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Worksheets

Civics

Total questions: 128

Worksheet time: 2hrs 30mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Why did the colonists fight the British?

a)

For religious freedom

b)

To establish the right to form a monarchy in the United States

c)

Because of high taxation and to establish the right to form self-government

d)

Because Britain banned the slave trade

2.

Choose from the following: Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

a)

John Roberts

b)

Nancy Pelosi

c)

Kamala Harris

d)

Andy Biggs

3.

What territory did the United States acquire from France in 1803?

a)

Texas

b)

Louisiana Territory

c)

California

d)

Florida

4.

Which branch of government makes laws?

a)

The Executive Branch

b)

The Judicial Branch

c)

Only the states

d)

Congress (Legislative Branch)

5.

What does the President's cabinet do?

a)

Write laws

b)

Advises the President

c)

Manages the economy

d)

Represents the President overseas

6.

Which of the following is a representative from Arizona?

a)

John Roberts

b)

Joe Biden

c)

Nancy Pelosi

d)

Andy Biggs

7.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Thomas Jefferson

b)

Benjamin Franklin

c)

George Washington

d)

James Madison

8.

When was the Constitution written?

a)

1776

b)

1865

c)

1787

d)

1914

9.

Which of the following wars was fought in the 1900s?

a)

World War II

b)

The Civil War

c)

Mexican-American War

d)

French and Indian War

10.

Which of the following is a U.S. territory?

a)

Falkland Islands

b)

Guam

c)

Canary Islands

d)

Madagascar

11.

What are the first three words of the Constitution?

a)

The American People...

b)

Pay Close Attention...

c)

All the People...

d)

We the People...

12.

What is an amendment?

a)

A change to the Constitution

b)

A Supreme Court case decision

c)

A ruling by the Justice Department

d)

An executive order

13.

How many amendments are there in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

10

b)

50

c)

5

d)

27

14.

Who was president during World War I?

a)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

b)

President Teddy Roosevelt

c)

President Woodrow Wilson

d)

President Calvin Coolidge

15.

What is the economic system of the United States?

a)

Communism

b)

Capitalism (free market economy)

c)

Command economy

d)

Feudal economy

16.

What is the 'rule of law'?

a)

Only politicians need to follow the law.

b)

The President is exempt from following the law.

c)

Everyone must follow the law.

d)

Only state laws need to be followed.

17.

How many senators are there?

a)

50

b)

300

c)

10

d)

100

18.

Name ONE of Arizona's current senators.

a)

Mark Kelly

b)

Andy Biggs

c)

Doug Ducey

d)

Joe Biden

19.

How often are representatives elected to the House of Representatives?

a)

every 6 years

b)

every 1 year

c)

every 2 years

d)

every 5 years

20.

Which of these wars was fought in the 1800s?

a)

World War I

b)

Vietnam War

c)

Korean War

d)

Civil War

21.
What type of government does the United States have?
a)
Anarchy
b)
Monarchy
c)
Poultry
d)
Representative Democracy
22.

Who holds the power in the U.S. government?

a)

The President

b)

The Military

c)

The People

d)

The Federal Government

23.

Name the three branches of government in the United States

a)

Federal, State, and Local

b)

Legislate, Congress, President

c)

Legislative, Cops, Military

d)

Legislative, Judicial, Executive

24.

Who is a community member who owes loyalty to a government and in turn is promised protection?

a)

Elected official

b)

President

c)

Citizen

d)

Police officer

25.

Everyone must follow the law and receives the same compensation.

a)

Democracy

b)

Rule of Law

c)

Limited Government

d)

Consent of the Governed

26.

The government is not all-powerful: it can only do certain things.

a)

Consent of the Governed

b)

Representative Government

c)

Limited Government

d)

Rule of Law

27.

A government in which the people rule.

a)

Consent of the Governed

b)

Rule of Law

c)

Democracy

d)

Limited Government

28.

Which statement best expresses the principle of "Consent of the Governed"?

a)

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year.

b)

All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.

c)

We the People of the United States . . . establish this Constitution.

d)

No person except a natural born citizen . . . shall be eligible to the office of President.

29.

Which fundamental principle is reflected in the image?

a)

Democracy

b)

Rule of Law

c)

Limited Government

d)

Representative Government

30.

Which fundamental principle is reflected in the image?

a)

Rule of Law

b)

Consent of the Governed

c)

Limited Government

d)

Representative Democracy

31.

