WorksheetsFHS Civics Unit 1: Foundations
Total questions: 39
Worksheet time: 1hrs 18mins
"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals, or by the law of the land."
-From the Magna Carta, 1215
What founding principle of American government is expressed in the passage above?
Separation of Powers
Federalism
Rule of law
Checks and Balances
"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals, or by the law of the land."
-From the Magna Carta, 1215
Which of the following explains one way the Magna Carta influenced American government?
It established a principle of limited government
It called for the direct election of the executive
It provided equal rights for women
It created three balanced branches of government
"We, whose names are underwritten...having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these Presents...covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politik, for our better ordering and preservation...and do enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, and officers as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience..."
-From the Mayflower Compact, 1620
What Enlightenment idea is expressed in the Mayflower Compact?
Deism
Due Process of Law
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
The Social Contract
"We, whose names are underwritten...having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these Presents...covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politik, for our better ordering and preservation...and do enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, and officers as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience..."
-From the Mayflower Compact, 1620
How did the Mayflower Compact influence the development of American government?
It created a system of checks and balances
It set a precedent for a written social contract
It declared independence from England
It created a federal system of government
Enlightenment philosopher John Locke wrote about a social contract between government and the governed. According to Locke, what is government's main responsibility?
promote economic growth
establish extensive empires
protect natural rights
build a strong military
Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu wrote that government should be divided into different parts that were more or less equal in power so that no part of government would be able to dominate and abuse its power. How was this idea incorporated into U.S. government?
U.S. government has a number of expressed powers in the Constitution and cannot expand those powers under any circumstances.
U.S. government has a legislature divided into 2 parts which are designed to represent the people of the U.S. and the states of the U.S.
U.S. government has Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches and a system of checks and balances to limit the authority of each branch.
U.S. government sets term limits on all of its elected and appointed officials
During the Roman Republic, Roman citizens elected Senators to make laws. What influence did Roman government have on U.S. government?
It created a representative democracy where people ruled through their elected leaders.
It created a strict legal code based on the "eye for an eye" principle of justice.
It created an independent judiciary that was not bound to public opinion.
It established a legal system that protected political rights for women and men.
The Virginia House of Burgesses was established in 1619. What significance does it have for American government?
It declared independence for the 13 colonies
It was the first representative legislature in colonial North America.
It was the first body of government to limit the power of the king.
It created the first system of checks and balances for colonial North America.
“And that also there shall be a Council established here in England, which shall, in like manner, consist of thirteen persons, to be, for that purpose, appointed by Us…which shall be called our Council of Virginia; And shall from time to time, have the superior managing and direction, only of, and for all matters, that shall or may concern the government…”
-From 1st Charter of the Virginia Company (1606)
How was the idea of self-government promoted by the 1st Charter of the Virginia Company?
It created an absolute monarch for the Virginia colony
It created a governing council that would be chosen by the people
It stated that no government would be needed in the colony
It rejected the idea of representative government
"...That it is inseparably essential to the freedom of a people, and the undoubted right of Englishmen, that no taxes be imposed on them, but with their own consent, given personally, or by their representatives."
-From the Stamp Act Congress, 1765
According to the excerpt, why did the colonists resist the Stamp Act and other taxes by Parliament?
The taxes were not going toward paying off the national debt
The colonists believed taxes could only be levied by the King
The taxes were cruel and unusual punishment
The colonists had no representation in Parliament
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
-The Declaration of Independence, 1776
What Enlightenment ideas are most evident in the above passage?
Montequieu's idea of Separation of Powers
Thomas Hobbes' idea of the state of nature
John Locke's ideas of the Social Contract and natural rights
Francis Bacon's idea of empirical knowlege
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
-The Declaration of Independence, 1776
According to the passage, why are governments created?
to conquer less powerful nations
to protect rights of the people
to ensure economic progress
to guarantee individual happiness
After the Revolutionary War, the 13 free and independent states created a central government under the Articles of Confederation. Which of the following is a more accurate description of the government under the Articles of Confederation?
