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HJH CIVICS 2023 SEMESTER BENCHMARK EXAM

Total questions: 53

Worksheet time: 2hrs 23mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which statement describes Thomas Paine's most important contribution to the American Revolution?

a)

Paine's mlitary tactics caused the British to lose important battles.

b)

Paine's pamphlets motivated colonial soldiers to continue fighting for freedom

c)

Paine's speeches encouraged colonial leaders to embrace religious tolerance.

d)

Paine's political arguments convinced the French to support colonial freedom.

2.

SS.7.C.2.1

The diagram above shows the requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen.


Which statement completes the diagram?

a)

Pay federal income tax

b)

Have an annual income of $20,000 or more

c)

Have resided in the United States for five years

d)

Have a close relative (parent, spouse or child) who is a U.S. citizen

3.

SS.7.C.2.2

Which practice is part of the obligation of a U.S. citizen to help defend the nation?

a)

serve on a jury

b)

register for Selective Service

c)

vote in all national elections

d)

keep informed about national issues

4.

SS.7.CG.2.2

The list below identifies several activities.


-Attending a school board meeting

-Voting in a primary election

-Helping on a phone bank for a mayoral candidate

-Putting a candidate's sign in your yard

-Registering voters at a community college


What do these activities illustrate?

a)

ways that citizens can run for political office

b)

opportunities for citizens to participate in national elections

c)

opportunities for citizens to influence political action committees

d)

ways in which citizens actively participate in the political process

5.

SS.7.C.2.2

The document above was part of a summons to perform an important civic duty.


Why is it important for citizens to meet the obligation requested in this document?

a)

to guarantee our right to confront witnesses

b)

to preserve constitutional limits on governmental power

c)

to guarantee our right to be judged by a jury of our peers

d)

to protect our right to petition for a writ of habeas corpus

6.

Which is a constitutional means of obtaining U.S. citizenship?

a)

paying US income tax

b)

being born in the United States

c)

buying real estate in the United States

d)

agreeing to obey the laws of the United States

7.

SS.7.C.2.1

The photograph above shows an accomplishment of Ms. Ester Tua Caballa.


What are three of the requirements she had to fulfill for this accomplishment?

a)

reside in the United States for five years; be of "good character"; pass a U.S. history test

b)

be of "good character"; pass a test of general knowledge; have a high school diploma

c)

be of "good character"; enter the United States lawfully; earn more than $20,000 annually

d)

reside in the United States for five years; enter the United States lawfully; serve in the armed forces

8.
Which statement identifies an important influence of ancient Greece on the founders of the American constitutional republic?
a)
The founders adopted democratic principles.
b)
The founders based their laws on ethical ideas of justice.
c)

The founders established a representative form of government.

d)
The founders created a government with a separation of powers.
9.
In ancient Athens, all adult male citizens were able to vote in the Assembly, the legislative body that decided on important issues facing polis. What did the practice illustrate?
a)
The separation of powers
b)
Representative government
c)
The rise of democratic principles
d)
The protection of individual rights
10.
Which characteristics did the government of the city-state of Athens in ancient Greece share with the government of ancient Rome?
a)
Republicanism
b)
Civic Participation
c)
Separation of Powers
d)
Representative Government
11.

The diagram shows the impact of an important tradition.

Which phrase completes the diagram?

a)

Voting Rights

b)

Republicanism

c)

Separation of powers

d)

Ethical ideas of justice

12.
The statement below was made in a speech by Pericles, the leader of Athens, around 430 B.C. " Our Government does not copy the laws of our neighbors. Instead, it serves as an example to them. We are called a democracy because our government is in the hands of the many and not of the few..." How did the example mentioned in this speech influence the founders of the American constitutional republic, 2,500 years later?
a)
They designed a system of checks and balance
b)
They gave political power to an all-powerful ruler
c)
They created a government of elected representatives.
d)
They placed the final power of government in ordinary citizens.
13.
The passage below was written by John Adams in his book Defence of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America (1787). The Republic of Athens, the school mistress of the whole civilized world, for more than a thousand years in arts, eloquence and philosophy.... was for a short period... the most democratical commonwealth in Greece." Based on the passage, with which statement about ancient Athens would Adams have agreed?
a)
Its government protected individual rights.
b)
Its government was based on majority rule.
c)
Its government was based on ethical ideas of justice.
d)
Its government was controlled by an all-powerful dictator.
14.

SS.7.C.1.3

Which timeline shows English policies towards the American colonists in correct chronological order?

a)

Townshend Act - Quartering of troops - Stamp Act - Tea Act

b)

Quartering of troops - Townshend Act - Intolerable Acts - Tea Act

c)

Stamp Act - Quartering of troops - Tea Act - Intolerable Acts

d)

Stamp Act - Townshend Act - Tea Act - Quartering of troops

15.

