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WorksheetsMajor Foundations of American Government Review
Total questions: 82
Worksheet time: 2hrs 23mins
It is important to evaluate campaign speeches, literature, and advertisements for accuracy. Which of the following should you NOT do?
Trust all information is factual and unbiased
Evaluate sources
Identify propaganda
What role does the mass media NOT play during elections?
Recruit and nominate candidates
Identify candidates
Emphasize selected issues
Broadcasting different points of view
The mass media shares opinions by writing editorials, creating political cartoons, publishing op-ed pieces, and posting to social media/blogs.
TRUE
FALSE
Running for political office can be very expensive. Which statement is NOT true?
Campaign costs require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities
Campaign costs limit opportunities for most people to run for public office.
Campaign costs give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office.
Campaign costs have decreased significantly in recent years
Running for political office can be very expensive. Which statement is NOT true about rising campaign costs?
Decreased the importance of organizations that donate money to campaigns.
Encouraged the development of political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs.
Given issue-oriented special interest groups who donate money increased influence.
Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. There are limits on the amount of money that can be donated to -
Candidates and Campaigns
PACs and Super PACs
Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. However, individuals, business, and unions can donate unlimited amounts of money to -
Candidates and Campaigns
PACs and Super PACs
What court case made it possible for individuals, business, and unions to donate unlimited amounts of money to PACS and Super PACS?
Brown v. Board of Education
Miranda v. Arizona
Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Committee
Requirements necessary for the government to be effective.
Duty
Responsibility
Voluntary actions fulfilled by choice.
Duty
Responsibility
Citizens who do not fulfill their civic ________ can face legal consequences.
Duties
Responsibilities
Identify the civic duty. Note: The other answers are responsibilities.
Obey laws
Register and vote
Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions
Respect others’ right to an equal voice in government
Identify the civic duty. Note: The other answers are responsibilities.
Contribute to the common good
Serving in the armed forces, if called
Participate in political campaigns
Keep informed regarding current issues
Identify the civic duty. Note: The other answers are responsibilities.
Hold elective office
Communicate with government officials to influence government actions
Serving on a jury or as a witness in court, when summoned
Citizens can participate in community service by volunteering and helping to make the community a good place to work and live.
TRUE
FALSE
Where are the goals and purposes of the national government listed?
The Bill of RIghts
The Preamble
Where is the Preamble located in the Constitution of the United States?
The Introduction
The Conclusion
What famous phrase does the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States start with?
"All Men are Created Equal"
"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"
"We the People"
"We the People" means the power of the government comes from -
Congress
the People
the President
Which of the following is NOT a goal of the government found in the Preamble?
To provide for the common defense
To establish justice
To establish a national religion
To promote the general welfare
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the government found in the Preamble?
To form a more perfect union
To ensure domestic tranquility
To secure the blessings of liberty
To tax without representation
How many amendments have been added to the Constitution of the United States?
10
27
72
Which statement is FALSE about the amendment process?
The Constitution of the United States contains its own amendment process.
Only the Supreme Court has the power to amend the Constitution.
The Virginia Constitution contains its own amendment process.
The Virginia Constitution has never been amended or revised.
TRUE
FALSE
Which statement is TRUE about amending the Constitution of the United States?
The amendment process is simple and new amendments are passed every year.
Amendments are not passed very often because the process is complex.
Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the federal amendment process?
Amendments are proposed by Congress and ratified by the President.
Amendments are proposed by Congress and ratified by State Legislatures.
Amendments are proposed by Congress and ratified by the Supreme Court.
Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the state amendment process?
Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly and ratified by the Governor.
Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly and ratified by the Supreme Court.
Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly and ratified by voters in Virginia.
There are third parties in the United States, but the American political system is primarily a two-party system.
TRUE
FALSE
Function of Political Parties: Recruit and nominate -
Campaign Issues
Candidates
Elections
Officeholders
Function of Political Parties: Educate people about -
Campaign Issues
Candidates
Elections
Officeholders
Function of Political Parties: Help candidates win -
Campaign Issues
Candidates
Elections
Officeholders
Function of Political Parties: Monitor the actions of -
Campaign Issues
Candidates
Elections
Officeholders
Which of the following is NOT a similarity between the two main political parties?
Organize to win elections
Influence public policies
Reflect both liberal and conservative views
Revolve around a political personality
How can political parties win the support of the majority of the voters?
Appealing to the political left
Appealing to the political center
Appealing to the political right
How can you identify the differences in the two major political parties?
Detecting bias
Stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning
Identifying propaganda
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Third Parties?
Introduce new ideas and/or press for a particular issue
Often take votes away from the two-major parties
Usually win most national and state elections
Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)
All of the following are Third Parties EXCEPT -
Constitution Party
Democratic Party and Republican Party
Green Party
Libertarian Party
During what kind of elections do the greatest percentage of people vote?
Local Elections
Presidential Elections
State Elections
Which of the following is NOT a reason citizens fail to vote?
