WorksheetsHN Civics Study Quiz 1
Total questions: 12
Worksheet time: 12mins
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 judgement of his equals or by the law of the land. —Magna Carta, 1215
What best identifies a similar principle as it appears in the United States government?
the separation of powers as designed in the Constitution
due process protections as provided for in the Bill of Rights
judicial review as established in the Marbury v. Madison decision
the belief in human equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence
. . . Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience . . . —Mayflower Compact, 1620
What best explains why this document is important?
It was an early step towards self-government in the American colonies.
It established the principle of religious toleration in the American colonies.
It pledged representatives of the thirteen American colonies to work together.
It led to conflict between the American colonists and the English government.
What is the purpose of the U.S. system of checks and balances?
to increase voter participation
to limit authority of government branches
to improve procedures for the legislature
to limit state powers
Which feature of the U.S. government prevents this type of situation?
the guarantee of legal protection against self-incrimination
the Constitutional system of checks and balances
the Constitutional protection of free expression
the division of powers between federal and state governments
Which statement best explains why direct democratic participation is more effective at the local level than at the state and national levels of government?
Issues with more immediate impact can be discussed in greater depth.
Larger groups with voting power often make more reasonable decisions.
Citizens in small communities are more likely to be neutral on matters.
Problems that affect large regions can be solved by separate, small groups.
Generation18 (formerly known as 18 in ‘08) is the largest national nonpartisan youth engagement organization run by youth. Generation18 was created to register, engage, and mobilize young voters specifically for the 2008 election and now works to engage young people in policy and politics year round specifically through film and new media.
—“About the Organization,” Generation 18, 2012
Which factor most likely motivated the establishment of this organization?
the lack of oversight by the federal government
the need for accountability by state legislators
the need for modifications in voter requirements
the absence of a diverse voting population
Article. I.
Section. 1.
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Section. 2.
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
Section. 3
aThe Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote
Based on the reading, the Constitution established a system of equal representation by creating
the Electoral College
a bicameral legislation
a system of federal courts
three branches of government
“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.”
What is the source of this quotation?
United States Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”
. . . Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . .
—The Declaration of Independence, 1776
This excerpt is based on which philosophical argument?
rule of law
social contract theory
civil disobedience
divine right of kings
According to the Baron de Montesquieu, what are the three main parts of government whose powers should be separated?
national, state, and local
feudalism, mercantilism, and capitalism
the monarchy, the military, and the church
the executive, the judicial, and the legislative
. . . when the government is dissolved, the people are at liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a new legislative . . . as they shall find it most for their safety and good: for the society can never . . . lose the native and original right it has to preserve itself. . . .
—Second Treatise from a Civil Government by John Locke, 1690
Which principle of the Declaration of Independence does this excerpt MOST directly reflect?
the concept that government should be created by the people and for the people
the belief that all people are equal and should be treated as such by the law
the idea that government must implement a system of checks and balances
the notion that representation in the legislature should be based on a two-house system
In every government there are three sorts of power; the legislative; the executive, in respect to things dependent on the law of nations; and the executive, in regard to things that depend on the civil law.
—The Spirit of Laws, Baron de Montesquieu, 1748
Which principle of the U.S. Constitution was MOST influenced by the concepts expressed in this excerpt?
federalism
popular sovereignty
separation of powers
individual rights
