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WorksheetsGovernment Module 2 Exam Review
Total questions: 85
Worksheet time: 3hrs 50mins
The structure of the Articles of Confederation
neglected the principle "separation of powers" because it only created a legislative branch
reflected the principle "separation of powers" through its three separate branches of government
made a legislative branch and a strong executive in line with the principle "separation of powers"
created a single strong legislative branch in line with the principle "separation of powers"
"The United States in Congress assembled shall never engage in a war, nor grant letters of marque or reprisal in time of peace, nor enter into any treaties or alliances, ...unless nine States assent to the same. Nor shall a question on any other point be determined, unless by the votes of the majority of the United States in Congress assembled."—Articles of Confederation
This quote best reflects the principle of:
popular sovereignty by giving most of the power of government to the people
natural rights by listing what the government can do with the states' consent
social contract by preventing the federal government from too much power
limited government by restricting the powers of the federal government
ARTICLE II
"Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled."—Articles of Confederation
This quote best reflects the principle of
federalism
rule of law
natural rights
social contract
A person who strongly believes in the principle of federalism would favor a government where
the federal government has the majority of government powers and responsibility
power is as equally divided as possible between the state and central governments
state and local governments share the bulk of government responsibility and power
a president enforces all decisions made by a majority vote of the state governments
The Articles of Confederation reflected a strong belief in the supremacy of:
the president
the court system
state government
federal government
Which of the following is a true statement?
The Anti-federalists believed that a pure democracy was possible, whereas the Federalists did not.
The Federalists believed that a pure democracy was possible, whereas the Anti-federalists did not.
The Anti-federalists demanded more written protection than the Federalists did for individual rights.
The Federalists demanded more written protection than the Anti-federalists did for individual rights.
"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."—James Madison
Imagine you are a representative to a state legislature meeting, debating the proposed Constitution. You have just read this quote in a newspaper essay. Which of the following is the best description of how you would respond?
If you were a Federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that a single, centralized government is the best form of government.
If you were an Anti-federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that a confederation of sovereign states is the best form of government.
If you were a Federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that the existing Constitution is not enough of a safeguard against abuse of power.
If you were an Anti-federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that only a pure democracy of local governments is the best government.
"The majority, oppressing an individual, is guilty of a crime, abuses its strength, and by acting on the law of the strongest breaks up the foundations of society."—Thomas Jefferson
Which of the following statements both relates to the quote above and supports it?
The rule of law is an essential principle in the nation but not nearly as important as the idea of majority rule.
The rule of law is the most important principle in the nation where votes of the majority determine the laws.
The rule of the majority with protection for the minority's rights is essential for preserving the liberties of all.
The rule of the majority is the only principle on which this nation should run in order to protect democracy.
"Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power."—James Madison
Which of the following statements both relates to the quote above and supports it by stating how the concern is reflected in American constitutional government?
For this reason, the supremacy clause names the federal government the final authority on government decisions.
In this quote, power and liberty mean the same thing and so the power of officials is limited by frequent elections.
Therefore, each branch of the central government will have the power to check the power of the other branches.
A limited government is the only way to prevent such abuses, but the only limits are on state government power.
Federalism refers to the:
sharing of power between state and national governments
supremacy of the powers of the national government
sharing of power between branches of government
supremacy of the powers of state governments
Republicanism is similar to the idea of representative democracy because both:
describe forms of government where people vote on all choices
refer to people electing leaders to make government decisions
mean a form of government where the executive is supreme
explain why people choose not to participate in government
Because of the principle of "rule of law":
states can choose whether to follow national laws
people can legally break laws they do not agree with
even the president can be arrested and placed on trial
trials are not often necessary because the law is the judge
How does the U.S. Constitution reflect the principle of democracy?
It creates a republic government, which is the same as democracy.
Most of the people can elect leaders and petition the government.
It creates a republic form of government run by only a few officials.
Most of the people have no role or effect on the legislative branch
Is the principle "separation of powers" evident in the U.S. Constitution?
Yes, it is shown because the first three articles describe the three branches of government.
No, it is missing because government power is concentrated in one branch of government.
Yes, it is reflected because the amendments list the powers given to the individual people.
No, it is absent because the president determines the power and authority of the people.