It created a weak central government and left enforcement of laws up to the individual states.
It created a monarchy in the image of the British system of government.
It created a strong central government dominated by the chief executive.
It created a government in which power was divided equally between national and state governments.
Why did the government under the Articles of Confederation struggle to pays it debts in the 1780s?
Financial institutions in England were unwilling to accept currency from the states as payment
States began to secede after the government passed its first income tax law.
It had no authority to tax the states or enforce requisitions from the states.
The Revolutionary War had been so expensive, no amount of taxation would have been sufficient to pay the debt.
--Inability to pay debts
--Inability to support the military
--Inability to enforce treaties
--Inability to put down Shays' Rebellion
Which of the following would be a good title for the items listed above?
Weaknesses of the Government Under the Articles of Confederation
Reasons the Colonies Declared Independence
Reasons the Southern States Seceded
Weaknesses of a Federal System of Government
At the Constitutional Convention, delegates argued about how representation would be awarded in the national legislature. Which of the following best summarizes this argument?
Older delegates wanted a minimum age requirement for representatives and younger delegates wanted no age restrictions
Small states wanted 1 vote for each state and large states wanted 2 votes for each state.
Northern states wanted representation based on the number of white males, and Southern states wanted to include women in the population count.
Large population states wanted representation based on population and small population states wanted equal representation for each state.
"Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons...three-fifths of all other persons"
-From the Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution (original version, 1787)
This part of the Constitution is best known as what?
The Great Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise
The Elastic Clause
The Supremacy Clause
"Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons...three-fifths of all other persons"
-From the Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution (original version, 1787)
What effect did this part of the Constitution have?
It allowed states to count a portion of its slaves in the population total for the purpose of adding representatives to Congress.
It allowed states to nullify federal laws if they violated the state constitution.
It gave the national government expanded powers during wars or national emergencies.
It gave states equal representation and power in the Senate
How did the delegates from the large and small states resolve their argument over representation in Congress?
They agreed to allow state legislatures to appoint both Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
They agreed to a bicameral legislature with one house based on proportional representation and another based on equal representation for each state.
They agreed to impose term limits to ensure no one served more than 20 years in Congress.
They agreed to a unicameral legislature that required unanimous consent to amend the Constitution.
"Congress shall have the power...to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.."
-From Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution
Why is this phrase in the Constitution known as the "elastic clause"?
It allows the powers of Congress to expand or contract based on interpretation of what is "necessary and proper"
It sets clear and strict boundaries on what powers are not given to Congress
It guarantees that Congress will retain more lawmaking power than the President.
It eliminates the threat that Judicial Review might present to the lawmaking power of Congress
Which of the following is an appropriate title for the illustration?
Rights of the Accused
Federalism
Checks and Balances
National Supremacy
What check does the Supreme Court have on the President?
Declare War
Reject treaties
Judicial Review
Override Vetoes
Although the President has the power to appoint ambassadors and make treaties, how is the authority limited by the system of Checks and Balances?
Treaties and Ambassadors must be approved by the Supreme Court.
Treaties and Ambassadors must be approved by 3/4 of the state legislatures.
Treaties and Ambassadors must be approved in a referendum by the voters in the United States.
Treaties and Ambassadors must be approved by the Senate
"Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state..."
-From Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution
Why was this phrase included in the Constitution?
to protect rights of the accused
to protect state governments against national authority
to ensure cooperation among the states
to guarantee individual liberties
"This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be make in pursuance thereof...shall be the Supreme Law of the Land, and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby..."
-From Article VI of the Constitution
According to the passage above, which of the following actions would be unconstitutional?
The state of North Carolina sues the national government for an injunction against unnecessary pollution regulations
The President vetoing a bill because he or she believes it proposes unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
A convicted person making an appeal based on an interpretation of the 6th Amendment
The State of South Carolina nullifies a tariff enacted by Congress
"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is..."
