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WorksheetsCivics and Economics SOL Review
Total questions: 85
Worksheet time: 48mins
Which fundamental political principle states that the people are the source of any and all governmental power?
Limited government
Rule of law
Consent of the governed
Democracy
What does the principle of limited government mean?
Which principle states that the government and those who govern are bound by the law?
Democracy
Representative Government
Rule of Law
Consent of the governed
In a democratic system of government, who rules?
The government
The people
The elected officials
The monarch
In a representative system of government, who makes laws and conducts government on the people's behalf?
The monarch
The people
Public officeholders
The military
Match the following documents with their descriptions:
The Declaration of Independence
Guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists
The Articles of Confederation
First constitution of the United States
Charters of the Virginia Company of London
Declared the colonies' independence from Britain
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Provided for freedom of religious beliefs and opinions
Which document stated freedom of religious beliefs and opinions?
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
Charters of the Virginia Company of London
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Which document declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain?
The Articles of Confederation
The Declaration of Independence
Charters of the Virginia Company of London
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
What did the Articles of Confederation establish?
Which document established the structure of the United States government?
The Articles of Confederation
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
What does the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America express?
The reasons the constitution was written
The laws of the United States
The rights of the citizens
The structure of the government
How does the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America begin?
"We the People"
"In the beginning"
"To form a more perfect union"
"For the common defense"
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the United States Government as stated in the Preamble?
To form a more perfect union
To establish justice
To promote the general welfare
To create new laws
What is one of the purposes of the United States Government according to the Preamble?
To secure the blessings of liberty
To increase taxes
To expand territory
To control the economy
The first step in the amendment process for the Constitution of Virginia is (a)
How many amendments are there to the Constitution of the United States to date?
10
27
15
35
What is the final step in the amendment process for the Constitution of the United States?
Proposal: action by Congress or convention
Ratification by the states
Proposal: action by General Assembly
Ratification by voters of Virginia
Which amendment to the Constitution of the United States defines citizenship?
The First Amendment
The Tenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment
The Fifth Amendment
What does the Fourteenth Amendment extend to actions of the states?
Freedom of speech
Due process protection
Right to bear arms
Freedom of assembly
What has led to an increasingly diverse society in the twentieth century?
Industrialization
Immigration and naturalization
Technological advancements
Urbanization
What must a person demonstrate to become a citizen through naturalization?
Knowledge of American history and principles
Ability to read, speak, and write words in ordinary usage in the English language
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
What are the means of obtaining citizenship in the United States?
Birth and Immigration
Birth and Naturalization
Naturalization and Immigration
Birth and Adoption
Which of the following is a First Amendment freedom related to religion?
Government may establish an official religion
Government may not interfere with the free exercise of religion
Individuals may not express their religious beliefs
Government may unduly interfere with religious practices
What right does the First Amendment give individuals regarding speech?
The right to remain silent
The right to express their opinions and beliefs
The right to vote
The right to a fair trial
The First Amendment allows individuals to (a) in terms of assembly.
What right does the First Amendment give the press?
The right to publish only government-approved information
The right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government
The right to publish information without any restrictions
The right to gather information but not publish it
What right does the First Amendment give individuals regarding petitions?
The right to petition only in private
The right to make their views known to public officials
The right to petition without any restrictions
The right to petition only for religious matters
Which of the following is a duty of citizens according to the image?
Serve on a jury or as a witness in court, when summoned
Register and vote
Participate in political campaigns
Hold elective office
What are the consequences for citizens who choose not to fulfill their civic duties?
They face legal consequences
They lose their right to vote
They are fined
They are given community service
(a) is a responsibility of citizens that is voluntary.
Which of the following is NOT a way for citizens to participate in community service according to the image?
Volunteer to support democratic institutions
Express concern about the welfare of the community
Serve on a jury
Help to make the community a good place to work and live
Which of the following is a way for citizens to address community needs and serve the public good?
Obey laws
Pay taxes
Volunteer to support democratic institutions
Serve in the armed forces, if called
What is one of the responsibilities of citizens mentioned in the image?
Serve on a jury
Obey laws
Communicate with government officials to influence government actions
Pay taxes
Which of the following is a civic duty of citizens?
Respect others' right to an equal voice in government
Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions
Obey laws
Keep informed regarding current issues
What is one way citizens can help make the community a good place to work and live?
Serve in the armed forces, if called
Pay taxes
Volunteer in nursing homes
Serve on a jury
Which of the following is a personal trait of good citizens?
Formulating questions
Trustworthiness and honesty
Analyzing information from a variety of sources
Expressing a position
Effective participation in civic life can include: (a)
Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
Recruiting and nominating candidates
Monitoring actions of officeholders
Educating the electorate about campaign issues
Enforcing laws
What is one similarity between political parties?
They introduce a new idea and/or press for a particular issue
They often revolve around a political personality
They organize to win elections
They are stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning
Which of the following is a difference between political parties?
They influence public policies
They reflect both liberal and conservative views
They define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center
They are stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning
What is a characteristic of third parties?
They organize to win elections
They influence public policies
They often revolve around a political personality
They reflect both liberal and conservative views
Which of the following is NOT a strategy for evaluating campaign speeches, literature, and advertisements for accuracy?
Separating fact from opinion
Detecting bias
Identifying candidates
Evaluating sources
What is one of the roles of mass media in elections?
Separating fact from opinion
Identifying candidates
Limiting opportunities to run for public office
Encouraging the development of PACs
Which of the following is a consequence of rising campaign costs?
