wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

American Government Review

Total questions: 137

Worksheet time: 2hrs 49mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

A federal government is one in which

a)

grants broad legislative powers to a bicameral legislature

b)

concentrates all power in the hands of the central government

c)

states ally together in order to form a political alliance to prevent the possible invasion from outside forces

d)

divides powers between the state and national government being supreme or sovereign

2.

Which type of government system has a central authority that holds all or nearly all of the power?

a)

an oligarchy

b)

a confederation

c)

a federal government

d)

a unitary government

3.

A loose union of states form a weak central government

a)

Confederation

b)

Federal

c)

Government

d)

Unitary

4.

Which form of government would have the LEAST amount of citizen participation

a)

a democracy

b)

an oligarchy

c)

an autocracy

d)

a confederation

5.

Which form of government would have the MOST amount of citizen participation?

a)

a democracy

b)

an oligrachy

c)

an autocracy

d)

a confederation

6.

Which type of government consists of a single, self-appointed ruler who holds political control over an entire country?

a)

autocracy

b)

democracy

c)

oligrachy

d)

plutocracy

7.

In which type of system do citizens have some rights to participation IF they are wealthy and powerful?

a)

autocracy

b)

democracy

c)

monarchy

d)

oligarchy

8.

A government in which one person holds supreme power within the state is called

a)

a democracy

b)

an autocracy

c)

an oligarchy

d)

a confederation

9.

The "Rule of Law" states that

a)

there should be no barriers to the right to vote

b)

a just government derives its power from the governed

c)

all people, including those who govern, must obey the law

d)

a country's citizens are the source of the government's power

10.

In English History, the Magna Carta (1215) and the English Bill of Rights (1689) both reinforce the concept of

a)

universal suffrage

b)

a limited monarchy

c)

Religious toleration

d)

a laisse-faire economy

11.

What was the purpose of the English Bill of Rights?

a)

To reinstate King James II

b)

to weaken the role of Parliament

c)

to establish the British Cabinet System

d)

to limit the power of the British Monarch

12.

The Declaration of Independence and the "Social Contract Theory" both arose from which philosophical movement?

a)

Realism

b)

Humanism

c)

Enlightenment

d)

Existentialism

13.

Montesquieu is credited with devising the basic Constitutional principle of

a)

natural rights

b)

popular soverieghty

c)

separation and balance of governmental powers

d)

government was created by man for his own purposes

14.

John Locke's writings reflect the ideals of the Enlgihtment in that

a)

men are created with Equal rights and responsibilities under the law of nature.

b)

civil society is not possible when men work to protect their property.

c)

there is no private property, and therefore no justice or injustice.

d)

government must be rule by a democracy, rather than by a monarch.

15.

According to John Locke, if the government failed to protect the natural rights, what did citizens have a right to do?

a)

To divide the government into three separate parts

b)

To elect new government leaders to rule the coutnry

c)

To overthrow the government and establish a new one

d)

To create a direct democracy and allow individuals to govern

16.

John Locke gave Thomas Jefferson the most influence when writing about the natural rights of man. Locke's "unalienable rights" were specifically mentioned in what document by Thomas Jefferson?

a)

the Bill of Rights

b)

the Mayflower Compact

c)

the Preamble to the Constitution

d)

the Declaration of Independence

17.

__________ believed that direct democracy, with the citizens being the sovereign, was the best form of government. He did not agree with the idea of a representative government.

a)

Rousseau

b)

Hobbes

c)

Locke

d)

Montesquieu

18.

Thomas Hobbes believed that a king was the best form of sovereignty, and once the people gave absolute power to the king, they had no right to revolt against him. His idea best represents what form of government?

a)

Absolute Monarchy

b)

Direct Democracy

c)

Representative Democracy

d)

Oligarchy

19.
This philosopher believed that people had the right to "life, liberty and property" 
a)
Locke 
b)
Hobbes 
c)
Rousseau 
d)
Montesquieu
20.

The Federalist Papers were written to encourage

a)

the adoption of a Bill of Rights

b)

the ratification of the Constitution

c)

delegates in Philadelphia to write a new Constitution

d)

states to send delegates to the Philadelphia Convention

21.

