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STAAR Review Assessment--Second Six Weeks Grading Period

Total questions: 63

Worksheet time: 2hrs 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

(2016)During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, George Mason argued —

a)

against increased power for the national government

b)

for the dissolution of state governments

c)

against the passage of a bill of rights

d)

for the creation of a strong executive branch

2.

(2016)What was one result of the Treaty of Paris of 1783?

a)

Britain recognized the United States as an independent country.

b)

Competing Seminole and Spanish claims in West Florida were resolved.

c)

The British navy agreed to stop pressing American sailors into service.

d)

British territory in eastern Canada was ceded to France.

3.

(2016)The Northwest Ordinance established guidelines for the orderly expansion of the United States by instituting a —

a)

method to purchase territory from foreign powers

b)

procedure for military takeovers of existing countries

c)

process through which states could be added to the Union

d)

compromise line that prohibited slavery in the West

4.

(2016)This information was included in a slide-show presentation to a high school history class.

Which document was the focus of this presentation?

a)

The Mayflower Contract

b)

The Articles of Confederation

c)

The Virginia Declaration of Rights

d)

The Declaration of Independence

5.

(2016)Which amendment provides for the protections described in this list?

a)

First Amendment

b)

Fourth Amendment

c)

Fifth Amendment

d)

Tenth Amendment

6.

(2016)Which excerpt from the U.S. Constitution best illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty?

a)

“Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own


Members. . . .”

b)

“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year

by the People of the several States. . . .”

c)

“The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore. . . .”

d)

“The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives,

shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.”

7.

(2016)Which of the following best completes this diagram?

a)

Colonists sought military support from France.

b)

Colonists organized boycotts of British goods.

c)

Colonists signed the Declaration of Independence.

d)

Colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

8.

(2016)In this excerpt, the authors of the Virginia Declaration of Rights are describing rights they consider —

a)

granted to citizens by their government

b)

natural and possessed at birth

c)

protected under religious doctrine

d)

defined by the courts

9.

(2016)Conflicting interpretations of this amendment played a major role in the —

a)

Bank War

b)

Nullification Crisis

c)

Corrupt Bargain

d)

XYZ Affair

10.

(2016)

The first political parties in the United States formed mainly in response to disagreements

over —

a)

taxation without representation

b)

the doctrine of judicial review

c)

territorial expansion to the west

d)

the extent of federal power

11.

(2016)Which speaker is in favor of ratifying the Constitution?

a)

Speaker 1

b)

Speaker 2

c)

Speaker 3

d)

Speaker 4

12.

(2016)Which phrase completes this excerpt?

a)

colonial settlements

b)

protective tariffs

c)

permanent alliances

d)

territorial disputes

13.

(2016)Which of these is a guarantee in the First Amendment?

a)

States have the power to regulate public education.

b)

People can choose whether and how to participate in religious services.

c)

Persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

d)

Citizens have the right to be judged by a jury of their peers.

14.

(2016)This provision is a response to which grievance from the Declaration of Independence?

a)

“For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to

legislate for us in all cases whatsoever . . .”

b)

“For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing

therein an Arbitrary government . . .”

c)

“He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant

from the depository of their public Records.”

d)

“He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose

obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners.”

15.

(2016)Which action completes this diagram?

a)

oversee state government agencies

b)

regulate the creation of new businesses

c)

establish a national bank

d)

eliminate protective tariffs

16.

(2017)This list includes rights that are considered —

a)

transferable

b)

legislated

c)

unalienable

d)

inherited

17.

(2017)Which sentence completes this diagram?

a)

People cannot be forced to be witnesses against themselves.

b)

Cruel and unusual punishment cannot be inflicted.

c)

Warrants cannot be issued unless probable cause is established.

d)

A defendant cannot be denied a speedy and public trial.

18.

(2017)The Whiskey Rebellion challenged the idea that —

a)

the federal government had the power to pass and enforce tax laws

b)

a national military was needed for dealing with foreign threats

c)

the federal government could raise tariffs to protect industries

d)

a national court system was needed for resolving disputes between states

19.

(2017)Which argument would a Federalist make to support ratification of the Constitution?

a)

The Constitution will enable states to nullify laws that are harmful to citizens.

b)

A strong federal government will be more stable than a loose confederation of states.

c)

The Constitution will allow states to establish banks to stabilize the national economy.

d)

A republican system of government will better represent large states.

20.

(2017)John Hancock was one of the Founding Fathers committed to liberty. How did he demonstrate this commitment?

a)

By writing the Articles of Confederation

b)

By serving as commander in chief of the Continental army

c)

By organizing Committees of Correspondence

d)

By signing the Declaration of Independence

21.

(2017)Which amendment prohibits federal and state governments from carrying out these actions?

a)

The First Amendment

b)

The Second amendment

c)

The Fifth Amendment

d)

The Tenth Amendment

22.

(2017)Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War?

a)

The British victory extended the fighting for another year.

b)

The American defeat led many soldiers to desert the Continental army.

c)

The British defeat marked the beginning of a steady decline in British military superiority.

d)

The American victory convinced France to ally with the United States.

