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WorksheetsCivics Midyear Assessment Pt. 1
Total questions: 77
Worksheet time: 39mins
Why did the Framers promise to add a bill of rights to the U.S. Constitution following ratification?
Federalists convinced the Anti-Federalists that it would be easier to ratify with a bill of rights.
Federalists would not support the U.S. Constitution without a list of rights being promised.
Anti-Federalists convinced the Federalists that it would be harder to ratify with a bill of rights.
Anti-Federalists would not support the U.S. Constitution without a list of rights being promised.
What is a solution to the citizen's problem?
Florida's education commissioner changes class size requirements.
Florida voters pass an amendment to address the issue.
The city manager conducts building inspections.
The mayor hosts a meeting to address the concerns.
Which constitutional power was inspired by this passage?
The president has the power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Congress has the power to declare war and raise and support armies.
The government can quarter soldiers during times or war and peace.
The president has the sole power to declare war.
Which principle of the U.S. Constitution applies to all citizens?
judicial review
checks and balances
rule of law
separation of powers
According to this excerpt, which action did President Truman propose?
to help nations develop their education systems
to help nations strengthen their democracies
to help nations prepare for military conflict
to help nations create military alliances
The statement below was made by a U.S. judge: "Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it." Based on this statement, what can be presumed about citizen responsibilities?
Citizens can amend the U.S. Constitution whenever necessary.
Citizens should rely on the courts to safeguard their rights.
Citizens can protect their own freedoms through political participation.
Citizens should vote for candidates who support their views.
Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?
democracy
communism
dictatorship
monarchy
Why was the U.S. Constitution amended to abolish poll taxes?
To permit resident aliens to vote.
To permit more eligible citizens to vote.
To permit more eligible citizens to buy property.
To permit resident aliens to buy property.
Which statement explains the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?
It establishes the rights and responsibilities to citizens.
It defines the responsibilities of the three branches of government.
It creates a domestic policy for the federal government.
It outlines the goals of the U.S. Constitution.
A school bus stop is located on a city street with no crosswalk. Most of the students who are picked up at the bus stop live on the opposite side of the street, requiring them to cross a busy intersection to get to their bus. What is the most effective strategy for getting the bus stop moved?
speaking to a school board member
speaking to the bus driver
writing letters to the governor
writing letters to the mayor
The chart below shows two systems of government. Government 1: loose association; organized for limited purposes. Government 2: strong central government; different levels of power; specific purposes for each level. Which systems of government are described?
Government 1 -- parliamentary; Government 2 -- confederal
Government 1 -- federal; Government 2 -- parliamentary
Government 1 -- federal; Government 2 -- confederal
Government 1 -- confederal; Government 2 -- federal
The cartoon shows a political discussion. What conclusion can be drawn from this cartoon?
The U.S. government should not export to foreign countries.
The U.S. government should be involved in foreign affairs.
U.S. domestic and foreign policy are not related.
U.S. economic and foreign policy are related.
Why would the president seek approval from the United Nations to take military action in a foreign country?
to establish trade barriers
to deal with international conflict
to control global warming
to encourage free trade
The cartoon illustrates government programs. Which issue does this cartoon represent?
Current job programs cannot manage welfare needs.
Current job programs decrease welfare needs.
Federal welfare programs are more effective than state welfare programs.
Federal welfare programs are dependent on state welfare programs.
Which statement describes a similarity between the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution?
Both divide legislative power between two chambers.
Both require the election of one senator from each district.
Both give more power to the judicial branch.
Both allow the election of Supreme Court justices.
A headline reads: "10,000 People Rally in front of the White House Protesting the War in Iraq." What Enlightenment idea is represented by the headline?
natural law
majority rule
popular sovereignty
social contract
What is the direct impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence.
Which colonial document established the idea of direct democracy?
Magna Carta
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Mayflower Compact
What is a responsibility of the U.S. Secretary of State?
budget policy
foreign affairs
national parks
state laws
Based on the table, how did the current American political system solve problems that were created by the Articles of Confederation?
The Constitution delegated more authority to the federal government.
The Constitution established the principle of social contract.
The Constitution provided for a unicameral legislature.
The Constitution reserved more responsibilities to the states.
Based on the image, what conclusion can be drawn about the impact of political parties on the political system?
The Democratic party works with special interest groups to develop policies.
The Republican party works with political action committees to prevent reform.
The political platform of third parties impact policy decisions.
The two major parties disregard issues important to third parties.
Which statement does the statement support?
The amendment process allows the U.S. Constitution to reflect citizens' views over time.
The amendment process makes sure owners that the U.S. Constitution is formally approved.
The ratification process allows the U.S. Constitution to reflect presidents' views over time.
