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Civics review

Total questions: 107

Worksheet time: 1hrs 25mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
Why have only 27 amendments been added to the Constitution in the past 200 years?
a)
The process of adding amendments is very complex
b)
The courts strike down many amendments
c)
National laws limit the number of amendments
d)
Changes in society are too small to require amendments
2.
A citizen can help ensure the rights of an accused person by
a)
serving in the military
b)
paying an income tax
c)
serving on a jury
d)
obeying the state law
3.
Why is community service important in a democratic nation?
a)
It helps businesses find and train new employees
b)
It addresses local needs and serves the public good
c)
It lowers unemployment by giving jobs to volunteers
d)
It removes the national government's duty to improve society
4.
The local government in Virginia most likely created this law in order to
a)
promote public health
b)
support federal laws
c)
protect consumer rights
d)
regulate land use
5.
The principle of federalism gives governmental power to
a)
the county and local governments
b)
a strong confederate government
c)
the national and state governments
d)
a powerful state government
6.
The powers of local Virginia governments are granted directly by the
a)
Virginia Circuit Court
b)
Constitution of Virginia
c)
United States Attorney General
d)
Constitution of the United States
7.
How are implied powers most often used by the United States Congress?
a)
To help carry out expressed powers
b)
To force the executive branch to sign new legislation
c)
To encourage citizens to vote
d)
To give the government veto powers
8.
Which action is an example of political lobbying?
a)
The governor gives special advice to legislative members
b)
A mayoral candidate holds a campaign rally for registered voters
c)
The local newspaper exposes corrupt practices in election campaigns
d)
A health group asks legislators to pass tougher antipollution laws
9.
Which amendment establishes due process for the nation?
a)
5th
b)
14th
c)
10th
d)
16th
10.
Which amendment establishes due process for the state?
a)
5th
b)
14th
c)
10th
d)
16th
11.
Which amendment allows the government to tax?
a)
1st
b)
10th
c)
14th
d)
16th
12.
Which amendment defines citizenship?
a)
1st
b)
5th
c)
14th
d)
16th
13.
Which amendment grants our fundamental freedoms?
a)
1st
b)
5th
c)
14th
d)
16th
14.

What is the name of our first written plan of government?

a)

Declaration of Independence

b)

Preamble

c)

Articles of Confederation

15.

What type of government does the United States now have?

a)

Monarchy

b)

Representative Democracy

c)

Democracy

16.

In What city was the Constitutional Convention?

a)

New York

b)

Trenton

c)

Philadelphia

17.

What are the 3 parts of the Constitution?

a)

Rights, complaints, signatures

b)

Preamble, Articles, Amendments

c)

Articles, signatures, rights

18.

Who is The Father of the Constitution?

a)

James Madison

b)

George Washington

c)

Thomas Jefferson

19.

Which branch of government writes the laws?

a)

Judicial

b)

Executive

c)

Legislative

20.

Which branch represents our court system?

a)

Legislative

b)

Judicial

c)

Executive

21.

Which branch represents the president ?

a)

Executive

b)

Judicial

c)

Legislative

22.

What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

a)

Preamble

b)

Articles

c)

Bill of Rights

23.

What is one of the rights in the first amendment?

a)

due process

b)

cannot be tried twice for same crime

c)

freedom of religion

24.
When a crime is committed, what type of law is this?
a)
Criminal
b)
Civil
25.

When a disagreement is settled between two people, what type of law is this?

a)

Criminal

b)

Civil

26.
Laws can come from all of the following sources except?
a)
Constitutions
b)
Statutes
c)
Regulations
d)
Police Officers
27.
When a soldier fails to return to base, what type of law is this?
a)
Juvenile
b)
Military
c)
Civil
d)
Criminal
28.
What gives Congress the power to pass laws for the country?
a)
state constitutions
b)
U.S. Constitution
c)
judges
d)
The President
29.
What source of law is the "supreme law" of the country?
a)
Iowa Constitution
b)
US Constitution
c)
US Code
d)
Regulations
30.
State statutes often allow local governments to pass laws that are called...
a)
bills
b)
resolutions
c)
ordinances
d)
statutes
31.
The person who files a lawsuit in civil court is called the...
a)
prosecution
b)
defense
c)
plaintiff
32.
The Supreme Court decided that all schools should eliminate dress codes. Does that interpretation need to be followed in the future?
a)
Yes
b)
No
33.
Julie was pulled over by the police at 2:00 a.m. and was charged with breaking the curfew law in her town. She was fined and released back to her parents. 
a)
Military Law
b)
Juvenile Law
c)
Civil Law
d)
Criminal Law
34.