23.

(2017)What assurance did this argument give to those who opposed ratifying the Constitution?

a)

The amendment process would allow state governments to nullify federal law.

b)

Making the federal government superior to state governments would ensure greater

stability.

c)

The rights of citizens would be better protected by having both federal and state levels of

government.

d)

Giving greater power to the federal government would allow it to assist states in times of

crisis.

24.

(2017)The organization of the first U.S. political parties resulted in large part from disagreements over which issue?

a)

The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France

b)

The election of George Washington to a second term as president

c)

The establishment of the First Bank of the United States

d)

The attack on the Port of Tripoli in North Africa

25.

(2017)Which of the following is the source of this statement on foreign policy?

a)

George Washington's Farewell Address

b)

The Monroe Doctrine

c)

Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address

d)

The Federalist Papers

26.

(2017)How did the provisions of the Northwest Ordinance affect U.S. expansion?

a)

By funding a transportation network in uninhabited regions

b)

By establishing a process for territories to govern themselves

c)

By promoting the growth of southern plantation economies

d)

By creating a national bank to loan money to land investors

27.

(2017)Why were southern delegates to the Constitutional Convention willing to accept the Three-Fifths Compromise?

a)

It increased the political influence of the South.

b)

It allowed indentured servants in the South to become citizens.

c)

It decreased the federal tax on property in the South.

d)

It allowed the South to expand its industrial output.

28.

(2017)Which of these is a grievance from the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Colonists born in America were prohibited from holding elected office.

b)

Colonists were forced to quarter troops in their homes.

c)

Colonists were not eligible to become officers in the British army.

d)

Colonists were required to serve a year in their colony’s militia.

29.

(2017)Why was it difficult for Congress to fulfill its duties under the Articles of Confederation?

a)

Any congressional action required executive approval.

b)

Congress lacked the power to declare war.

c)

Most congressional decisions required the approval of at least nine states.

d)

Congress lacked the power to regulate foreign trade.

30.

(2018)The idea expressed in this quote is that the United States should avoid —

a)

becoming involved in the political affairs of other countries

b)

being a part of a global trade network

c)

establishing U.S. territories overseas

d)

allowing U.S. citizens to emigrate

31.

(2018)What does this list suggest about the drafters of the Articles of Confederation?

a)

They did not want a judicial system based upon that of Great Britain.

b)

They feared that a strong central government would abuse its power.

c)

They were uncertain that democracy would continue to be the best type of government.

d)

They did not think that state governments could provide for the general welfare.

32.

(2018)The British government issued the Proclamation of 1763 to limit the area British colonists were allowed to settle. Which geographic feature did the British use as the boundary of approved settlement?

a)

Lake Michigan

b)

Gulf of Mexico

c)

Mississippi River

d)

Appalachian Mountains

33.

(2018)Which document completes this excerpt?

a)

Declaration of Independence

b)

Treaty of Ghent

c)

Northwest Ordinance

d)

Louisiana Purchase Treaty

34.

(2018)Which numbered pair correctly replaces (1) and (2) in this table?

a)

(1) three-fourths

(2) eligible voters

b)

(1) two-thirds

(2) Electoral College

c)

(1) three-fourths

(2) Supreme Court

d)

(1) two-thirds

(2) state legislatures

35.

(2018)Those who agreed with this point of view were known as —

a)

Minutemen

b)

Loyalists

c)

Federalists

d)

Patriots

36.

(2018)Why was this congressional structure created by the framers of the Constitution?

a)

To follow the plan outlined in the Articles of Confederation

b)

To reach a compromise between large and small states

c)

To reach a compromise between slave states and non-slave states

d)

To implement the outcome of a popular vote

37.

(2018)This statement is most likely from a handbook designed to prepare citizens for —

a)

voting in elections

b)

jury duty

c)

paying income taxes

d)

military service

38.

(2018)What was the purpose of this amendment?

a)

To encourage citizens to monitor the federal government

b)

To prevent conflicts between state and local governments

c)

To limit the authority of the federal government

d)

To increase the participation of citizens in state government

39.

(2018)The actions described in this excerpt were carried out in order to —

a)

encourage the outbreak of war between England and France

b)

protest British taxation policies

c)

end trade disagreements between colonists and French traders

d)

protest a ban on selling beverages in the colonies

40.

(2018)Which law would be considered unconstitutional on the basis of First Amendment guarantees?

a)

A ban on the publication of classified information by government employees

b)

A requirement that church employees pay income tax

c)

A requirement that churches get a permit before building a new chapel

d)

A prohibition on electing religious leaders to government office

41.

(2019) Which chart correctly identifies reasons for and against ratification of the proposed U.S. Constitution?

a)

F

b)

G

c)

H

d)

J

42.

(2019) This author is expressing her opinion about--

a)

recalling members of Congress

b)

impeaching the President

c)

disobeying the Supreme Court

d)

amending the Constitution

43.