In a limited government...

a)

Equal rights are given to only a few citizens.

b)

The government has no authority.

c)

The government has total power.

d)

It can only do what the people have given it the power to do.

32.

The headlines best describe the principle of...

a)

Democracy

b)

Consent of the Governed

c)

Rule of Law

d)

Limited Government

33.

Who is the President of the United States?

a)

Donald Trump

b)

Michelle Obama

c)

Al Gore

d)

Lance Kitchens

34.

How old must you be to vote in local elections?

a)

16

b)

17

c)

18

d)

19

35.

Who is the Vice President of the United States?

a)

Bernie Sanders

b)

AOC

c)

Mike Pence

d)

Mitch McConnell

36.

Who elects the President of the United States?

a)

U.S. Citizens

b)

All citizens 18 years and older

c)

Electoral College

d)

Congress

37.

What is the capital of Alabama?

a)

Huntsville

b)

Birmingham

c)

Mobile

d)

Montgomery

38.

Who is the governor of Alabama?

a)

Kay Ivey

b)

Robert Bentley

c)

Donald Trump

d)

Jeff Sessions

39.

How many senators does Alabama have?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

7

d)

9

40.

What are some ways you can be a responsible citizen?

4 lines
41.

What form of government does the United States of America practice?

a)

Democracy

b)

Absolute Monarchy

c)

Oligarchy

d)

Communism

42.

Name the three branches of government in the United States

a)

Federal, State, and Local

b)

Legislate, Congress, President

c)

Legislative, Cops, Military

d)

Legislative, Judicial, Executive

43.

Who is a community member who owes loyalty to a government and in turn is promised protection?

a)

Elected official

b)

President

c)

Citizen

d)

Police officer

44.

A government in which the people rule.

a)

Consent of the Governed

b)

Rule of Law

c)

Democracy

d)

Limited Government

45.

How old must you be to vote in local elections?

a)

16

b)

17

c)

18

d)

19

46.

North Korea is an example of which type of government?

a)

Theocracy

b)

Oligarchy

c)

Anarchy

d)

Dictatorship

47.

The United Kingdom is an example of which type of government?

a)

Absolute monarchy

b)

Constitutional monarchy

c)

Direct democracy

d)

Representative democracy

48.

What is one example of a civic responsibility?

a)

Criticizing both Trump and Clinton

b)

Voting and deciding how to vote

c)

Eating healthy foods

d)

Not wearing deodorant

49.

What is an example of a civic responsibility?

a)

Obeying the laws

b)

Brushing your hair and combing your teeth

c)

Buying Mr. Stanford a coffee

d)

Cleaning the classroom

50.

What is one example of a civic responsibility?

a)

Paying for popcorn

b)

Paying taxes 

c)

Freedom to establish and operate a business 

d)

Freedom to travel 

51.

The primary purpose of the civil rights movement was to

a)

encourage civic participation among immigrants.

b)

oppose the Vietnam War.

c)

obtain equal protection of the laws for African Americans.

d)

ensure that public schools remain segregated.

52.

Citizens who put the common good above their own selfish interests demonstrate

a)

democracy.

b)

separation of powers.

c)

balance of powers.

d)

civic virtue.

53.

What is the main purpose of the police chief’s announcement?

a)

To promote the city to the attendants

b)

To discourage people from attending the event

c)

To communicate behavioral expectations for participants

d)

To share information about the schedule of events with the public

54.

Since the emergence of the Internet, political campaigns have used communication techniques such as e-mail, social networking, and Web-based advertising to mobilize support and spread information about candidates for public office. Which statement describes the most likely disadvantage of the emergence of the Internet for political campaigns?

a)

It has led to an increase in the cost of running for public offices.

b)

It has led to a decline in candidate debates and public forums.

c)

It has made it easier for false information about candidates to influence the public.

d)

It has made it more difficult for candidates to meet with voters in person.

55.

Why is this type of media politically effective?

a)

Urgent classified instructions can be sent to government employees.

b)

Long detailed explanations can be shared with select journalists.

c)

Misleading unsigned messages can be mailed to popular elected officials.

d)

Direct public communication can be sent to large numbers of people.

56.

Read the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . . .” How did this idea impact American political history?

a)

It prompted Parliament to release the American colonies from British control.

b)

It led other American patriots to write a response to Jefferson, and to disagree with his ideas.

c)

It led American colonists to demand a representative government, and to revolt against British rule.

d)

It prompted American political thinkers to demand a government with stronger control over its people.