First written code of law in history that we know of. Eye for an eye.

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

Justinians Code

c)

Code of Hammaburi

d)

Constitution

35.

Which type of law deals with issues between the federal government and states, between two or more states, and between the government and citizens?

a)

constitutional law

b)

statutory law

c)

juvenile law

d)

military law

36.
Benchmark: 2.9  Complexity: DOK 2
   

 After serving as a U.S. Senator, Laura decided to run for governor of Florida.  Liz, Laura’s opponent, claims in court that Laura is not qualified to run.  A judge rules in Liz’s favor.  What was the basis for the lawsuit?
a)
Laura has never owned land in Florida
b)
Laura is not a Florida resident
c)
Laura is not yet 40 years old
d)
Laura has never voted
37.
Benchmark: 2.9  Complexity: DOK 1 
 

Which is NOT a constitutional requirement to run for President?
a)
U.S. permanent resident
b)
35 years old
c)
Natural Citizen
d)
College degree
38.
Benchmark: 2.9  Complexity: DOK 1 
 

Which is NOT a Florida constitutional requirement to run for Governor?
a)
Live in Florida for 7 years
b)
30 years old
c)
Natural Citizen
d)
Reside in Florida
39.
Which government office has these requirements?

Be at least 25 years old

Be a U.S. citizen at least 7 years
 
Reside in the state to be represented
a)
U.S. Senator
b)
Governor of Florida
c)
President of the United States
d)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
40.
Which government office has these requirements?
Be at least 30
Citizen at least 9 years 
Reside in the state to be represented
a)
U.S. Senator
b)
Florida Governor
c)
President of the United States
d)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
41.
Which government office has these requirements?
Be at least 35
A natural born citizen 
Reside in the US for 14 years
a)
Governor of Florida
b)
U.S. Senator
c)
President of the United States
d)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
42.

Which modern idea comes from the main principles of the Magna Carta?

a)

The government should have unlimited power to tax.

b)

The people should support a strong central government.

c)

The government should give people a fair trial.

d)

The people should be completely free from the government.

43.

Why did Parliament eventually repeal the Stamp Act, which taxed goods such as newspapers and playing cards?

a)

The colonists began boycotting British goods.

b)

The colonists started destroying British goods.

c)

The colonists were able to produce their own goods.

d)

The colonists established a blockade against British goods.

44.

Why did the Framers require that the U.S. House of Representatives have the sole power to introduce tax bills?

a)

Laws are easier to debate and pass in the U.S. House of Representatives.

b)

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are directly elected by the people.

c)

Elections are more frequent and expensive for the U.S. House of Representatives.

d)

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are required to have legal experience.

45.

Which principle does the U.S. Supreme Court apply when it declares an act of Congress unconstitutional?

a)

advice and consent

b)

checks and balances

c)

executive privilege

d)

separation of powers

46.

This statement is from a historical document. How is this statement reflected in the modern American political system?

a)

Congress enforces policies.

b)

The president enacts policies.

c)

Voters elect Congress members.

d)

The Electoral College elects Congress.

47.

Which principle is included in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

capitalism

b)

confederalism

c)

right to trial

d)

rule of law

48.

Which is a requirement for a person to become a naturalized U.S. citizen?

a)

Reaching age eighteen while living in the U.S. capital.

b)

Being a legal resident of the U.S. for at least five years.

c)

Marrying a U.S. citizen and having a child with that person.

d)

Gaining and maintaining employment in the U.S. for at least five years.

49.

Which constitutional principle is applied when police inform suspects of their rights?

a)

double jeopardy

b)

due process of law

c)

eminent domain

d)

trial by jury

50.

Which freedom is enumerated in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

assembly

b)

education

c)

privacy

d)

travel

51.