SS.7.C.1.3

What was the main purpose of the tar-and-feathering shown in this British caricature of the colonists?

a)

to protest their being taxed without their consent

b)

to protest the high cost of British manufactured goods

c)

to protest British involvement in the French and Indian war

d)

to protest the quartering of troops in colonists' own homes

16.

SS.7.C.1.3

Use the diagram above to answer Questions 3 and 4.

What was the impact of the continued fighting between British troops and the Continental Army in Massachusetts and New York in 1775 and 1776?

a)

Point 1

b)

Point 2

c)

Point 3

d)

Point 4

17.

SS.7.C.1.3

What was the impact of the passage of the Stamp Act by the British Parliament in 1765?

a)

Point 1

b)

Point 2

c)

Point 3

d)

Point 4

18.

SS.7.C.1.4

Which colonial leader introduced the ideas of John Locke's "social contract" theory into the Declaration of Independence?

a)

John Hancock

b)

Thomas Paine

c)

James Madison

d)

Thomas Jefferson

19.

SS.7.C.1.4

Which work publicized the concept of "natural rights," later found in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Magna Carta

b)

the English Bill of Rights

c)

the Mayflower Compact

d)

John Locke's Two Treatises of Government

20.

SS.7.C.1.1

According to John Locke, which agreement did individuals enter into to form their own society?

a)

constitution

b)

social contract

c)

Mayflower Compact

d)

English Bill of Rights

21.

SS.7.C.1.1

According to John 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

22.

SS.7.C.1.2

The statement above is from Magna Carta (1215).

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

23.

SS.7.C.1.1

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

24.

Which example illustrates Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers?

a)

Citizens of the United States choose many of their public officials in elections.

b)

The state government of Florida has a governor, state legislature and state court system.

c)

Individual rights to life, liberty and property are guaranteed by natural law.

d)

People have the right to overthrow an unjust government.

25.

SS.7.C.1.2

The diagram above indicates that the colonists based some of their political views on historic documents.

Which phrase completes the diagram?

a)

Natural law

b)

Separation of powers

c)

Divine Right of Kings

d)

Guarantee of certain individual rights

26.

SS.7.C.1.2

The statements above are from three of the first amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Which earlier document contained similar rights?

a)

Magna Carta (1215)

b)

The Mayflower Compact (1620)

c)

The English Bill of Rights (1689)

d)

Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws (1784)

27.

SS.7.C.1.3

What was the main purpose of the tar-and-feathering shown in this British caricature of the colonists?

a)

to protest their being taxed without their consent

b)

to protest the high cost of British manufactured goods

c)

to protest British involvement in the French and Indian war

d)

to protest the quartering of troops in colonists' own homes

28.

SS.7.C.1.3

Use the diagram above to answer Questions 3 and 4.

What was the impact of the continued fighting between British troops and the Continental Army in Massachusetts and New York in 1775 and 1776?

a)

Point 1

b)

Point 2

c)

Point 3

d)

Point 4

29.

SS.7.C.1.3

What was the impact of the passage of the Stamp Act by the British Parliament in 1765?

a)

Point 1

b)

Point 2

c)

Point 3

d)

Point 4

30.

SS.7.C.1.4

Which colonial leader introduced the ideas of John Locke's "social contract" theory into the Declaration of Independence?

a)

John Hancock

b)

Thomas Paine

c)

James Madison

d)

Thomas Jefferson

31.

Which complaint against King George III was stated in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

He had quartered his troops among the colonists.

b)

He had forced the colonists to accept the practice of slavery.

c)

He had required the colonists to trade with French merchants.

d)

He had failed to defend the colonists in the French and Indian war.

32.

SS.7.C.1.4

The passage below comes from the Declaration of Independence.


"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 these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."


According to this passage, what is the principal role of government?

a)

To promote greater social equality

b)

To protect the natural rights of citizens

c)

To glorify the ruler in the eyes of the Creator

d)

To help individuals cooperate against the forces of nature

33.

SS.7.C.1.5

How did Americans' experience under British rule influence the form of government they established under the Articles of Confederation?

a)

The new legislature had two houses, just like the British Parliament.

b)

The states were Sovereign, just as the colonies had been under British rule.

c)

The new central government was not given any power to direct the military.

d)

The new central government was not able to tax citizens as the British government had tried to do.

34.

How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by a

weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

a)

It stopped the federal government from imposing taxes.

b)

It gave the national government the power to raise an army.

c)

It required unanimous consent of the states to pass amendments.

d)

It prevented acts of piracy against American ships off the coast of Africa.

35.

SS.7.C.3.3

Above are two opposing views expressed at the Constitutional Convention.

How was the disagreement between small states and large states resolved at the Constitutional Convention?

a)

Each state can decide how its own representation in Congress is determined.

b)

Representation in both our federal and state legislatures is based on population.

c)

A Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to protect individual rights.

d)

States have equal representation in one house of Congress and representation based on their population size in the other.

36.