Which of the following amendments to the U.S. Constitution reflects the principle of federalism?
The 1st Amendment prevents states from taking away any of the people's rights to free speech.
The 4th Amendment prevents states from ordering searches and confiscating private property.
The 8th Amendment reserves states the right to decide appropriate punishment for criminals.
The 10th Amendment reserves rights to the states not assigned to the national government.
The veto power of the president under the U.S. Constitution best reflects the principle of:
rule of law
natural rights
republicanism
checks and balances
The U.S. Constitution reflects the principle of individual rights because:
the framers added a Bill of Rights through the amendment process
the framers gave people the right to abolish the executive branch
it lists the natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
it lists the powers of government that belong to the people
Article Five of the U.S. Constitution describes the amendment process. Because of the role that states play in this process, this power best reflects the principle of:
republicanism
natural rights
federalism
rule of law
Which of the following parts of the U.S. Constitution best reveals the principle of federalism because of the role of the states in it?
Oath of the president
Amendment process
Branches' structure
Supremacy clause
Which of the following principles is evident through the "necessary and proper clause" in the U.S. Constitution?
rule of law
individual rights
popular sovereignty
checks and balances
Article I of the U.S. Constitution reflects the principle of republicanism because it describes the:
executive branch, appointed by the senior member of the judicial branch
executive branch, selected by the voters through a specially designed process
legislative branch, made up of representatives elected by the people of each state
legislative branch, made up of representatives appointed by the governor of each state
Americans would be most likely to accept some limitations to their rights when:
the president recommends them
public safety is considered at risk
many soldiers are serving overseas
government leaders are unpopular
The rights of individuals:
depend in part on their income, age, gender, race, and level of education
have limits in order to protect the rights of others and the common good
are superior to the rights of groups, organizations, or the common good
bear no relationship to the common good or the rights of other people
Which of the following situations exhibits a reasonable limit placed on the First Amendment in the interest of the common good?
Television shows are canceled when criminals claim they learned how to commit crimes by watching.
Groups of three or more people must obtain a license from the city before meeting in any local parks.
News reporters traveling with troops overseas must not reveal their location or the soldier's identities.
A confessed criminal is forced to speak in court and describe his or her crimes in detail for public record.
Which of the following restrictions to individual rights could most reasonably protect the common good?
Censoring newspapers and other media from publishing damaging remarks about the president
Requiring a permit in advance to hold an assembly, such as a parade or concert, in a public area
Searching all the homes within a neighborhood where authorities had found a criminal in hiding
Allowing no one but police and government officials to be in public spaces after dark
A natural disaster strikes, and many people are without food or shelter. To protect public safety, the government would most likely:
limit food distribution to peaceful people
set a curfew to prevent criminal activity
distribute weapons for self-protection
have police search abandoned homes
An accused criminal has the right to a trial by an impartial jury. Which of the following also reflects a right, but is a potential threat to the accused's rights that the courts might limit?
Press access to evidence in the case before the trial begins
Press access to the suspect's friends not involved in the crime
Jury access to evidence that may affect their opinion on the case
Jury access to the testimonies of several key witnesses to the crime
Why is freedom of expression an important right in American society?
People must be able to share ideas without fear of punishment to participate in civic life.
Defendants on trial have a right to representation from an attorney to help defend them.
Early leaders of the nation supported it, but the freedom no longer requires protection.
Without freedom of expression, people would not be able to vote in elections.
Trial by jury is an important right for a defendant on trial because it:
gives citizens a meaningful way to participate in civic life
helps protect the not guilty from wrongful conviction
relieves judges from the burden of making decisions
ensures that criminals are punished for crimes
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."—First Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Imagine you hear a radio ad that says a candidate for mayor of your city bribed local organizations to gain their votes. Which of the following is true?
If the accusation is true, the First Amendment protects the maker of the radio advertisement.
If the accusation is false, the First Amendment protects the maker of the radio advertisement.
The candidate can sue the maker of the ad because the First Amendment protects nothing said on radio.
The candidate can sue the maker of the ad because the First Amendment protects everything people say.
You pass an officer making an arrest on the street. You hear her say to the suspect, "You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you..."