Juveniles accused of crimes continue to be afforded many of the same due process rights as adults as a result of which 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case?

a)

In re Gault

b)

In re Greene

c)

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

d)

District of Columbia v. Heller

52.
Who makes sure people obey laws?
a)
police only
b)
parents
c)
police and courts
d)
courts only
53.
Whose salary is paid for by taxes?
a)
plumber
b)
lawyer
c)
policeman
d)
park ranger
54.
The Bill of Rights consists of how many amendments to the Constitution?
a)
8
b)
12
c)
10
d)
2
55.
If accused of a crime, a U.S. citizen has the right to:
a)
speedy trial
b)
his favorite meal
c)
payment of lost wages
d)
a private cell in jail
56.
The legal concept that every person be treated fairly is known as:
a)
due process
b)
fair process
c)
jury selection
d)
self-defense
57.
How many state legislatures must ratify an amendment to the Constitution?
a)
one-half
b)
one-third
c)
three-fourths
d)
three-fifths
58.
Before the 17th amendment was passed, U.S. Senators were elected by:
a)
the American people
b)
state legislatures
c)
county commissioners
d)
the Cabinet
59.
The 24th amendment outlawed poll taxes. Which group of voters benefited?
a)
African Americans
b)
18 year olds
c)
women
d)
immigrants
60.
What does the motto "e pluribus unum" mean?
a)
"the people rule"
b)
"united we stand"
c)
"out of many, one"
d)
"equal and united"
61.
Freedom of speech is guaranteed by:
a)
5th amendment
b)
1st amendment
c)
2nd amendment
d)
19th amendment
62.

Which Enlightenment principle most influenced the ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

John Locke's idea of the social contract

b)

Thomas Hobbes’s idea of natural equality

c)

Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers

d)

Voltaire’s idea of the importance of toleration

63.

Which Enlightenment idea influenced the Founding Fathers?

a)

All people are generally born good.

b)

All religions come from the same source.

c)

All government powers should be separated.

d)

All humans can learn about and understand nature.

64.

Which document was written by the Pilgrims instilling the concept of Self-government and wanted just and equal laws

a)

Mayflower Compact

b)

English Bill of Rights

c)

Articles of Confederation

d)

Virginia Declaration of Rights

65.

How did the publication of the pamphlet Common Sense impact the American colonists?

a)

It convinced colonists to establish fair trade with Britain.

b)

It convinced colonists to restrict access to printing presses.

c)

It encouraged colonists to establish more modern schools in each colony.

d)

It encouraged colonists to go to war and declare independence from Britain.

66.

Which political idea was violated by the Stamp Act and addressed in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

A government cannot deprive its citizens of the right to a trial by jury.

b)

A government cannot require its citizens to provide housing for its soldiers.

c)

A government cannot keep a standing army in times of peace without the consent of its legislature.

d)

A government cannot tax its citizens without first allowing for their representation in government.

67.

Events that Contributed to the Writing of the Declaration of Independence • Parliament passes the Stamp Act to charge a tax on printed materials. • Colonists voice their objection to the Stamp Act through protests and petitions by local assemblies and legislatures. • Parliament passes the Declaratory Act to explain that Parliament had the exclusive power to pass laws for the colonies.


Based on the information, disagreement over what main issue caused this series of events?

a)

the colonists’ ability to criticize their national government

b)

the colonists’ privilege to establish local colonial settlements

c)

the colonists’ right to participate in their national government

d)

the colonists’ responsibility to finance local colonial operations

68.

Read the excerpt and answer the question below.


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 [protect] these rights, Governments are instituted [created] among Men, deriving [taking] 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 . . .


Based on this excerpt, what is the role of government in society?

a)

to ensure the happiness of its citizens

b)

to ensure the obedience of its citizens

c)

to protect the natural rights of its citizens

d)

to protect the religious beliefs of its citizens

69.

How was Locke's social contract theory related to his belief in natural law?

a)

He argues subjects had the right to rebel against a ruler who acted against natural law.

b)

He argues that whatever the king did was good according to natural law.

c)

He argues that natural law required the colonists to be given their independence.

d)

He argues that God had especially chosen kings to rule over their subjects as part of nature.

70.

The statement below is from Magna Carta (1215)


No freeman shall be taken or imprisoned or exiled or any way destroyed, nor will we go upon him nor send upon him, except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land.