Those who supported adoption of the Constitution were called

a)

Abolitionists

b)

Democrats

c)

Federalists

d)

Anti-Federalists

22.

How did the Federalists convict the Anti-Federalists to ratify the United States Constitution?

a)

The Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights

b)

All trading ties to England and France were broken

c)

State governments would be equal to the federal government

d)

The Anti-Federalists would select the first president

23.
Anti-Federalists feared
a)
strong state government
b)
strong federal government
c)
spiders
d)
weak federal and state governments
24.
The constitution contains no Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties like freedom of speech, trial by jury, and the right against searches and seizures.
a)
Anti-Federalist
b)
Federalist
25.
Which group would have made the following statement?
State governments are closer to home and can be more carefully monitored for abuses of power.
a)
Federalists
b)
Loyalists
c)
Anti-Federalists
d)
Patriots
26.
Principle that requires all government officials to obey the laws
a)
rule of law
b)
popular sovereignty
c)
judicial review
d)
federalism
27.
 Principle that divides power among the legislative, executive and judicial branches
a)
Checks and balances
b)
Rule of law
c)
Separation of powers
d)
Judicial review
28.
A Federalist is someone who supported
a)
sharing powers between the federal government and state governments
b)
giving all of the power to the federal government
c)
giving all of the power to the state governments
d)
giving all of the power to George Washington
29.

The United States Congress may pass laws, and they go into effect if the President signs the laws. However, the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional. This is an example of

a)

supremacy

b)

veto power

c)

federalism

d)

checks and balances

30.

What is federalism?

a)

A form of government with elected representatives

b)

A division of power between the national and state governments

c)

a sharing of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial systems

d)

a form of government in which elected officials make all economic decisions

31.

Power is with the people (citizens).

a)

Popular Sovereignty

b)

Individual Rights

c)

Checks & Balances

d)

Federalism

32.

Which statement best describes the government outlined in the United States Constitution?

a)

the president is given unlimited power.

b)

National power is guaranteed by Article Four.

c)

the power of one0house Congress is provided by a Bill of Rights

d)

Power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

33.

What role does the Executive Branch play in checking the power of Congress?

a)

it can declare war on foreign countries

b)

the President may veto congressional legislation

c)

Congress can create federal courts and can impeach judges

d)

the President can decide that laws of Congress are unconstitutional

34.

The Senate has the power to confirm presidential appointments to the Supreme Court. This is an example of what principle of United States government?

a)

judicial review

b)

popular sovereignty

c)

checks and balances

d)

executive privilege

35.

How can Congress check the power of the Supreme Court?

a)

Congress may veto Court rulings.

b)

Congress may impeach and remove Court Judges

c)

Congress may nominate new judges to the Court

d)

Congress may declare Court rulings unconstitutional

36.

In Federalism, the power to govern is

a)

given to the people

b)

limited to the national government

c)

given mainly to the state governments.

d)

shared between the national and state governments.

37.

The power to tax is a concurrent power, meaning

a)

it belongs to the state government

b)

it is a government power that is shared

c)

it is less important than the power to borrow money

d)

it is more important than the power to regulate state trade

38.

An example of a State issue would be the requirements for

a)

printing money

b)

getting married

c)

running post offices

d)

establishing an army

39.

Which of the following is a power of the national government

a)

Establish Schools

b)

Issue Marriage Licenses

c)

Provide for Defense

d)

Issue drivers licenses

40.
Powers given to state governments
a)
Enumerated
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Denied
41.
Powers given to the federal govt (specifically listed in the Constitution)
a)
Enumerated
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Denied
42.
Powers shared between the federal and state governments
a)
Enumerated
b)
Implied
c)
Concurrent
d)
Reserved
43.
Powers denied to the national and/or state governments by the Constitution 
a)
Enumerated
b)
Reserved
c)
Concurrent
d)
Denied
44.
Creating a national bank is a(n) [ ] power.
a)
enumerated
b)
reserved
c)
concurrent
d)
implied
45.
Powers not mentioned in the Constitution but are assumed by the powers that are given
a)
Enumerated
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Denied
46.
Powers shared between the federal and state governments
a)
Enumerated
b)
Implied
c)
Concurrent
d)
Reserved
47.
Implied powers are related to the
a)
Supremacy Clause
b)
Necessary and Proper Clause
48.
If a state law conflicts with a national law, the national law takes priority according to the 
a)
Supremacy Clause
b)
Necessary and Proper Clause
49.