The officer's words to the suspect and reasons for them most relate to the:
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Eighth Amendment
People who are against capital punishment argue that it violates the:
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Eighth Amendment
You see a show on television where police officers search a house for evidence in a crime. The suspects claim that the officers had no right to enter their home, based on the:
First Amendment
Fourth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Seventh Amendment
An example of how the Constitution safeguards individual rights is:
separating the powers into branches
listing citizens' rights in the articles
requiring presidents to be at least 35
denying power to state governments
One way the Constitution limits individual rights is that it:
allows the legislative branch to make laws deemed necessary to maintain stability and security
contains a clause stating that all individual rights will be suspended during a national emergency
allows the judicial branch to add statements that restrict rights based on court cases
contains a clause stating that the president has the sole authority to restrict rights when necessary
What effect could the "necessary and proper clause" to the Constitution have on rights?
It places restrictions on rights during times of emergency such as a natural disaster.
It safeguards rights by denying the power to make laws that would restrict them.
It has the potential to lead to limits on rights by giving flexibility in making laws.
It gives rights strong protection against government actions that limit them.
One way the Constitution safeguards individual rights is through:
the first 10 amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights
all 27 of the amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights
the first article of the document, which lists states' rights
the fifth article of the document, which lists states' rights
Which of the following is a power the Constitution allows that could limit individual rights?
It allows all individual rights to be suspended during times of national emergency.
It allows the judicial branch has the sole authority to restrict rights when necessary.
It allows the president to add statements that place restriction on rights based on court case decisions.
It allows the legislative branch to make necessary and proper laws to maintain stability and security.
Which of the following makes a true statement?
The Constitution itself without its amendments contains no protections for individual rights.
The Constitution limits the powers of governments as one way of securing individual rights.
The Bill of Rights clearly and definitively lists specific situations where rights can be limited.
The Bill of Rights contains many loopholes government can use in order to restrict rights.
"(The power to regulate commerce is) the power to regulate; that is, to prescribe the rule by which commerce is to be governed. This power, like all others vested in Congress, is complete in itself, may be exercised to its utmost extent, and acknowledges no limitations, other than are prescribed in the Constitution."—Supreme Court
The Supreme Court defined the meaning of the power to "regulate commerce" in the case of:
District of Columbia v. Heller
McCulloch v. Maryland
United States v. Nixon
Gibbons v. Ogden
Which of the following explains the outcome and significance of the McCulloch v. Maryland case?
The Supreme Court decided in favor of McCulloch, that the state of Maryland could not operate a state bank nor did it have the power to tax state businesses.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of McCulloch, that the United States could operate a national bank and states cannot tax the national government.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of Maryland, that the state of Maryland could operate banks outside its state borders and tax the national government.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of Maryland, that the United States had no power to operate a national bank in any territory of a state government.
Which of the following explains the outcome and significance of the District of Columbia v. Heller case?
The Supreme Court decided in favor of the District of Columbia, that existing laws that ban the owning and carrying of handguns are permitted.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of the District of Columbia, that the Second Amendment allows law-abiding U.S. citizens to own and carry handguns.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of Heller, that existing laws are permitted under the Constitution that ban the owning and carrying of handguns.
The Supreme Court decided in favor of Heller, that the Second Amendment allows law-abiding U.S. citizens to own and carry handguns in the district.
Which of the following describes "reserved powers?"
They are determined only by the president.
They are shared by the states and nation.
They belong to the national government.
They belong only to state governments.
Expressed powers are:
delegated powers of the state governments
delegated powers of the national government
implied powers of the state governments
implied powers of the national government
Which of the following means the same as "concurrent" powers?
delegated
reserved
implied
shared
The framers of the Constitution could not have anticipated creating an air force. Therefore, its creation is an example of:
a concurrent power
an implied power
an expressed power
a shared power
Which of the following is an example of a reserved power (for the states only)?
granting professional licenses
creating the post offices
establishing an air force
borrowing money
Which of the following is an example of an expressed power?
granting professional licenses
creating the post offices
establishing an air force
conducting elections
Which of the following is an example of an implied power?
granting professional licenses
creating the post offices
establishing an air force
borrowing money
Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power?
granting professional licenses
creating the post offices
establishing an air force
borrowing money
"To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."—U.S. Constitution
This statement, sometimes called the "elastic clause," gives Congress:
expressed powers
reserved powers
implied powers
shared powers
Under the Constitution, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches:
share power and responsibility
give authority to the president
must answer to the president
divide powers of the states
Who has the responsibility for settling disputes over meaning in the Constitution?