Which right was guaranteed in this excerpt?

a)

Trial by jury

b)

No taxation without representation

c)

Freedom of the press

d)

Freedom of religion

71.

Which document confirmed the rights of English subjects after the overthrow of James II in the Glorious Revolution?

a)

Magna Carta

b)

Mayflower Compact

c)

English Bill of Rights

d)

Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws

72.

Which thinker introduced the idea of a separation of powers for effective government?

a)

John Locke

b)

Baron de Montesquieu

c)

Thomas Paine

d)

Thomas Jefferson

73.

Which statement describes the influence of natural-law beliefs on Enlightenment thinkers?

a)

They argued it was natural for subjects to obey established governments,

b)

They questioned any practices that seemed to go against reason and natural law.

c)

They believed that royal power was natural because it was based on divine right.

d)

They claimed church teachings should not be challenged since they rested on natural law.

74.

According to Locke, which rights were guaranteed by natural Law?

a)

Trial by jury and no cruel punishments

b)

Freedom of speech and of the press

c)

Life, Liberty and property

d)

Freedom of worship and the right to petition.

75.
Ben was accused of speaking out against the governor. In court, he was convicted without a lawyer. Which 2 amendments were violated?
a)
Amendment I (free speech) & Amendment VI (due process)
b)
Amendment I (free press) & Amendment VI (search and seizure)
c)
Amendment IX (unenumerated rights) & Amendment VI (due process)
d)
Amendment IX (unenumerated rights) & Amendment IV (search & seizure)
76.
The Daily Mouth wrote an article about how a senator cheated on a law school exam. Why would the senator be able to sue?
a)
he could sue the paper for libel and win if he proved the writer had a grudge
b)
he could sue for slander and win if the writer had a grudge
c)
he could sue for libel and win if he could prove accusations untrue
d)
he could sue for slander and win if he proved the accusations untrue
77.
The constitutional guarantee of a free press has resulted in
a)
a gov't more likely to hide its actions from the people
b)
a gov't more responsive to the needs of the people
c)
the establishment of English as the official language
d)
the establishment of a gov't-run news organization
78.
A more informed society has resulted from which constitutional protection?
a)
trial by jury
b)
free speech
c)
right to bear arms
d)
due process
79.
What happened in American schools after the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education?
a)
States could continue segregation as long as facilities were separate but equal
b)
Individuals of different races voluntarily stopped all forms of school segregation
c)
The federate gov't ordered that states desegregate schools
d)
Desegregation was ordered for only high schools
80.
What basic freedom does the "right to remain silent" protect, and how does it affect those arrested?
a)
The right to freedom of speech; it provides them the ability to speak with an attorney
b)
Protection against self-incrimination; it informs them speaking to law enforcement could incriminate them
c)
Protection of due process; it prevents convicted offenders from cruel & unusual punishment
d)
The right to freedom of assembly; it prevents law enforcement from asking questions without an attorney
81.
How do modern Democrats & Republicans view taxation?
a)
Democrats tend to favor tax increases to support new social programs
b)
Republicans tend to favor tax increases to support new social programs
c)
Democrats tend to favor tax decreases & Republicans want a steady tax rate
d)
Republicans tend to favor tax increases & Democrats favor a steady tax rate
82.
Which example involves changing foreign policy?
a)
Congress lifting the oil embargo on an ex-communist gov't
b)
A Supreme Court hearing on worker discrimination based on national origin
c)
Congress voting to construct an aid center in Florida for refugees
d)
A Supreme Court justice voting to take a case involving his country of birth
83.
Which action illustrates citizens participating in an international organization?
a)
Samantha teaches other about the history of the UN
b)
Jada volunteers to help raise funds for UNICEF
c)
Ethan writes a report on the origins of NATO
d)
David reads the annual report published by the WTO
84.
President Johnson said, "A threat to any nation in Southeast Asia is a threat to all, and a threat to us." Which action is Johnson justifying?
a)
Sending troops to stabilize a region
b)
Using sanctions against a country
c)
Sending humanitarian aid to a country
d)
Using nuclear weapons to end war
85.
In general, the legislative power is the power of government to do what?
a)
Pass bills
b)
Make laws
c)
Declare war
d)
Spend money
86.
The courts check Congress when the judges/justices -
a)
call a special session
b)
veto legislation
c)
propose legislation
d)
declare acts of Congress unconstitutional
87.
Virginia's main trial courts are its -
a)
circuit court
b)
district courts
c)
court of appeals
d)
magistrate courts
88.
In order for our legal system to work, a citizen must -
a)
become a lawyer
b)
hold elective office
c)
defend the nation
d)
serve on a jury when called
89.
Political parties offer a way  for -
a)
citizens to particpate in the political process
b)
candidates to avoid raising money for campaigns
c)
candidates with very different views to work together
d)
candidates to avoid laws regarding campaign finances
90.
What kind of party system characterizes the American politiclal process?
a)
A two-party system
b)
A three-party system
A three-party system
c)
A four-party system
d)
A six-party system
91.
To vote in Virginia, you must -
a)
register
join a political party
b)
register
c)
take a loyalty oath
d)
join a political action committee
92.

