy and selfish by nature. Believed that the best government has complete control. Governments exist to prevent people from doing bad things.
a)
John Locke
b)
Thomas Hobbes
c)
Thomas Jefferson
d)
Baron de Montesquieu
95.
Believed that the best government is one run by the people. People were born with a blank slate, experience makes you who you are. Governments exist because people allow them to. Everyone has natural rights: Life, liberty, and property. You have the “right” to rebel… Influenced the Declaration of Independence.
a)
John Locke
b)
Thomas Hobbes
c)
Thomas Jefferson
d)
Baron de Montesquieu
96.
Best governments separate their powers -Executive Legislative Judicial; No one person should have complete control.
a)
Thomas Hobbes
b)
John Locke
c)
Baron de Montesquieu
d)
Thomas Jefferson
97.
Warned against the church meddling with the king’s government.
a)
John Locke
b)
Thomas Hobbes
c)
Thomas Jefferson
d)
Robert Kicklighter
98.
Enlightenment thinkers wanted to improve human conditions on earth rather than concern themselves with religion and the afterlife.
a)
true
b)
false
99.
Published his Two Treatises of Government.
a)
Thomas Jefferson
b)
Thomas Hobbes
c)
John Locke
d)
James Madison
100.
Argued that natural rights such as life, liberty, and property existed in the state of nature and could never be taken away or even voluntarily given up by individuals. These rights were “inalienable” (impossible to surrender)
a)
Thomas Jefferson
b)
John Locke
c)
James Madison
d)
George Washington
101.
The king did not hold absolute power, as Hobbes had said, but acted only to enforce and protect the natural rights of the people. If a sovereign violated these rights, the social contract was broken, and the people had the right to revolt and establish a new government.
a)
Thomas Jefferson
b)
John Locke
c)
James Madison
d)
Thomas Hobbes
102.
Less than 100 years after Locke wrote his Two Treatises of Government, _____ _____ used his theory in writing the Declaration of Independence.
a)
James Madison
b)
Thomas Jefferson
c)
George Washington
d)
Abraham Lincoln
103.
Published his greatest work, The Spirit of the Laws, in 1748.
a)
Thomas Hobbes
b)
John Locke
c)
Thomas Jefferson
d)
Charles Montesquieu
104.
Believed that in the state of nature, individuals were so fearful that they avoided violence and war.
a)
Thomas Hobbes
b)
John Locke
c)
Charles Montesquieu
d)
George Washington
105.
Concluded that the best form of government was one in which the legislative, executive, and judicial powers were separate and kept each other in check to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.
a)
Thomas Hobbes
b)
John Locke
c)
Charles
Montesquieu
Montesquieu
d)
Thomas Jefferson
106.
America was originally a French colony.
a)
true
b)
false, British
c)
false, Spanish
107.
The U.S. won it’s independence and became it’s own country during the _____.
a)
Spanish-American War
b)
Civil War
c)
American Revolution
d)
War of 1812
108.
_____ was written and approved during the American Revolution to formally announce separation from Great Britain.
a)
U.S. Constitution
b)
Bill of Rights
c)
Declaration of Independence
d)
Separation Document
109.
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Approved on July 4, 1776. Provides persuasive argument for why Americans want independence from the British king; charging document.
Approved on July 4, 1776. Provides persuasive argument for why Americans want independence from the British king; charging document.
a)
U.S. Constitution
b)
Bill of Rights
c)
Jefferson Memoirs
d)
Declaration of Independence
110.
First law of the land of the U.S.
Went into effect in 1781
Created a loose confederation of states.
Went into effect in 1781
Created a loose confederation of states.
a)
U.S. Constitution
b)
Articles of Confederation
c)
Bill of Rights
d)
Absolute Power
111.
IT WAS TOO WEAK!!!
No executive
Congress could not tax, regulate trade between states or enforce laws
Shays’ Rebellion showed the government wastoo weak to handle a crisis and led to a callfor a constitutional convention to fix theproblem.
No executive
Congress could not tax, regulate trade between states or enforce laws
Shays’ Rebellion showed the government wastoo weak to handle a crisis and led to a callfor a constitutional convention to fix theproblem.
a)
U.S. Constitution
b)
Bill of Rights
c)
Articles of Confederation
d)
Confederacy
112.
The Articles weren’t working, so the founding fathers got together to revise them; Meeting to fix the AOC; the delegates end up making a new Constitution; May 1787 Pennsylvania State house.
a)
U.S. Constitution
b)
Constitutional Convention
c)
Congressional Hearing
d)
None of the above
113.
The only state that did NOT attend the Constitutional Convention.
a)
Georgia
b)
Alabama
c)
Boston
d)
Rhode Island
114.
One of the major conflicts of the Constitutional Convention:
a)
War of 1812
b)
Desired a King
c)
Representa-tion large state vs. small states
d)
No Coffee
115.
Goal of the Constitutional Convention:
a)
Bill of Rights
b)
Compromise
c)
War
d)
Statehood
116.
Issue #1: Congressional Representation
Question-How should representation in Congress be chosen?
Question-How should representation in Congress be chosen?
a)
a. land size
b)
b. equal representation for all states
c)
c. population
d)
d. both b & c
117.
Proposal for Congressional representation: Virginia Plan presented by Edmund Randolph
a)
a. Representation by state population
b)
b. Bicameral legislature (House of Representatives & Senate)
c)
c. Gives large states more power in Congress
d)
d. All of the above
118.