57.

Why was the Bill of Rights originally written?

a)

to abolish slavery

b)

to protect individual liberties

c)

to establish universal suffrage

d)

to declare independence from Great Britain

58.

Which of the following occurred as a result of contact between European colonists and Native Americans?

a)

Most Native Americans learned to farm.

b)

Many Native Americans died from European diseases.

c)

Most Europeans learned to tame and ride the wild horses.

d)

Many Europeans chose to live with the Native Americans.

59.

During World War I, the United States government produced propaganda posters for a variety of purposes. One such poster is shown. In creating this poster, what was the U.S. government’s primary goal?

a)

to encourage citizens to serve on juries

b)

to encourage citizens to vote in elections

c)

to encourage citizens to enlist in the military

d)

to encourage citizens to respect others’ property rights

60.

The following is the text of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “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.”

Why is this portion of the Bill of Rights significant?

a)

It prevents people from criticizing the government.

b)

It prevents newspapers from criticizing the government.

c)

It allows a government to create or support any religion.

d)

It allows people to protest in public against the government.

61.

Why is Rosa Parks considered the “mother” of the civil rights movement?

a)

She became a prominent civil rights organizer after President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.

b)

She began the first boycott addressing civil rights.

c)

She became a symbol of violent protest in America.

d)

She supported President Johnson’s efforts to end poverty.

62.

The symbolism in this illustration is used to celebrate

a)

the founding of the nation.

b)

the election process.

c)

the spreading of democracy.

d)

the two-party system.

63.

The Pennsylvania colony has been described as a “melting pot.” Which answer best explains what “melting pot” means?

a)

The colony had mostly English settlers.

b)

Many different ethnic groups settled there.

c)

Settlements were located close to native groups.

d)

The colony allowed only Quakers to serve in government.

64.

In 1754, Ben Franklin had this famous cartoon printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette. Which important idea does this cartoon express?

a)

The colonies should unite in order to survive.

b)

The federal government should form an army.

c)

The colonists should be free to form a new government.

d)

There should be several independent branches of government.

65.

A government which is formed around an individual with absolute power is a(n):

a)

monarchy.

b)

dictatorship.

c)

confederation.

d)

oligarchy.

66.

What is the basic purpose of all governments?

a)

To control people, states and communities

b)

To protect the rights and security of the citizens

c)

To regulate commerce and wealth

d)

To unite citizens under a supreme authority

67.

What are the three main branches of government?

a)

Executive, Legislative, Judicial

b)

Executive, Legislative, President

c)

Congress, President, Senate

d)

Legislative, Supreme Court, House of Representatives

68.

The image below is a cartoon about the ratification of the United States Constitution. For the Constitution to take effect, nine states had to ratify (agree to) the Constitution.

Based on the cartoon, which statement about Pennsylvania and the new national government is correct?

a)

Pennsylvanians refused to ratify the Constitution.

b)

Pennsylvanians were divided over the new Constitution.

c)

Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the Constitution.

d)

Pennsylvania was the last state to ratify the new Constitution.

69.

Which document defines the current structure of our federal government?

a)

the Constitution

b)

the Great Charter

c)

the Articles of Confederation

d)

the Declaration of Independence

70.

Which document established the United States’ first government?

a)

the Bill of Rights

b)

the Articles of Confederation

c)

the Declaration of Independence

d)

the Virginia Declaration of Rights

71.

What amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to any person who is born in the United States, the District of Columbia, or American territories? (2.1)

a)

13th Amendment

b)

14th Amendment

c)

15th Amendment

d)

16th Amendment

72.

How does “Rule of Law” affect U.S. government officials and institutions? (1.9)

a)

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

b)

It requires government officials and institutions to create new laws.

c)

It holds government officials and institutions accountable to the law.

d)

It ensures government officials and institutions are exempt from laws.

73.

What is the legal process for becoming a U.S. citizen? (2.1)

a)

Confederation

b)

Naturalization

c)

Mediation

74.

The U.S. has a two-party political system. What are the two major parties? (2.8)

a)

Republican & Libertarian

b)

Socialist & Communist

c)

Republican & Democratic

d)

I don’t know

75.

Which answer is a qualification for an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen? (2.1)

a)

Must be 21 years of age or older

b)

Must have been a permanent, legal resident for five years

c)

Must be able to read and write in two languages

d)

Must have been a registered voter for at least seven years

76.