(2019) This excerpt supports the conclusion that Jefferson disagreed with--

a)

the congressional power of impeachment

b)

the presidential power to veto bills

c)

the states' power to amend the Constitution

d)

the Supreme Court's power of judicial review

44.

(2019) Which action is one part of the official path to U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process?

a)

Attending college in the United States

b)

Being employed in the United States

c)

Passing a U.S. civics exam

d)

Working for the U.S. government

45.

(2019) According to the Northwest Ordinance, which condition did a U.S. territory have to meet in order to apply for statehood?

a)

Have a population of sixty thousand free settlers

b)

Hold a vote on whether to become a free or slave territory

c)

Establish one public school per district

d)

Have a territorial governor appointed by the president

46.

(2019) Which person is most likely a supporter of free enterprise?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

47.

(2019) Which grievance from the Declaration of Independence is addressed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

a)

"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly."

b)

"For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury..."

c)

"He has obstructed the.....Laws for establishing Judiciary powers."

d)

"For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us...."

48.

(2019) Which pair contributed to the development of political parties in the United States?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

49.

(2019) Why is this type of interaction important in U.S. society?

a)

Free speech allows people to help create a better government.

b)

Due process laws are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.

c)

Individual protections are guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

d)

Freedom of the press helps the government respond to public opinion.

50.

(2019) Which event occurred as a result of General Cornwallis's surrender at the Battle of Yorktown?

a)

France recognized American independence and declared war against Great Britain.

b)

The Second Continental Congress agreed to the Articles of Confederation.

c)

Great Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris.

d)

The Second Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III.

51.

(2019) This list refers to the contributions of which Founding Father?

a)

John Adams

b)

Benjamin Franklin

c)

James Madison

d)

John Jay

52.

(2019) Which phrase best represents the U.S. principle of republicanism?

a)

The creation of a Congress to carry out the will of the people

b)

The establishment of courts to interpret laws and government actions

c)

The division of power between a federal government and state governments

d)

The power of a court to declare a law unconstitutional

53.

(2021) Which statement explains how the first Amendment has affected these groups?

a)

These groups are allowed to share and promote their beliefs.

b)

These groups are allowed to join together to forma a national religion.

c)

These groups are prevented from having worship services in public places.

d)

These groups are prevented from establishing religious schools.

54.

(2021) What was the one way slow communication with the British government affected the American colonies?

a)

The colonies united for trade and defense.

b)

Self-government developed in the colonies.

c)

Smuggling of goods in the colonies decreased.

d)

The colonies petitioned the government to establish a navy.

55.

(2021) Why did many farmers, artisans, and former Anti-Federalists support the Democratic-Republican Party?

a)

The Democratic-Republicans favored the expansion of a strong national government.

b)

The Democratic-Republicans supported strict restrictions on immigration.

c)

The Democratic-Republicans supported the use of tariffs.

d)

The Democratic=Republicans favored states' rights and the rights of the common man.

56.

Which of the following prompted General Washington to write this letter?

a)

A shortage of Continental soldiers to maintain the siege of Yorktown

b)

The high number of casualties suffered during the Battle Bunker Hill

c)

Low morale after the British army captured New York City

d)

Concern for the Continental troops during during the winter at Valley Forge.

57.

(2021) Why did Alexander Hamilton think a national bank would strengthen the central government?

a)

The bank would help provide stability for the U.S. economy.

b)

The bank would create a monopoly that would eliminate state banks.

c)

The bank would encourage foreign competition for manufactured goods.

d)

The bank would have the power to regulate interstate commerce.

58.

(2021) How was this grievance addressed by the Founding Fathers?

a)

By making the president the commander in chief of the armed forces

b)

By requiring the president and members of Congress to take the oath of office

c)

By giving the president and Congress the power to make treaties

d)

By giving Congress the power to draft civilians into the armed forces

59.

(2021) Which description is an example of an unalienable right from the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Equality--People's education should be equal in every state.

b)

Wealth--People's salaries should be dependent on their skills.

c)

Happiness--People can do lawful things that they enjoy.

d)

Patriotism--People can choose to join any of the armed forces.

60.

(2021) Which group would have made these arguments in 1787?

a)

Free-Soilers

b)

Anti-Federalists

c)

Loyalists

d)

Federalists

61.

(2021) The Great Compromise addressed disagreements over federal representation by--

a)

creating a bicameral legislature

b)

enumerating the powers of the central government

c)

giving veto power to the executive

d)

establishing three branches of government

62.

(2021) How did the American colonists IMMEDIATELY respond to the 1774 laws described in these headlines?

a)

The First Continental Congress declared war on Great Britain.

b)

The colonists adopted the Articles of Confederation.

c)

The First Continental Congress sent a list of grievances to King George III.

d)

The colonists adopted the Bill of Rights.

63.

(2021) Why is John Paul Jones remembered as the "Father of the American Navy"?

a)

He won naval victories against the British during the Revolutionary War.

b)

He led the naval assault against the Barbary States.

c)

He commanded the first steam-powered warship in the U.S. Navy.

d)

He served as the first Secretary of the Navy.