The ratification process makes sure that the U.S. Constitution is formally approved.
The statement below is from an essay written by Henry David Thoreau in 1849: "A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority..." Based on the statement, which action would the author have believed to be justified?
An African-American rider on a segregated city bus refused to move from the white section to the area reserved for blacks.
A female professional golf player sued a private male-only golf resort for denying her access to the golf course.
A group of African-Americans in the south drank from a public water fountain marked "colored only", after Sunday church services.
A group of students gathered outside of the entrance of the school to protest the district's new uniform policy.
Which of the following occurred as a result of the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
The concept of checks and balances was defeated.
A law cannot be thrown out if it violates the U.S. Constitution.
The U.S. Supreme Court power of judicial review was concretely established.
The U.S. Supreme Court has played an insignificant role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution.
Increasing the price of postage is an example of which power?
concurrent
delegated
reserved
implied
Which example is an obligation of citizenship?
attending community celebrations
mowing your lawn every weekend
checking the mail for a neighbor who is out of town
obeying a city ordinance by cleaning up after your dog
Which type of law is used to resolve disputes between Congress and the President?
criminal
constitutional
military
civil
What does a presidential campaign advertisement symbolize when it shows a candidate visiting a theme park?
Voters can understand the candidate's policies.
The candidate is a taxpayer.
Voters can relate to the candidate.
The candidate has leadership qualities.
Based on the cartoon showing a person labeled "U.S.A." tied to a gas pump with the sign "U.S. government fails to find independence from foreign oil," which of the following is likely to occur?
The government cuts military spending in oil rich nations.
The government invests in alternative fuel research.
The government breaks off diplomacy with oil rich nations.
The government continues to import oil.
The poster reads "SAVE FREEDOM OF WORSHIP" and "BUY WAR BONDS." Based on this poster, the principles of which document would be supported by purchasing war bonds?
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Magna Carta
Bill of Rights
How do Political Action Committees (PACs) typically influence government?
by providing staff for members of Congress
by financially supporting members of Congress
by serving as Cabinet members for the president
by bringing cases before the Supreme Court
Diagrams show United States voters elect a President and Legislature with a Judicial Branch; Canada shows voters elect a Legislature, which links to a Prime Minister and a Judicial Branch with no judicial review. What system of government does Canada have?
authoritarian
aristocratic
parliamentary
federal
A passage from Barron v. Baltimore (1833) states powers conferred on the government are to be exercised by itself and limitations on power apply to the government created by the instrument. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
The Court decision reflected the Anti-Federalist views of the Bill of Rights.
The Court decision reflected the Federalist views of the Bill of Rights.
The Anti-Federalist papers were used to support this decision.
The Federalist papers were used to oppose this decision.
The passage shown states: "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." What has been a lasting impact of this amendment?
States passed their own laws related to immigration.
Citizenship rights to minors were expanded.
Citizenship rights to minorities were expanded.
Immigrants were permitted to remain in the United States.
The translated passage from the 1215 Magna Carta reads: "All evil customs ... shall immediately be inquired into in each county by twelve sworn knights of the same county chosen by the honest men of the same county." Based on the passage, what was the impact of the Magna Carta on U.S. court proceedings?
Trials must have truthful witnesses.
Trials must include reliable evidence.
Juries are selected by the lawyers.
Juries are mandatory in criminal trials.
The passage from Executive Order 13490 (January 21, 2009) requires appointees to pledge not to accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations during their service. What conclusion can be drawn about the president's decision to write this executive order?
The president's action promotes more cooperation among special interest groups.
The president's role as Commander-in-Chief requires immediate action.
The media's role as watchdog of government exposes possible conflicts of interest.
The media's focus on the administration's corruption leads to impeachment hearings.
Which of an individual's rights was violated when he received a letter from a state university informing him that he was rejected because of his ethnic background?
equal
civil
free speech
due process
If Alberto from Costa Rica wishes to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, which of the following situations would make him eligible?
He is 12, has legally resided in the United States for most of his life, and is able to speak and read English.
He is 20, has legally resided in the United States for three years, and knows the history of the United States.
He is 16, is able to speak and read English, and knows the history of the United States.
He is 18, has resided in the United States for seven years, and is able to speak and read English.
Below is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. "No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law." Which colonials complaint from the Declaration of Independence does this amendment reflect?
The King required the colonists to pay taxes on domestic and imported goods.
The King required the colonists to register for selective service in the British military.
The King required the colonists to provide protection from the Native Americans.
The King required the colonists to provide food and shelter for the British military.
Many Florida schools remain under desegregation orders as a result of which U.S. Supreme Court case?