James Madison wrote that “liberty is to faction what air is to fire.” After reading this, Jack points out that the Founders would have wanted more restrictions on lobbyists, special-interest groups, and media influencing the government. What would be a good counterargument?

a)

Elected officials are better able to measure public opinion if there are no interfering factions

b)

Lobbyists will balance one another in government influence if they are subject to fewer laws.

c)

Political ads, despite their biases, are best able to inform citizens when there are no regulations

d)

The media, despite its biases, are best able to monitor the government when they are free

93.

In which case did the U.S. Supreme Court rule that the Florida Supreme Court's plan for recounting ballots violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

a)

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)

b)

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

c)

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

d)

Bush v. Gore (2000)

94.

Which was an outcome of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

a)

Administrators may limit the content of students publications.

b)

Public school districts that segregate deny equal protection.

c)

Students have a reduced expectation of privacy in school.

d)

Criminal defendants have the right to an attorney.

95.

What lessons did future U.S. leaders learn from the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon?

a)

The president is accountable for obeying the law.

b)

The president is responsible for enforcing the law.

c)

The president is not allowed to hold secret talks with foreign governments.

d)

The president is not allowed to have private meetings with Cabinet members.

96.

Judgement by a court is

a)

judicial opinion

b)

civil rights

c)

symbolic speech

d)

executive privilege

97.

The belief that conversations between the president and his aides are confidential is

a)

civil rights

b)

executive privilege

c)

segregation

d)

symbolic speech

98.

U.S. Supreme Court cases that upheld the Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination.

a)

Miranda vs. Arizona

b)

Gideon vs. Wainwright

c)

Plessy vs. Ferguson

d)

Tinker vs. Des Moines

99.

U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld that the Second Amendment protects individuals' rights to own a firearm.

a)

Brown s. Board of Education

b)

District of Columbia v. Heller

c)

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

d)

Tinker v. Des Moines

100.

What are 2 reasons why we have rules and laws?

a)

to be mean

b)

to have order

c)

to keep people safe

d)

to try and boss people around

101.

Which is NOT a form of transportation we use now?

a)

car

b)

airplane

c)

horse and carriage

d)

scooter

102.

Which is NOT a form of communication we use now?

a)

cell phone

b)

emails

c)

text messages

d)

telegraph

103.

Which 2 are examples of a good citizen?

a)

picking up trash

b)

littering

c)

fighting

d)

voting

104.

What is the name of this American Symbol?

a)

Statue of Liberty

b)

American Flag

c)

Bald Eagle

d)

Washington Monument

105.

Which is NOT true about Benjamin Franklin?

a)

He started the first volunteer fire department.

b)

He started the first library in America.

c)

He discovered electricity.

d)

He was an Italian explorer.

106.

All people of the United States have individual rights including...

a)

life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and equality under the law.

b)

life, equality, the pursuit of happiness and liberty under the law.

c)

life, computers, the pursuit of happiness and equality under the law.

d)

life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and computers under the law.

107.

Which statement best describes the American people?

a)

Americans come from different backgrounds and do not have a government.

b)

Americans are all the same and are not equal.

c)

Americans come from diverse backgrounds and have rights.

d)

Americans come from different backgrounds and are rules by a king.