Legislative branch
Executive branch
Judicial branch
State branch
The amendment process is:
easy to give more power to the state governments
easy to give more power to the federal government
difficult and a limit to the state governments' power
difficult and a limit to the federal government's power
Which of the following makes a true statement about the Constitution and the government?
It shares the government's power but gives final authority to the individual state governments.
It distributes the government's power between three branches that all answer to the president.
It limits the government's power through listing its responsibilities and including a bill of rights.
It reflects the principle of majority rule by having elections on each major legislative policy change.
How does the Constitution distribute power?
It focuses most of the government's power in the president, who is checked by the other branches.
It divides the central government into three branches and shares power with the state governments.
It limits the power of the executive branch in favor of the legislative branch and the individual states.
It grants the majority of government power to the state governments, who select the representatives.
Which of the following is an example of a limit to executive power under the Constitution?
The president signs a bill into law.
The Supreme Court makes a ruling.
The Congress fails to override a veto.
The Senate rejects a justice nominee.
Which of the following is an example of a check on the power of the legislative branch?
The Supreme Court rules a law unconstitutional.
The House of Representatives fails to pass a bill.
The president signs a new spending bill into law.
The Senate approves a foreign treaty agreement.
Which of the following is a check on the power of the judicial branch?
The president overturns a Supreme Court ruling.
The House of Representatives impeaches a justice.
The Senate nominates judges for the Supreme Court.
The Congress rejects a ruling by the Supreme Court.
Federalism is the principle that the:
central and state governments will share power and responsibility
states are sovereign and only unified when facing a foreign threat
nation is unified under a single and powerful central government
government powers should be divided between three branches
The principle that the central and state governments will share power and responsibility is known as:
separation of powers
popular sovereignty
republicanism
federalism
What is the meaning of the idea "federalism?"
The nation unifies against foreign threats, but states are sovereign otherwise.
Government power and responsibility is spread out between three branches.
State governments and a central government share power and responsibility.
One single and powerful central government unifies and governs the country.
Which of the following describes the power to create and collect taxes in the United States?
concurrent power
delegated power
reserved power
exclusive power
Ratifying amendments is an example of a:
concurrent power that is exclusive to the state governments
concurrent power that is exclusive to national government
reserved power that is exclusive to the state governments
reserved power that is exclusive to national government
The Declaration of Independence states that people have:
natural rights that people are born with and that no government can take away
an obligation to obey their government at all times due to the social contract
individual rights that differ depending on what work each person does
a duty to ensure the majority of people support each government decision rights
According to the American colonists, a government is only legitimate if it has:
direct or pure democracy
consent of the governed
declared independence
contracts with citizens
Popular sovereignty means that:
officials only make laws that are approved by people educated in law
independence is not granted by a ruler but agreed upon by the people
people who receive the most attention from others should have power
government authority comes from the people and is subject to their will
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."—Declaration of Independence
This quote reflects the political principle of:
popular sovereignty because it requires that all citizens have the same status in society
social contract because citizens will only agree to be ruled by those who are their equals
natural rights because people are born equal with certain rights because they are humans
democracy because if people are equal then they all have the right to run the government
The Declaration of Independence reflected the idea of social contract because it:
was a collective act of representatives from all the colonies
listed specific grievances and complaints against colonial rule
named life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as granted to all
said a new government must form due to the king's actions
Which of the following quotes best reflects the principle of social contract in the Declaration of Independence?
"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures."
"...a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
"...it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security..."
"He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries."
Which of the following quotes best reflects the principle of natural rights in the Declaration of Independence?
"He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected."
"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
"All men ...are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people."
Which of the following quotes best reflects the principle of popular sovereignty in the Declaration of Independence?
"We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here."
"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations..."
"All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people."
Did the Declaration of Independence reflect the principle of individual rights?
Yes, it listed the grievances against the king for abuses of the colonists' rights.
