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Constitutional Principles Test Review

Total questions: 55

Worksheet time: 1hrs 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In addition to serving as an introduction to the United States Constitution, which does the Preamble also

accomplish?

a)

identifies the goals and purposes of the government

b)

proclaims independence from Great Britain

c)

provides a set of rules for creating laws

d)

outlines the rights of the people

2.

In addition to serving as an introduction to the United States Constitution, which does the Preamble also

accomplish?

a)

identifies the goals and purposes of the government

b)

proclaims independence from Great Britain

c)

provides a set of rules for creating laws

d)

outlines the rights of the people

3.

The headline below reports a decision of the government.

"Federal Government Approves Creation of a Military Air Force."

Which goal of the Preamble is best reflected in the headline?

a)

provide for the common defense

b)

promote the general welfare

c)

form a more perfect union

d)

establish justice

4.

The headline below reports a decision of the government.

"Federal Government Approves Creation of a Military Air Force."

Which goal of the Preamble is best reflected in the headline?

a)

provide for the common defense

b)

promote the general welfare

c)

form a more perfect union

d)

establish justice

5.

Which phrase included in the Preamble of the United States Constitution reflects the principle of popular sovereignty?

a)

promote the general welfare

b)

form a more perfect union

c)

establish justice

d)

we the people

6.

Which phrase included in the Preamble of the United States Constitution reflects the principle of popular sovereignty?

a)

promote the general welfare

b)

form a more perfect union

c)

establish justice

d)

we the people

7.

The quote below is from a writer of the United States Constitution.

“The accumulation of all government powers, ... in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, ... may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

  • James Madison

Based upon the quote, which main principle would Madison want in order to prevent tyranny?

a)

natural rights

b)

separation of power

c)

popular sovereignty

d)

checks and balances

8.

The statement below was written by John Adams in 1776.

A representation of the people in one assembly being obtained, a

question arises, whether all the powers of government, legislative,

executive, and judicial, shall be left in this body? I think a people

cannot be long free, nor ever happy, whose government is in one

assembly.

Which basic principle of American government is John Adams describing in this statement?

a)

individual rights

b)

separation of power

c)

Rule of law

d)

checks and balances

9.

The statement below was written by John Adams in 1776.

A representation of the people in one assembly being obtained, a

question arises, whether all the powers of government, legislative,

executive, and judicial, shall be left in this body? I think a people

cannot be long free, nor ever happy, whose government is in one

assembly.

Which basic principle of American government is John Adams describing in this statement?

a)

individual rights

b)

separation of power

c)

Rule of law

d)

checks and balances

10.

Which principle limits the power of the government by requiring fair and reasonable procedures when

life, liberty and property are at stake?

a)

checks and balances

b)

separation of power

c)

due process of law

d)

self government

11.

Which principle limits the power of the government by requiring fair and reasonable procedures when

life, liberty and property are at stake?

a)

checks and balances

b)

separation of power

c)

due process of law

d)

self government

12.

Below is a newspaper headline.

"Congress Overrides Presidential Veto"

Which principle is reflected in the headline above?

a)

consent of the governed

b)

separation of powers

c)

checks and balances

d)

popular sovereignty

13.

The quote below is from John Adams.

Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people...

-John Adams

Based on the quote, what is one importance of the rule of law?

a)

The government should be free from distractions while making laws.

b)

Citizens should be informed about government actions.

c)

The government should keep secrets from citizens.

d)

Citizens should have access to all laws.

14.

Below is a newspaper headline.

"Government Official Found Guilty"

How does the headline demonstrate the impact of the rule of law on government officials?

a)

Government officials may not receive due process from institutions.

b)

Government officials must have transparency of institutions.

c)

Government officials make decisions based on the law.

d)

Government officials are accountable to the law.

15.

Below is a diagram of the rule of law.

Which principle of the rule of law best completes the diagram?

a)

Transparency

b)

Enforcement

c)

Consistency

d)

Procedures

16.

What protects basic freedoms in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

Common Sense

c)

First Ten Articles

d)

The First Amendment

17.

What protects basic freedoms in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

Common Sense

c)

First Ten Articles

d)

The First Amendment

18.

Use the scenario below to answer the question.

In times of war, governments may limit freedoms to ensure public safety. This includes wartime internment, when the government confines or limits the movement of a group of people for an extended period of time, restricting their individual liberties.