-From John Marshall's Opinion in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
How did the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison enhance the system of Checks and Balances?
It nullified the President's power to veto legislation
It limited the ability of Congress to check executive authority
It created new implied powers for Congress
It claimed the power of Judicial Review for the Supreme Court
"The Constitution does not include a bill of Rights which is essential for protecting individuals against the power of the national government"
-George Mason, Objections to the Constitution
George Mason agreed with which group, known for opposing ratification of the Constitution?
Federalists
Whigs
Antifederalists
Republicans
--Too much power to Congress
--Too much power to the President
--Not enough representation for the People
--No Bill of Rights
Which of the following would be an appropriate title for the list above?
Reasons why the Colonies declared independence
Reasons why the Articles of Confederation needed amendments
Reasons why Antifederalists opposed the Constitution
Reasons why Democrats and Republicans disagree
"The effect of the first difference is...to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens,whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country,and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations..."
-James Madison in Federalist #10 (1789)
Why did Madison help write the essays known as the Federalist papers?
to oppose the ratification of the Constitution
to promote the ratification of the Constitution
to oppose the Declaration of Independence
to promote the Articles of Confederation
"The powers not delegated tot he United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
-10th Amendment to the Constitution
How did the 10th Amendment address some of the fears of the Antifederalists?
It guarantees individual liberties against state abuses.
It protects rights of people accused of crimes.
It limits the authority of the national government by reserving some powers for states.
It denies the right of state governments to interfere with interstate and international trade.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
-from the 1st Amendment
Which of the following is unconstitutional according to the establishment clause of the first amendment?
the use of capital punishment by a state
requiring background checks for firearm purchases
using tax revenue to support a particular church
censoring news media that criticizes the government
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
-4th Amendment
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
-9th Amendment
Although it is not a right listed in the Bill of Rights, which right can be inferred from the 4th and 9th Amendments?
right to free speech
right to privacy
right to a trial by jury
right to protection from excessive bail
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
-10th Amendment
How does the 10th Amendment support the principle of government known as Federalism?
it delegates all authority to the national govnerment
it declares state laws the supreme law of the land
it protects individual freedoms like speech and press
it protects state governments by giving them reserved powers
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bare arms, shall not be infringed."
-2nd Amendment
Which of the following actions would violate the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution?
requiring background checks before buying a handgun
forbidding citizens from owning any caliber rifle
requiring a mandatory life sentence after a 3rd criminal conviction
requiring citizens to provide housing for soldiers during peacetime
Amendments to the Constitution have expanded the right to vote in all of the following ways EXCEPT:
allowing for the direct election of the President by the people
protecting the right to vote for women
protecting the right to vote for all races
allowing for the direct election of senators by the people of a state
The only Constitutional amendment that has been repealed was _________.
the 18th Amendment, which outlawed the production and sale of "intoxicating liquors"
the 3rd Amendment, which prohibits quartering of troops in citizens homes during peacetime
the 24th Amendment, which outlawed poll taxes
the 16th Amendment, which allowed taxes on incomes from any source
Article I delegates to Congress the power to borrow money on credit of the United States. What other clause might Chief Justice John Marshall have used to uphold the constitutionality of Congress' decision to create a national bank in the McCulloch v. Maryland decision?
The 3/5 Clause
The Elastic clause
The fugitive slave clause
the amendment clause
In his opinion for the Gibbons v. Ogden case, Chief Justice John Marshall interpreted the word "commerce" in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to include interstate shipping. What kind of interpretation was John Marshall using to expand the powers of the national government?
Tight constructionist
Strict constructionist
Loose constructionist
Original constructionist
In the McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden cases, which constitutional phrase did Chief Justice John Marshall use to hold federal authority above state authority?
Amendment I, establishment clause
Article IV, Full Faith and Credit Clause
Article I, Fugitive Slave Clause
Article VI, Supremacy Clause