What amendment comes as a result of the Quartering Act of 1765?

No one has to house/quarter soldiers in their home.

a)

1st

b)

26th

c)

3rd

d)

10th

50.

What amendment grants freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition?

a)

3rd

b)

1st

c)

Not this one

d)

5th

51.

Which amendment protects against 'cruel and unusual punishment'?

a)

8th

b)

1st

c)

6th

d)

It's all a lie

52.

The 2nd amendment gives you the right to?

a)

Claim 'Dibs'

b)

A lawyer

c)

Plead the 5th

d)

Bear Arms

53.

Why were the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

a)

we copied Wakanda

b)

to protect individual rights

c)

to end the American Revolution

d)

to equalize individual rights

54.

What amendment protects against 'unreasonable search or seizure'?

a)

3rd

b)

5th

c)

refusals

d)

4th

55.

What is the meaning of 'amend'?

a)

approve

b)

Coke is better than Dr. Pepper

c)

change or add

d)

corrupt

56.

Which amendment allows you to remain silent when arrested?

I plead the ____!

a)

5th

b)

2nd

c)

9th

d)

That's a real thing?

57.

Which amendment says, powers not given to the Federal government, are powers reserved for the states or people.

a)

4th

b)

8th

c)

10th

d)

Quartering Act

58.

Which amendment gives you the right to a jury trail?

a)

9th

b)

It's not the 9th

c)

5th

d)

7th

59.

What does double jeopardy mean?

a)

You can be tried in a court more than once for the same crime

b)

You cannot be tried in a court more than one time for the same crime

c)

When you win Jeopardy twice!

60.

Which amendment gives you the rights to a jury trial and to have an attorney (lawyer) if you are accused of a crime?

a)

6th Amendment

b)

1st Amendment

c)

8th Amendment

d)

10th Amendment

61.

Which amendment gives you the right to a jury trial in a civil case worth more than $20?

a)

6th Amendment

b)

2nd Amendment

c)

7th Amendment

d)

10th Amendment

62.

Which amendment says rights not written down in the Constitution still belong to the people?

a)

9th Amendment

b)

2nd Amendment

c)

5th Amendment

d)

10th Amendment

63.

Which amendment says you are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures and that police have to have a warrant?

a)

4th Amendment

b)

3rd Amendment

c)

1st Amendment

d)

7th Amendment

64.

Which amendment says the government cannot force you to quarter soldiers in your home?

a)

9th Amendment

b)

3rd Amendment

c)

5th Amendment

d)

7th Amendment

65.

If you are caught littering and your bail is $100,000 dollars this is a violation of the

a)

2nd amendment

b)

3rd amendment

c)

8th amendment

d)

1st amendment

66.

Which amendment allows you to see a judge in a short amount of time?

a)

8th amendment

b)

7th amendment

c)

6th amendment

d)

5th amendment

67.

The Right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to an attorney, and the Right to remain silent are all

a)

First Amendment Rights

b)

Due Process Rights

c)

De Facto Jurisdiction

d)

In the Preamble of the Constitution

68.
The basis of the 14th amendment was to give all U.S. citizens what?
a)
equal protection under the law
b)
due process
c)
equality
d)
all of the above
69.
The first major test case of the 14th amendment was Plessy versus Ferguson where the Supreme Court said what was ok?
a)
all races should be equal
b)
slavery
c)
separate but equal
d)
sharecropping
70.
Plessy versus Ferguson(1896) now allows this to be legal until the 1950's
a)
integration
b)
segregation
c)
degradation
d)
graduation
71.
This Supreme Court Case in 1954 put an end to segregation saying the "separate was not equal"
a)
Brown vs Smith
b)
Smith vs Jones
c)
Brown vs Board of Education
d)
Bishop vs Guyon
72.