Decreased influence of special interest groups
Increased opportunities to run for public office
Extensive fund-raising activities required for candidates
Reduced advantage for wealthy individuals
What has led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws?
Decreased campaign costs
Rising campaign costs
Increased voter registration
Reduced influence of PACs
Which of the following is NOT a qualification to register to vote in Virginia?
Citizen of the United States
Resident of Virginia and precinct
At least 18 years of age by day of general election
Registered with a political party
How many days before elections is voter registration closed in Virginia?
10 days
15 days
22 days
30 days
Which of the following is a result of campaign finance reform?
Increased campaign costs
Limits on contributions to political candidates
More opportunities to run for public office
Decreased influence of special interest groups
How can citizens register to vote in Virginia?
Online through the state website
In person at the registrar’s office or other designated sites
By phone call to the registrar’s office
By visiting the local library
Which of the following is NOT a factor in predicting which citizens will vote?
Education
Age
Income
Gender
What are the reasons why citizens fail to vote?
Lack of interest and failure to register
Lack of transportation and bad weather
Long lines and lack of identification
Work commitments and family obligations
In which type of elections do a higher percentage of voters participate?
State elections
Local elections
Presidential elections
School board elections
What is the process of the Electoral College?
Electors are chosen by the president
A slate of electors for each state is chosen by popular vote
Electors are chosen by the Supreme Court
A slate of electors for each state is chosen by the governor
What does the winner-take-all system in the Electoral College lead to?
Targeting of densely populated states for campaigning
Equal attention to all states regardless of population
Focus on rural areas for campaigning
Ignoring densely populated states
What is the number of electors of each state based on?
The state's geographical size
The state's Congressional representation
The state's economic status
The state's historical significance
What does the requirement for a majority vote to win in the Electoral College favor?
A multi-party system
A two-party system
Independent candidates
Third-party candidates
Which branch of the national government is responsible for making the laws of the nation?
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
None of the above
Who heads the Executive Branch of the national government?
The Speaker of the House
The Chief Justice
The President
The Vice President
Match the following branches of the national government with their powers:
Legislative Branch
Has the power to declare war
Executive Branch
Enforces the laws
Judicial Branch
Interprets the laws
None of the above
Does not have the power to declare war
What is the main role of the Judicial Branch?
To make laws
To execute laws
To interpret laws
To prepare the annual budget
Which branch of the national government appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges?
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
None of the above
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
To ensure that each branch of government can operate independently
To limit the exercise of power by each branch of government
To allow the president to have more power
To make the legislative branch more powerful
Which branch of the national government confirms presidential appointments?
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
None of the above
How does the President check the power of Congress?
By declaring laws unconstitutional
By vetoing legislation
By making laws
By interpreting laws
Which branch of the national government exercises the power of judicial review?
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
None of the above
What does the Constitution of the United States define in Articles I, II, and III?
The powers of the state governments
The powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national government
The rights of the citizens
The process of amending the Constitution
Which of the following is an expressed power of Congress?
Specifically listed in the Constitution
Used to carry out expressed powers
Interpreted by the Supreme Court
Granted by the President
What is the first step in the lawmaking process in Congress?
Voting on the bill in each house
Introducing a bill by a Senator or Representative
Sending the bill to the president to sign into law
Debating the bill on the floor of each house
Who helps shape legislation in Congress?
The President
Individuals and interest groups
The Supreme Court
State Governors
Which of the following is NOT a way the Executive Branch influences policymaking?
Proposing legislation in an annual speech to Congress
Appealing directly to the people
Interpreting the Constitution
Approving or vetoing legislation
What role does the President play as Chief Diplomat?
Head of the executive branch of government
Architect of American foreign policy
Proposer of the legislative agenda
Head of the nation’s armed forces
Which of the following is a power exercised by the President as Chief Executive?
Ceremonial head of the government
Head of the executive branch of government
Leader of the political party that controls the executive branch
Representative of all the people
What is the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief?
Head of the nation’s armed forces
Proposer of the legislative agenda
Architect of American foreign policy
Ceremonial head of the government
Which of the following is a role of the President as Chief Citizen?
Head of the executive branch of government
Leader of the political party that controls the executive branch
Representative of all the people
Proposer of the legislative agenda
What is the role of Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory groups in the Executive Branch?
Interpret and execute the laws
Propose legislation to Congress
Approve or veto legislation
Appeal directly to the people
What has happened to presidential power since the Constitution was ratified?
It has decreased
It has remained the same
It has grown
It has been transferred to Congress
What document distributes power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the state government in Virginia?
The United States Constitution
The Virginia Constitution
The Bill of Rights
The Articles of Confederation
What is the legislative branch of the Virginia state government called?
The General Assembly
The House of Representatives
The Senate
The Parliament
Who exercises the executive power in the Virginia state government?
The President
The Governor
The Mayor
The Lieutenant Governor
For how long is the governor of Virginia elected?
Two years
Four years
Six years
Eight years
Which court is NOT part of the judicial system in Virginia?
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Circuit Courts
International Court
What does the Constitution of the United States of America establish?
A federal form of government
A unitary form of government
A confederate form of government
A parliamentary form of government
What powers are reserved to the states by the Constitution of the United States of America?
Powers not given to the national government
Powers given to the national government
Powers given to the local government
Powers given to the international government
What are the primary responsibilities of the national level of government?
Promotes public health, safety, and welfare
Conducts foreign policy, regulates commerce, and provides for the common defense
Manages local schools and libraries
Oversees city planning and zoning
What are the primary responsibilities of the state level of government?
Conducts foreign policy
Regulates commerce
Promotes public health, safety, and welfare
Provides for the common defense