What is the most likely justification for such an action?

a)

To prevent potential future acts of sabotage or violence.

b)

To promote cultural assimilation of minority groups.

c)

To punish past actions by a specific group.

d)

To conserve resources for the war effort.

19.

Use the scenario below to answer the question.

In times of war, governments may limit freedoms to ensure public safety. This includes wartime internment, when the government confines or limits the movement of a group of people for an extended period of time, restricting their individual liberties.

What is the most likely justification for such an action?

a)

To prevent potential future acts of sabotage or violence.

b)

To promote cultural assimilation of minority groups.

c)

To punish past actions by a specific group.

d)

To conserve resources for the war effort.

20.

Use the scenario below to answer the question.

A group of people has organized a protest to advocate for a cause. The protestors,

carrying signs and chanting slogans, are marching through the streets of their city. As they make their

way down a busy street, they encounter cars trying to navigate around them. The protestors ensure they

stay on the sidewalks and crosswalks to avoid obstructing the road while making their voices heard.

Why might a government restrict the right to protest?

a)

To prevent the spread of dangerous rhetoric.

b)

To protect public safety during a crisis.

c)

To promote a specific political agenda.

d)

To allow for the free flow of traffic.

21.

Use the scenario below to answer the question.

A group of people has organized a protest to advocate for a cause. The protestors,

carrying signs and chanting slogans, are marching through the streets of their city. As they make their

way down a busy street, they encounter cars trying to navigate around them. The protestors ensure they

stay on the sidewalks and crosswalks to avoid obstructing the road while making their voices heard.

Why might a government restrict the right to protest?

a)

To prevent the spread of dangerous rhetoric.

b)

To protect public safety during a crisis.

c)

To promote a specific political agenda.

d)

To allow for the free flow of traffic.

22.

Why might the government require a permit in order to distribute flyers in front of a popular store on a busy day?

a)

To promote specific businesses or political candidates.

b)

To manage public spaces and prevent overcrowding.

c)

To ensure the message on the flyers is truthful.

d)

To restrict the spread of unpopular viewpoints.

23.

Why might the government require a permit in order to distribute flyers in front of a popular store on a busy day?

a)

To promote specific businesses or political candidates.

b)

To manage public spaces and prevent overcrowding.

c)

To ensure the message on the flyers is truthful.

d)

To restrict the spread of unpopular viewpoints.

24.

Based on the rights protected by the Bill of Rights, which scenario is allowed?

a)

A judge orders a convicted felon to be denied food and water for three days while

incarcerated.

b)

Congress forbids a group's religious beliefs because most people think they are a "cult."

c)

A criminal defendant is denied due process and incarcerated without a trial.

d)

A newspaper prints a true story exposing government corruption.

25.

Based on the rights protected by the Bill of Rights, which scenario is allowed?

a)

A judge orders a convicted felon to be denied food and water for three days while

incarcerated.

b)

Congress forbids a group's religious beliefs because most people think they are a "cult."

c)

A criminal defendant is denied due process and incarcerated without a trial.

d)

A newspaper prints a true story exposing government corruption.

26.

The promise from the Preamble that mentions the idea of fairness is ___.

a)

promote the general welfare

b)

insure domestic tranquility

c)

establish justice

d)

provide for the common defense

27.

The promise from the Preamble that describes peace in our country is ___.

a)

establish justice

b)

provide for the common defense

c)

promote the general welfare

d)

insure domestic tranquility

28.
Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States?
a)
right to trial
b)
rule of law
c)
commerce clause
d)
elastic clause
29.

The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives to it

a)

Federalism

b)

Limited Government

c)

States' Rights

30.

Congress writes a law-->

President vetoes the law-->

Congress overrides the law with 2/3 vote

a)

Checks and Balances

b)

Separation of Powers

c)

Limited Government

31.

Government is divided into 3 branches: Legislative, Executive & Judicial branches.

a)

Federalism

b)

Limited Government

c)

Separation of Powers

d)

Checks & Balances

32.

Citizens are guaranteed these, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

a)

Popular Sovereignty

b)

Federalism

c)

Republicanism

d)

Individual Rights

33.

1st Amendment

a)

Ensures due process, protects against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy. Government can take property through eminent domain.

b)

No force quartering of Soldiers in peace time

c)

The right to be secure in their person's , houses , papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.

d)

Freedom of religion , assembly, petition , press, speech

34.