The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship if which of the following is true?

a)

You have lived in the U.S. for ten years

b)

You were born in the U.S.

c)

You are currently living in the U.S.

d)

You have family members that are U.S. citizens

73.

"No state shall... deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." What Amendment is stated here?

a)

15th Amendment

b)

14th Amendment

c)

13th Amendment

74.
All male citizens have the right to vote regardless of race.  Which amendment is this?
a)
15th
b)
3rd
c)
26th
d)
14th
75.
Ban of poll tax as a qualification to vote.  Which amendment is this?
a)
23rd
b)
18th
c)
10th
d)
24th
76.
The people elect US senators.  Which amendment is this?
a)
15th
b)
17th
c)
23rd
d)
26th
77.
Women's suffrage (right to vote).  Which amendment is this?
a)
18th
b)
19th
c)
10th
d)
12th
78.
Voting age changed from 21 years old to 18 years old. Which amendment is this?
a)
25th
b)
14th
c)
26th
d)
12th
79.

17th Amendment

a)

Direct Election of Senators

b)

Direct Election of Governors

c)

Direct Election of the US President

d)

Direct Election of Mayors

80.

16th Amendment

a)

Abolished Slavery

b)

Prohibited Alcohol

c)

Grants Citizenship to African Americans

d)

Collecting taxes on income

81.

A power only the Senate has is

a)

introducing revenue bills

b)

proposing constitutional amendments

c)

approving Presidential appointments and treaties

d)

bringing impeachment charges against a federal official

82.

Which branch is in charge of coining money?

a)

The president

b)

The congress

c)

The house of representatives

d)

The senate

83.

All Revenue Bills start in

a)

The Senate

b)

The House of Representatives

c)

Parliament

d)

Congress

84.
The end result of Johnson's impeachment hearing was?
a)
Johnson was removed from office by majority vote. 
b)
Acquittal by one vote.
85.

How many presidents have been removed from office by impeachment?

a)

0

b)

1

c)

2

d)

3

86.

A special power delegated to only the House of Representatives is

a)

bringing charges of impeachment

b)

approving presidential appointments

c)

proposing a constitutional amendment

d)

ratifying treaties with foreign nations

87.

According to Article II of the United States Constitution, all federal impeachment proceedings must start in the _______ and the subsequent trial is to be conducted by the ________.

a)

Senate; House of Representatives

b)

House of Representatives; Senate

c)

Senate; Supreme Court

d)

House of Representatives; Supreme Court

88.

According to the United States Constitution, which of these must happen in order for a federal officer to be found guilty in an impeachment trial?

a)

the House must vote for conviction

b)

two-thirds of the Senate must vote for conviction

c)

the Chief Justice must agree with the verdict

d)

the President must vote in favor of conviction

89.

Which of the following is an informal qualification to be president?

a)

35 years old

b)

political experience

c)

14 years a resident

d)

natural born citizen

90.

Which accurately reflects the formal qualifications to be President of the Untied States?

a)

35 years old, 7 years a resident, natural born citizen, political experience

b)

35 years old, 14 years a resident, natural born citizen, college education

c)

35 years old, 14 years a resident, natural born citizen

d)

35 years old, 7 years a resident, natural born citizen, military experience

91.

The number of electoral votes a state gets depends on

a)

the number of registered voters in the state.

b)

the number of votes cast in previous elections.

c)

the number of members in both houses of the state legislature.

d)

the number of Senators and representatives the state has in Congress.

92.

In the United States the Electoral College

a)

is appointed by the majority party in Congress

b)

approves the results of the General election

c)

is responsible for electing the President

d)

meets yearly to revise elations rules

93.

Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution changed the way the Vice President was elected

a)

12th Amendment

b)

13th Amendment

c)

22nd Amendment

d)

25th Amendment

94.