Yes, it requested that the king restore colonists' rights in order to keep peace.
No, the grievances listed only applied to colonists who worked for the king.
No, the document only stated the colonies themselves would be free.
Which of the following quotes from the Declaration of Independence reflects the principle of popular sovereignty?
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies...declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."
"He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners..."
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance."
"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."
The principle of limited government advocates that the powers of government should be limited by the rights and liberties of the people. Which of the following grievances from the Declaration of Independence best reflects the principle of limited government?
"He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands."
"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power."
"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people."
"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures."
Which of the following grievances from the Declaration of Independence reflects the principle of social contract?
"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good."
"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power."
"For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world."
"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent."
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."—Federalist No. 51
This quote supports the idea that government must:
be based on the principle of federalism with the state governments maintaining the majority of responsibility
maintain order and security at all times and costs, sometimes requiring placing limits to individual liberties
describe in detail each law or policy enacted to justify its existence and actions to the people it must control
have separation of powers with checks and balances so that while it governs, its own power is also limited
"For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do? Why for instance, should it be said, that the liberty of the press shall not be restrained, when no power is given by which restrictions may be imposed?"—Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 84
A person who agreed with Hamilton's viewpoint in this quote would say that:
the government needs less power
the government needs more power
adding a bill of rights is unnecessary
adding a bill of rights is mandatory
In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself.—Madison, Number 51
Based on the quote, which of the following statements would Madison have likely supported?
Development of political parties is necessary to ensure the security and stability of a democratic government.
A government must have enough power to govern however, its power must also be limited by creating multiple branches within it.
One government can not carry out the will of the people alone, therefore the establishment of two separate governments is necessary.
A government must sometimes limit civil liberties of individuals to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
Federalists believed that a bill of rights was:
necessary because individual rights were not listed in the Constitution
necessary because laws would not follow the Declaration of Independence
unnecessary because individual rights were listed in the Declaration of Independence
unnecessary due to the structure of government under the Constitution
Anti-federalists believed that a bill of rights was:
unnecessary because the Declaration of Independence listed many individual rights
unnecessary due to the structure of government and rights under the Constitution
necessary because the Constitution did not specify protection for individual rights
necessary because laws would not follow rights in the Declaration of Independence
Federalists and Anti-federalists:
agreed on ratification of the Constitution with a strong central government
agreed on ratification of the Constitution without any significant changes
disagreed on ratification of the Constitution until slavery could be ended
disagreed on ratification of the Constitution and adding a bill of rights
"I go further, and affirm that bills of rights, in the sense and to the extent in which they are contended for, are not only unnecessary in the proposed Constitution, but would even be dangerous. They would contain various exceptions to powers not granted; and on this very account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim more than were granted. For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do?"—Alexander Hamilton
Which of the following makes a true statement about the quote?
Hamilton is a Federalist and reasons that adding a list of rights to the Constitution would cause problems later.
Hamilton is a Federalist and reasons that the Constitution should not be ratified without a specific list of rights.
Hamilton is an Anti-Federalist and reasons that adding a list of rights to the Constitution would cause problems later.
Hamilton is an Anti-Federalist and reasons that the Constitution should not be ratified without a specific list of rights.
"If mankind were to resolve to agree in no institution of government, until every part of it had been adjusted to the most exact standard of perfection, society would soon become a general scene of anarchy, and the world a desert."—Alexander Hamilton
Which of the following makes a true statement about the quote?
Hamilton is an Anti-federalist making a case for changes to the Constitution before the states vote on ratification.
Hamilton is an Anti-federalist making a case for immediate ratification of the Constitution without any changes.
Hamilton is a Federalist making a case for changes to the Constitution before the states vote on ratification.
Hamilton is a Federalist making a case for immediate ratification of the Constitution without any changes.
"The powers of government are too heavily weighted on the side of the national government and against the state governments."
The author or speaker of this quote would have been:
an Anti-Federalist arguing for immediate ratification of the Constitution with a strong national government
an Anti-federalist arguing against ratification of the Constitution in favor of a weaker national government
a Federalist arguing for immediate ratification of the Constitution with a strong national government
a Federalist arguing against ratification of the Constitution in favor of a weaker national government