Fifth amendment

a)

Ensures due process, protects against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy. Government can take property through eminent domain.

b)

Trial by jury in Civil suits where money exceeds 20 dollars.

c)

Any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people.

d)

No excessive bail, fines nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

35.

Sixth amendment

a)

Trial by jury in Civil suits where money exceeds 20 dollars.

b)

Right to speedy and public trial, right to lawyer.

c)

Right to bare arms

d)

Any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people.

36.

Tenth

a)

No excessive bail, fines nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

b)

Ensures due process, protects against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy. Government can take property through eminent domain.

c)

Religion, Speech , Press, Assembly, Petition

d)

Any rights not delegated to federal government are given to the states and people.

37.

What is the best definition for Limited Government?

a)

The government's power is restricted

b)

Powers are separated into 3 branches

c)

Power is shared between the states and federal government

d)

The people have power

38.

What is the best definition for Rule of Law

a)

People must approve of government's actions

b)

The people have the power

c)

The powers of government are limited

d)

Everyone must follow the law

39.

Which Constitutional Principle is best described in this passage ?

a)

Separation of Powers

b)

Checks and Balances

c)

Consent of the Governed

d)

Rule of Law

40.

Which principle of government is best described here?

a)

Rule of Law

b)

Limited Government

c)

Checks and Balances

d)

Popular Sovereignty

41.

Which amendment promises due process of law?

a)

5th

b)

10th

c)

15th

d)

23rd

42.

police need a warrant to search your home

a)

amendment 4

b)

amendment 5

c)

amendment 6

d)

amendment 8

43.

eminent domain

a)

amendment 4

b)

amendment 5

c)

amendment 6

d)

amendment 8

44.

no cruel or unusual punishment

a)

amendment 4

b)

amendment 5

c)

amendment 6

d)

amendment 8

45.

life, liberty, and property

a)

amendment 4

b)

amendment 5

c)

amendment 6

d)

amendment 8

46.

The U.S. government’s power is outlined by the U.S. Constitution, and all government actions must follow the Constitution.

Which principle of government does this represent?

a)

Due process

b)

Self-government

c)

Limited government

d)

Separation of Powers

47.

The U.S. government’s power is outlined by the U.S. Constitution, and all government actions must follow the Constitution.

Which principle of government does this represent?

a)

Due process

b)

Self-government

c)

Limited government

d)

Separation of Powers

48.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of the Press

Freedom to Petition the Government

Freedom to Associate

What is the best title for the chart above?

a)

Characteristics of the Rule of Law

b)

Rights protected by the First Amendment

c)

Enlightenment ideas proposed by John Locke

d)

Grievances included in the Declaration of Independence

49.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of the Press

Freedom to Petition the Government

Freedom to Associate

What is the best title for the chart above?

a)

Characteristics of the Rule of Law

b)

Rights protected by the First Amendment

c)

Enlightenment ideas proposed by John Locke

d)

Grievances included in the Declaration of Independence

50.

Which statement would be considered a benefit of the Rule of Law?

a)

Bureaucratic government procedures are reduced.

b)

Government decisions are based on the will of the majority.

c)

Government officials can act on their own instincts in emergencies.

d)

Citizens are protected from arbitrary and oppressive uses of government.

51.

Which statement would be considered a benefit of the Rule of Law?

a)

Bureaucratic government procedures are reduced.

b)

Government decisions are based on the will of the majority.

c)

Government officials can act on their own instincts in emergencies.

d)

Citizens are protected from arbitrary and oppressive uses of government.

52.

How does the Rule of Law affect government officials and institutions?

a)

It requires government officials and institutions to create new laws.

b)

It holds government officials and institutions accountable to the law.

c)

It ensures government officials and institutions are exempt from laws.

d)

It prevents government officials and institutions from making their work public.

53.

How does the Rule of Law affect government officials and institutions?

a)

It requires government officials and institutions to create new laws.

b)

It holds government officials and institutions accountable to the law.

c)

It ensures government officials and institutions are exempt from laws.

d)

It prevents government officials and institutions from making their work public.

54.

Which idea correctly replaces the question mark in this diagram?

a)

Due Process

b)

Eminent Domain

c)

Free Speech

d)

Federalism

55.

The ___ amendment grants us FIVE rights: The freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and to petition the government.

a)

1st

b)

3rd

c)

5th

d)

7th