What governmental purpose do Cabinet members serve?

a)

as an advisory body to aid the President

b)

as liaisons to Congress for passing of legislation

c)

ceremonial duties to present the major executive departments

d)

each Cabinet member has to be elected in order to serve the President

95.
All of the following are types of Foreign aid, except
a)
Economic
b)
Military
c)
political
d)
legislative
96.

Which is the best example of the United States' use of economic aid as a tool of diplomacy?

a)

The Marshall Plan

b)

the Monroe Doctrine

c)

the Truman Doctrine

d)

the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

97.

Which of these is an example of the U.S. government's use of humanitarian aid as a tool of foreign policy?

a)

NATO

b)

NORAD

c)

the Peace Corps

d)

Doctors without Borders

98.

Which term refers to a U.S. foreign policy tool in which the government imposes trade penalties, tariffs, imports and exports quotas, and trade barriers on other nations?

a)

containment

b)

humanitarian aid

c)

economic sanctions

d)

military intervention

99.

The Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison established the principle of

a)

the federal control of interstate commerce

b)

supremacy of the national government

c)

checks and balances

d)

judicial review

100.

John Marshal was instrumental in establishing the principle that the Supreme Court has the authority to declare laws and actions unconstitutional. This authority is called

a)

habeas corpus

b)

judicial review

c)

diplomatic immunity

d)

executive privilege

101.

What is an example of judicial activism?

a)

a judge reviews laws and studies the Constitution.

b)

A judge hears a case brought up from a lower court.

c)

A judge strikes down a law that she does not agree with.

d)

A judge strikes down a law that violates the Constitution/

102.

A judge who strikes down only laws that are obviously unconstitutional is exercising

a)

majority rules

b)

judicial activism

c)

judicial restraint

d)

statutory construction

103.

Which of these BEST illustrates judicial restraint

a)

A judge uses personal beliefs to make a decision.

b)

A judge overturns precedents established by the previous courts.

c)

A judge ignores previous Supreme Court rulings when making decisions.

d)

A judge tries to uphold previous established laws whenever possible.

104.
The American legal system that every person be treated fairly is known as what?
a)
Due process of law
b)
Fairness of law
c)
Legally Fair
d)
US Fairness
105.

The Fifth Amendment provides the defendant with what special rights?

a)

an attorney appointed by the court if the defendant cannot afford one

b)

the right to refuse to answer a question that may incriminate oneself

c)

the right to a speedy and public trial

d)

the right to have an attorney present during questioning

106.
The Police provided a __________ which allowed them to search the suspect’s home.
a)
Search Warrant
b)
Search Request
c)
Search & Seizure
d)
Search Power
107.

He was found not guilty of murder, because of of ______, he can't be tried for that murder ever again.

a)

Double Jeopardy

b)

Writ of Habeas Corpus

c)

Due Process

d)

Exclusionary Rule

108.
Who is responsible for determining if the defendant should stay in jail or get bail?
a)
Judge
b)
Prosecutor
c)
Grand Jury
d)
Jury
109.
What type of law involves a person who has broken the law and has endangered themselves, someone else, or society?
a)
Civil
b)
Criminal
c)
Misdemeanor
d)
Felony
110.
What type of law typically involves two people, one of which is suing another?
a)
Civil
b)
Criminal
c)
Misdemeanor
d)
Felony
111.
What deal may be reached between the defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence?
a)
Plea Bargain
b)
Appeal
c)
Arraignment
d)
Grand Jury Indictment
112.
The formal verdict of the grand jury that there is sufficient evidence to bring a person to trial.
a)
adjudicated
b)
due process
c)
criminal justice
d)
Indictment
113.

Which list is in chronological order?

a)

arraignment, arrest, imprisonment, trial, sentencing

b)

arrest, arraignment, booking, trial, sentencing, imprisonment

c)

arrest, booking, arraignment, trial, sentencing, imprisonment

d)

booking, arrest, trial, arraignment, sentencing, imprisonment

114.
The _____________has the responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
a)
Judge
b)
Jury
c)
Prosecutor
d)
Defendant
115.

What is the primary goal of an interest group?

a)

to act as a third party

b)

to measure public opinion

c)

to influence public policy

d)

to use propaganda techniques

116.