Selective Service is a system by which men ages 18 through 25 must register with the U.S. government for military service.

a)

TRUE

b)

FALSE

77.

Tyranny exists when a government or ruler is cruel and oppressive.

a)

TRUE

b)

FALSE

78.

Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny AND is the foundation of liberty in the United States? (1.9)

a)

The Rule of Law

b)

The Right to Trial

c)

The Elastic Clause

79.

A legal member of a country is called

a)

a citizen

b)

an American

c)

a comrade

d)

an immigrant

80.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF ANARCHY

a)

RULED BY A KING OR QUEEN

b)

A DIRECT DEMOCRACY

c)

HAVING NO GOVERNMENT/LAW

81.

This figure is a

symbol of the American justice system. What does the blindfold covering the figure’s eyes represent?

a)

equality under the law

b)

separation of powers

c)

checks and balances

d)

natural law

82.

Which of these documents was signed 800+ years ago by King John of England. HINT: It is the oldest example of Rule of Law and limited the powers of a king or queen.

a)

The U.S. Constitution (in 1787)

b)

The English Bill of Rights (in 1689)

c)

The Magna Carta (in 1215)

d)

The Mayflower Compact (in 1620)

83.

WHAT CITY AND STATE DO WE LIVE IN?

a)

Florida, Miami

b)

Miami, Florida

c)

Florida

d)

Miami

84.

A TYRANT IS A LEADER OF WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT?

a)

AN ABUSIVE AND UNFAIR GOVERNMENT

b)

A FAIR AND SAFE PLACE WHERE CITIZENS ARE HAPPY

85.

Which statement describes the impact of the rule of law?

a)

State of nature

b)

Checks and balances

c)

Separation of powers

d)

Transparency of institutions

86.

What established the US Government?

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

Federalism

c)

Constitution

d)

Declaration of Independence

87.

Which is the highest body of the Judicial Branch in the US Government?

a)

Senate

b)

Cabinet

c)

Supreme Court

d)

House of Representatives

88.

Paying taxes, serving on a jury, and defending the Constitution are examples of citizen's what?

a)

duties

b)

rights

c)

freedoms

d)

responsibilities

89.

Who is next in line for president after the vice-president?

a)

Chief Justice

b)

President Pro Tempore

c)

Speaker of House

d)

Attorney General

90.

What is the absence of governemnt?

a)

Totalitarianism

b)

Anarchy

c)

Republic

d)

Dictatorship

91.

One power the Executive Branch has over the Legislative Branch is the power of:

a)

Declaring War

b)

Veto

c)

Creating Laws

d)

Interpreting the Constitution

92.

One power the Legislative Branch has over the Executive Branch is the power to:

a)

Enforce Laws

b)

Interpret Laws

c)

Approve Justices

d)

Makes Laws

93.

One power the Judicial Branch has over the Legislative Branch is the power to:

a)

Appoint Justices

b)

Make Laws

c)

Override a Veto

d)

Decide constitutionality of Laws

94.

What is known as the Lower House

a)

House of Representatives

b)

Senate

c)

Congress

d)

Legislative Branch

95.

What is known as the Upper House

a)

House of Representatives

b)

Senate

c)

Congress

d)

Legislative Branch

96.

There are ___ Senators in Congress

a)

50

b)

100

c)

435

d)

535

97.

The number of representatives in the House is based on:

a)

Population

b)

Area of the State

c)

Political View of the State

d)

None of the Above

98.

This government is ruled by a king or queen:

a)

Anarchy

b)

Direct Republic

c)

Monarchy

d)

Dictatorship

99.

The ___ is the highest ranking office in the Executive Branch.

a)

Speaker of the House

b)

Chief Justice

c)

President

d)

President Pro Tempore

100.

Popular Sovereignty is also when:

a)

There are shared powers between the state and federal governments.

b)

We have freedom.

c)

The people have the power.

d)

There is a restriction of power through the Constitution.

101.

Federalism best matches:

a)

The people have the power

b)

Division of authority to specific branches of the government.

c)

Shared powers between the state and federal government

d)

Elected Representatives

102.

Separation of Powers best matches:

a)

Shared powers between the state and federal government

b)

Division of authority to specific branches of the government

c)

Making sure one branch does not have too much power

d)

Restriction through the Constitution

103.

Checks and Balances best matches

a)

Shared powers between the state and federal government

b)

Division of authority to specific branches of the government

c)

Making sure one branch does not have too much power

d)

Restriction of power through the Constitution

104.