Belief that vote does not count or will have no impact
Failure to register
Lack of interest (in candidates or issues)
No time or too busy
Too Expensive
How can middle school students participate in the election process? (HINT: Pick 3)
participating in campaigns
voting at the polls on Election Day
participating in classroom simulation
participating in online simulation
Who casts the official vote for President and Vice President of the United States?
The Electoral College
The Popular Vote
What determines the winner of each individual state during a presidential election?
The Electoral College
The Popular Vote
How many electoral votes does a presidential candidate need to win?
100
270
435
Electoral College votes per state are based on representation in Congress. How many electoral voters does Virginia have?
Virginia has 2 votes because they have 2 Senators in Congress
Virginia has 11 votes because they have 11 members in the House of Representatives in Congress
Virginia has 13 votes because they have 2 Senators and 11 memberss in the House of Representatives in Congress
Why does North Carolina have more votes in the Electoral College than Virginia?
North Carolina is larger in physical size than Virginia
North Carolina has a larger population than Virginia
North Carolina has more cities than Virginia
In most cases, how many electoral votes does a candidate receive if they win the popular vote in a state?
All of the state's electoral votes
A majority of the state's electoral votes
A percentage of the state's electoral votes
Because it's a "winner-take-all" system, what kind of states do candidates target first during the election?
Large Populated States
Swing States and Small Populated States
What kind of states often determine the winner of the Electoral College during a tight election?
Large Populated States
Swing States and Small Populated States
Imigratiion and naturalization has made our society more diverse. What amendment defines citizenship?
1st
5th
14th
What are the TWO ways to become a citizen?
Birth
Industrialization
Naturalization
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the naturalization process?
Be at least 18 years old
Be a legal resident of the U. S. for 3-5 or more years
Be of good moral character and be loyal to the United States
Be married or have family who are citizens
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the naturalization process?
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
Pass a naturalization test
Take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
Obtain a driver's license
What grants citizens of the United States the freedoms of religion, assembly, press, petition, and speech? (RAPPS)
The 1st Amendment
The Preamble
The 5th and 14th Amendment
Which of the following is NOT part of the Freedom of Religion?
The government may not establish an official religion or endorse an official religion.
The government may not unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion.
The government may tax churches and outlaw non-Christian religions.
What First Amendment Freedom is it? Individuals may peacefully gather.
Assembly
Press
What First Amendment Freedom is it? The media has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government.
Press
Religion
What First Amendment Freedom is it? Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials.
Petition
Press
What First Amendment Freedom is it? Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs.
Assembly
Speech
What amendment declares the national government must respect a citizen's legal rights? Example - Citizens cannot be held in jail unless they have been charged with a crime.
1st
5th
14th
What amendment declares "No state may deprive individuals born or naturalized in the United States equal protection of the laws."
1st
5th
14th
People can depend on you to be honest and to tell the truth. What trait of a citizen is this?
Honesty
Self-Reliance
Courtesy
Honesty
Self-Reliance
This word means, "to be fair and truthful."
Courtesy
Honesty
Self-Reliance
Saying the Pledge of Allegiance. What trait of a good citizenship does this show?
Being an informed voter
Your parents always wear a seat belt and drive the speed limit. What trait of good citizenship is this?
Being an informed voter
You read articles about the candidates running for President. What trait of good citizenship is this?
Patriotism
Being an informed voter
Respect for the law
Anna gets herself up each morning and fixes her own breakfast. Which trait of a good citizenship is she NOT demonstrating?
Responsibility
Accountability
Self-Reliance
Patriotism
Which of the following is NOT an example of showing courtesy and respect for others?
Holding the door open for someone who has their hands full
Attending a party on the 4th of July
Telling someone "Thank You" after they held the door open for you
Which of the following is NOT an example of participating in your school and/or local community?
Helping coach a local youth sports team
Helping a club plant trees at your school
Watching your favorite movie on TV
What gave all male citizens the right to vote regardless of race?
15th Amendment
19th Amendment
What gave all women the right to vote?
15th Amendment
19th Amendment
What gave citizens of Washington, DC the right to vote in Presidential elections?
23rd Amendment
26th Amendment
What lowered the voting age from 21 years old to 18 years old?
23rd Amendment
26th Amendment
What prohibits the the use of the poll tax during elections?
24th Amendment
Voting RIghts Act of 1965
What prohibits discrimination during elections including the use of the literacy test?
24th Amendment
Voting RIghts Act of 1965
Only citizens who register may participate in primary and general elections.
TRUE
FALSE
Which of the following is NOT a requirement to register to vote in Virginia?
18 Years Old by Election Day
21 Years Old
United States Citizen
Virginia Resident
Which of the following is NOT a way to register to vote in Virginia?
Absentee Ballot
By Mail
Online
In person at the registrar’s office
Which of the following is NOT a place to obtain a mail-in application to vote?
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Public Library
State/Local Government Offices
Wal-Mart
How many days before Election Day does voter registration close?
22 Days
28 Days
Which of the following factors is NOT used to predict which citizens will vote?
Age
Education
Gender
Income