This kind of organization can legally solicit campaign contributions from individuals and then funnel those donations to candidates for political office

a)

PACS

b)

liberal

c)

conservatives

d)

caucuses

117.

What term refers to donations given to political parties and not designated for a specific campaign

a)

lobbying

b)

hard money

c)

soft money

d)

contributions

118.

What term refers to the money raised and spent to elect Congressional and Presidential candidates.

a)

lobbying

b)

hard money

c)

soft money

d)

Super PACs

119.

_______ make expenditures in federal races for running campaign ads for or against a candidate. Their messages specifically advocate for the election or defeat of a particular candidate.

a)

Hard Money

b)

Lobbyists

c)

PACs

d)

Super PACs

120.

The recruitment of candidates, voter registration drives, and other efforts utilized to build party membership are all ways ____ influences campaigns.

a)

Hard Money

b)

Lobbyists

c)

Soft Money

d)

Super PAC

121.

Which of the following is NOT a way the Media influences politics or political opinions?

a)

The media can try to sway voters who are not committed to a particular candidate.

b)

Media frequently changes voters who identify with a specific political party

c)

Media can influence a candidate's behavior

d)

Media can assist setting the public agenda.

122.

The Internet, television, newspapers, and radio are all examples of

a)

Media

b)

Lobbying

c)

Interstate's groups

d)

Campaign contribution sources

123.
TV, newspapers, magazines, and internet are some examples of ...
a)
Print media
b)
Mass media
c)
Social media
d)
Media
124.
"What most people think or believe about an issue" refers to what?
a)
Public opinion
b)
Public agenda
c)
Public policy
d)
Public shaming
125.

Who originally wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?

a)

James Madison

b)

Francis Bellamy

c)

Colonel George Balch

d)

John Locke

126.

Who placed a large role in revising the Pledge of Allegiance?

a)

James Madison

b)

Francis Bellamy

c)

Colonel George Balch

d)

John Locke

127.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written

a)

to inspire patriotism

b)

to encourage racial equality

c)

as a reaction to the Cold War

d)

As a reaction to the First amendment

128.

Voting, performing public service, being informed about current events, and respecting different opinions are all

a)

examples of mandated civic responsibility

b)

examples of voluntary civic responsibility

c)

Legal mandates for citizens

d)

Eligibility for naturalization

129.

Being informed as a citizen falls under which category?

a)

A civic duty

b)

a voting requirment

c)

a civic responsibility

d)

a constitutional amendment

130.

What do voting in elections and volunteering at homeless shelters haver in common?

a)

they are examples of civic duties

b)

They are examples of civic responsibility

c)

They are specifically mentioned in the U.S. Constitution

d)

They are specifically mentioned in the state Constitution

131.

Sales tax, property tax on real estate, and personal property tax are all examples of

a)

Federal Income Taxation

b)

Sources of Revenue for Local Government

c)

Sources of Revenue for Federal government

d)

Mandated taxation by the IRS

132.

_______ is a property tax on items including but not limited to automobiles, land, real estate, boatel, machinery, and businesses.

a)

Ad voloreum tax

b)

Sales tax

c)

Income tax

d)

SPLOST

133.

When specific taxes are put in place to collect funds towards new schools or roads within a city or county it is known as

a)

SPLOST (Special Local option sales tax)

b)

Sales Tax

c)

Property Tax

d)

Ad voloreum tax

134.

Which term describes the approval or rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment in some states by the popular vote?

a)

censure

b)

initiative

c)

recall

d)

referendum

135.

What process can allow citizens to propose a constitutional amendment to the state constitution?

a)

Initiative

b)

primary

c)

recall

d)

referendum

136.

The action that allows citizens in some states to call for the removal of a state official over issues of wrongdoing or misconduct is called a(n)

a)

initiative

b)

primary

c)

recall

d)

referendum

137.

Which of the following amendments corrected various groups of disenfranchised voters?

a)

13, 14, 15, 16

b)

13, 19, 24, 26

c)

14, 16, 19, 22

d)

12, 22, 25, 26