What establishes the structure of our government and is the Supreme Law of the Land?

a)

The Declaration of Independence

b)

The Bill of Rights

c)

The Preamble

d)

The Constitution

105.

The first 10 Amendments of our Constitution are called:

a)

The Declaration of Independence

b)

The Bill of Rights

c)

The Preamble

d)

The Constitution

106.

Which enlightenment idea is represented by the image?

a)

Separation of powers

b)

Checks and balances

c)

Social contract

d)

Natural law

107.

Which documents influenced the colonists' view of government?

a)

Common Sense, Articles of Confederation

b)

Common Sense, Bill of Rights

c)

Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Common Sense

d)

Magna Carta, Iroquois Constitution, Common Sense

108.

Which documents addressed colonial concerns about English policies?

a)

Declaration of Independence

b)

Mayflower Compact

c)

US Constitution

d)

Bill of Rights

109.

Document? "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal."

a)

Articles of Confederation

b)

English Bill of Rights

c)

US Constitution

d)

Declaration of Independence

110.

What constitution was in place during the American Revolution?

a)

Declaration of Independence

b)

Articles of Confederation

c)

US Constitution

d)

Bill of Rights

111.

What was NOT a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

a)

one branch

b)

no way to enforce laws

c)

no power to tax

d)

no way to make laws

112.

How did the US Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation?

a)

It avoided the issue of states' rights.

b)

It allowed the states to elect representatives.

c)

It prevented the amendment of federal laws

d)

It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.

113.

Which part of the US Constitution states the six purposes for establishing government?

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

Article IV

c)

Preamble

d)

Article 1

114.

In the Preamble to the US Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase "we the people" ?

a)

The people express their will through political parties.

b)

The people express their will by directly creating laws.

c)

Gov't. gets taxes from the people and exists to support them

d)

Gov't. gets its power from the people and exists to serve them

115.

What was the Anti-Federalists' greatest concern about ratifying the US Constitution?

a)

The lack of a federal court system.

b)

The lack of a state court system.

c)

The lack of a strong military.

d)

The lack of a bill of rights.

116.

Which supports the Anti-Federalists' struggle over ratification of the US Constitution?

a)

The Constitution should limit state government.

b)

The Constitution should protect fundamental rights.

c)

The Constitution should create a strong national government.

d)

The Constitution should prevent the election of bad politicians.

117.

Which is a requirement for a person to become a naturalized US citizen?

a)

passing a US history and government exam

b)

working in the US for at least 5 years

c)

being born to American parents

d)

being born on American soil

118.

What is NOT a requirement of naturalization?

a)

Be of good moral character

b)

Read, write, and speak basic English

c)

Receiving a driver's license

d)

Know basic US history and government

119.

What right do citizens have?

a)

attending public schools

b)

owning property

c)

holding a job

d)

voting

120.

Why are citizens obligated to attend jury duty?

a)

to guarantee court hearings remain public

b)

to guarantee courts provide probable cause

c)

to protect the right to be tried by one's peers

d)

to protect the right to confronts one's accuser

121.

What are the names of the two major political parties in the United States today?

a)

Democratic and Libertarian

b)

Socialist and Republican

c)

Socialist and Libertarian

d)

Democratic and Republican

122.

Which political party's position is represented in the statement?

"We, the workers and our allies, need to take power from the hands of the wealthy few, their

corporations, and their political operatives."

a)

Communist

b)

Democratic

c)

Republican

d)

Socialist

123.

In modern politics, which represents a basic disagreement between Republicans and Democrats?

a)

the responsibilities of government

b)

the frequency of national elections

c)

the legality of the U.S. Constitution

d)

the support for the U.S. military soldier

124.

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

a)

military officers

b)

elected officials

c)

interest groups

d)

circuit judges

125.

Which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decision?

a)

watching political debates on television

b)

discussing political issues at work

c)

collecting opinions for a yearbook

d)

gathering signatures for a petition

126.

This diagram shows a sequence of events in colonial history.

Why is this sequence of events important?

a)

Colonists created a legislature with two houses.

b)

Colonists declared independence from English rule.

c)

Colonists defended the concept of unalienable rights.

d)

Colonists established a tradition of self-government.

127.

Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding document?

a)

Bill of Rights

b)

U.S. Constitution

c)

Mayflower Compact

d)

Northwest Ordinances

128.
To nullify a law means …
a)
to agree to the law
b)
to secede.
c)
to void or cancel the law.
d)
to vote on the law.