SS.7.CG.1.8

Why did the Preamble at the Constitution begin with the phrase, "We the People?"

a)

To indicate that the national government had limited powers.

b)

To indicate that the states had been associated in a confederation

c)

To indicate that federal power was separated among three branches

d)

To indicate that the American people were the ultimate source of its authority

37.

SS.7.CG.1.8

Which identifies one of the goals of government listed in the Preamble?

a)

To guarantee employment to all citizens

b)

To expand the nation's frontiers westward

c)

To establish independence from Great Britain

d)

To protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens

38.

SS.7.CG.1.9

The chart shows the organization of the government of the US, based on the Constitution. Which constitutional principle is illustrated by the chart?

a)

individual rights

b)

due process of law

c)

checks and balances

d)

separation of powers

39.

SS.7.CG.1.9

When the President nominates an individual to serve as Secretary of State, the Senate must confirm the appointment. Which constitutional principle does this illustrate?

a)

checks and balances

b)

separation of powers

c)

popular sovereignty

d)

due process of law

40.

SS.7.CG.1.9

The list below provides 3 examples of actions by the US government:


>the President meets with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

>The Supreme Court applies an existing law to a new situation.

>Congress passes a new environmental law.


Which constitutional principle do these examples illustrate?

a)

Limited government

b)

Separation of powers

c)

Checks and balances

d)

Popular sovereignty

41.

SS.7.CG.1.9

Which example illustrates the principle of checks and balances?

a)

The Supreme Court interprets a federal law.

b)

The president vetoes legislation proposed by Congress.

c)

The president confers with the members of the Cabinet.

d)

A case between citizens from different states is tried in a federal court.

42.

SS.7.CG.3.3

The 4 individuals described in the table are thinking of running for the office of US Senator from Florida. Which of these candidates is qualified to become a US Senator?

a)

Joe Black

b)

Juan Fuentes

c)

Roberto Mendez

d)

Marisol Sanchez

43.

SS.7.CG.3.3

Which is NOT an example of a delegated power?

a)

regulation of trade

b)

power to declare war

c)

regulation of immigration

d)

power to create a national bank

44.

SS.7.CG.3.3

Which is an enumerated power of Congress?

a)

the power to tax exports

b)

the power to declare war

c)

the power to issue hunting licenses

d)

the power to operate public school districts

45.

SS.7.CG.3.3

The diagram shows details about the US Government. Which branch of government completes the diagram?

a)

The Senate

b)

The Cabinet

c)

The Supreme Court

d)

The House of Representatives

46.

SS.7.CG.3.7

Why do most of the bills introduced in Congress never become law?

a)

They are defeated in floor votes.

b)

They never get out of committee.

c)

They are vetoed by the President.

d)

They are overruled by the US Supreme Court

47.

SS.7.CG.2.7

Which individual could qualify as a candidate for President of the United States?

a)

Max is 67 years old; he has lived in Ontario, Canada for all of his life; he was born in Detroit.

b)

Martha is 45 years old; she has lived in Chicago for the last 18 years; she was born in Tampa.

c)

Samuel is 27 years old; he has lived in New York City for the past 3 years; he was born in Israel of American parents.

d)

Karen is 42 years old; she has lived in Boston for the last 26 years; she was born in Ireland of Irish parents.

48.

SS.7.CG.3.3

Which constitutional power provides the basis for the President's

day-to-day control of U.S. foreign relations?

a)

the power to appoint and receive Ambassadors

b)

the power to appoint Justices of the Supreme Court

c)

the power to inform Congress of the "State of the Union"

d)

the power to summon Congress in times of national emergency

49.

SS.7.CG.1.9

The War Powers Act of 1973 restricted the powers of the President as Commander in Chief.

Which principle of constitutional government did passage of this law illustrate?

a)

federalism

b)

limited government

c)

checks and balances

d)

separation of powers

50.

SS.7.CG.3.3

Which power does the Constitution give to the President to check Congress?

a)

the power to appoint heads of departments

b)

the power to veto proposed legislation

c)

the power to pardon offenders for federal crimes

d)

the power to inform Congress of the "State of the Union"

51.

SS.7.CG.3.3

During the 1976 Presidential campaign, Jimmy Carter promised to pardon draft evaders from the Vietnam War to help heal the wounds of the war. Shortly after he was elected, President Carter pardoned about 100,000 draft

dodgers. How was he able to pardon so many at once?

a)

He was exercising his implied powers as President.

b)

He was exercising his customary powers as President.

c)

He was exercising his emergency powers as President.

d)

He was exercising his expressed powers as President.

52.

SS.7.C.3.3

The diagram above shows details about the United States government.

Which phrase completes the diagram?

a)

Presidential powers as Commander in Chief

b)

Presidential powers as Head of State

c)

Presidential powers in relation to Congress

d)

Presidential powers as Chief Executive Officer

53.

SS.7.C.3.8

Which governmental body conducts a trial to decide if the President of the United States should be removed from office for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors?"

a)

Senate

b)

Cabinet

c)

Supreme Court

d)

House of Representatives