Proposal for Congressional representation: Proposal #2 New Jersey Plan (Small states)-Presented by William Patterson
a)
a. Representation based on population
b)
b. Unicameral legislature: Congress meets in one house
Equal representation of states
Equal representation of states
c)
c. Better for large states
d)
d. None of the above
119.
The Great Compromise resulted in:
a)
Federalism – sharing of government power between the federal and state governments… became the basic principle of the new government
b)
Created a Bicameral Legislature – Two House
c)
The country would be a Republic – government by the consent of the governed
d)
All of the above
120.
Three Fifth's Compromise resulted in:
a)
For every 5 slaves that a state has 3 of them will be counted when determining:
The amount of representatives each state would receive
The amount of taxes each state would pay
The amount of representatives each state would receive
The amount of taxes each state would pay
b)
For every 3 slaves that a state has 5 of them will be counted.
c)
Slaves would be counted the same as white men.
d)
Slaves would NOT be counted in the determination of representation
121.
The Commerce Compromise resulted in:
a)
Gave Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign trade Could levy (pass) taxes on imports Could not tax exports Congress could not restrict the importation of slaves for at least 20 years (until 1808) Could levy a tax as high as 10 cent per slave brought into the U.S.Runaway slaves had to be returned to owners
b)
Gave states the power to regulate interstate and foreign trade Could levy (pass) taxes on imports Could not tax exports Congress could not restrict the importation of slaves for at least 20 years (until 1808) Could levy a tax as high as 10 cent per slave brought into the U.S.Runaway slaves had to be returned to owners
c)
Gave England the right to regulate American trade
d)
None of the above
122.
Wrote letters to newspapers in which they analyzed the Constitution. They answered critics and urged people to ratify the Constitution. Letters were later published in a book called the Federalist. Played an important role in the ratification of the Constitution.
a)
Georgia Washington, James, Alexander Hamiltion
b)
Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison
c)
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Jay
d)
Abraham Lincoln, John Jay, James Madison
123.
Federalists were more concerned about states' rights.
a)
true
b)
false
124.
Anti-Federalists wanted a strong central government.
a)
true
b)
false
125.
In _____ the Constitution was ratified.
a)
1791
b)
1788
c)
1645
d)
1500
126.
What Article of the Constitution created the Legislative Branch?
a)
1
b)
2
c)
3
d)
4
127.
Where does most work for the Legislative Branch take place?
a)
White House
b)
U.S.Capitol Building
c)
Governor's Mansion
d)
Pentagon
128.
Each Representative represents _____ people.
a)
250,000
b)
650,000
c)
300,000
d)
10
129.
Representatives in Congress come from _____.
a)
Senate
b)
all walks of life
c)
Congress
d)
none of the above
130.
Most ideas from bills come from the _____.
a)
Senate
b)
Congress
c)
President
d)
Governor
131.
What determines how many Representatives a state sends to Washington?
a)
2 per state
b)
Population
c)
Money
d)
Lobbyists
132.
What determines how many Senators a state sends to Washington?
a)
Population
b)
2 per state
c)
President
d)
Congress
133.
Who has a larger constituency and longer term? Senate/House?
a)
Representatives/4 years
b)
Senate/6 years
134.
How many committees do members of Congress serve on?
a)
none
b)
1 to 3
c)
2 to 4
d)
7
135.
What is the role of Subcommittees?
a)
nothing
b)
Cover subtopic of the overall committee; hold hearings
c)
vote for President
d)
vote for Supreme Court justice
136.
What % of bills introduced to Congress become law?
a)
2%
b)
4%
c)
6%
d)
8%
137.
Congressmen vote on _____ bills a day?
a)
2
b)
3
c)
4
d)
5
138.
Each Congressman has _____ staff members.
a)
2
b)
4
c)
6
d)
8
139.
What is the percentage of the people who vote for the President? For Congressman?
a)
50%; 30%
b)
20%; 10%
c)
100%; 10%
d)
30%; 40%
140.
Which part of the government is directly linked to the will of the people?
a)
all of it
b)
the voting process of Congress
c)
none of it
d)
military
141.
Power of the Government is in:
a)
Congress
b)
the hands of the people
c)
President
d)
Senate
142.
What percentage of votes can overturn a presidential veto?
a)
2/3 of the Senate
b)
2/3 of the House
c)
2/3 of the Senate & House
d)
none
143.
Having two branches or chambers.
a)
unicameral
b)
bicameral
c)
tricameral
d)
polycameral
144.
A fixed or limited period for which something.
a)
term
b)
time
c)
span
d)
chart
145.
A period devoted to a particular activity.
a)
term
b)
session
c)
limit
d)
chart
146.
A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others, in particular.
a)
representative
b)
member
c)
salesman
d)
leader
147.
A national legislative body, especially that of the US.
a)
term
b)
Congress
c)
branch
d)
government
148.
The President can declare war.
a)
True
b)
False
149.
At the time the President takes office they must be:
a natural born citizen; at least __ years old an inhabitant of the United States for at least fourteen years.
a)
25
b)
35
c)
45
d)
55
150.
The President must notify Congress within __ hours after the beginning of military operations, explaining the source of his authority for the action.
a)
12
b)
24
c)
30
d)
48
100 %