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
The scenario below involves damage to someone's property. "Last Saturday, a driver was ticketed for speeding through a neighborhood and crashing into a fence. The fence owner is suing the driver for $2500 to cover the cost to repair the fence." What court would hear the case?
criminal
appeals
family
civil
Below is a scenario. "James and Peggy are running for the same U.S. House of Representatives seat. Peggy tells voters that James should be prohibited from holding the office because James does not live in the congressional district he is seeking to represent. Peggy's claim is proven accurate by the local media." What is the likely outcome of the scenario?
The Supreme Court decides who wins the election.
Peggy wins the election.
The Electoral College decides who wins the election.
James is disqualified from the election.
Which is an example of a U.S. citizen's obligation?
getting a job
performing community service
graduating from high school
obeying the law
What is the responsibility of appellate courts?
to interview the witnesses in a case
to provide the final verdict in a trial
to decide if the lower court made errors
to start the jury trial process again
A historical document lists complaints like refusing assent to laws and forbidding governors to pass necessary laws. How is this concern reflected in the modern American political system?
The monarchy establishes national policies
Legislators are elected by the people
The president alone enforces all policies
Legislators are appointed by the courts
Which situation best fits appellate jurisdiction?
A jury hears witness testimony for the first time
A judge reviews evidence collected by police
A governor signs a bill into law
A higher court checks for legal errors in a trial
In U.S. history, women gained the right to vote nationally in 1920. Which concept does this change most strongly illustrate?
Naturalization of immigrant voters
Consent of the governed through suffrage
Judicial review of state laws
Separation of powers among branches
Select the following actions that are considered civic duties. Choose all that apply.
What do we call actions that citizens perform voluntarily to promote the common good?
Civic Mandates
Civic Duties
Civic Responsibilities
Civic Trusts
Which of the following actions are considered civic responsibilities? Choose all that apply.
Registering and voting in elections.
Obeying the laws.
Participating in politics or holding elective office.
Respecting the rights and opinions of others.
Serving in the armed forces if drafted.
serving in the armed forces, if called to do so
contributing to the public good through community service
On the National/Federal/Central Level of Government, in the Executive Branch the Chief Executive is the President of the United States. What do we call the Chief Executive on the State Level?
The State President
The Governor
The Prime Minister
On the National/Federal/Central Level of Government, in the Judicial Branch the highest court is the United States Supreme Court. What do we call the highest court on the State Level?
The State Supreme Court (or Florida Supreme Court, in Florida)
The Local Supreme Court
The Provincial Supreme Court
What do we call something you MUST do, otherwise you could face a consequence? (For example: paying taxes or obeying laws)
Right
Responsibility
Obligation
What do we call powers that were not given to the National Government by the Constitution, but were reserved for the State Governments by the 10th Amendment?
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
Enumerated/Delegated Powers
What do we call powers that are shared between the National Government and the State Governments?
Reserved Powers
Enumerated/Delegated Powers
Concurrent Powers
What do we call powers that are specifically written and outlined in the Constitution for each branch of the National Government?
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
Enumerated/Delegated Powers
Is the following an example of the Federal court system or State court system?
District Court --> Appellate Court --> US Supreme Court
Federal
State
Federalism gives some powers to the National government and some powers to the State governments. This is an example of:
Limited Government
Due Process
Rule of Law
Original Jurisdiction
Which group do the following powers belong to:
1) Coin Money 2)Declare War 3) Establish Immigration Laws 4) Regulate Interstate Commerce 5) Negotiate Treaties 6) Pardon Criminals 7) Nominate Supreme Court Justices
Enumerated Powers
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
Which group do the following powers belong to:
1) Collect Taxes 2) Protect Public Welfare and Safety 3) Borrow Money 4) Spend for the General Welfare 5) Establish Courts 6) Enact and Enforce Laws
Enumerated Powers
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
Which group do the following powers belong to:
1) Issue Driver's Licenses 2) Issue Marriage Licenses 3) Conduct Elections 4) Establish Local Governments 5) Run Public Schools 6) Charter Banks and Corporations 7) Provide Police and Emergency Services
Enumerated Powers
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
One difference between the US Constitution and Florida Constitution is the age requirement for President/Governor, as well as the length of their term. What is this difference?
President: 40 years old, 12 year term
Governor: 35 years old
5 year term
President: 35 years old, 4 year term
Governor: 30 years old,
6 year term
President: 25 years old, 6 year term
Governor: 35 years old, 4 year term.
What is one difference between the US Court System and the State Court System?
The US court system has 3 levels, the State court system has 2 levels.
The US court system has 4 levels, the State court system has 5 levels.
The US court system has 3 levels, the State court system has 4 levels.
The US court system has 1 level, the state court system has 2 levels.
What is the job of the Legislative Branch?
To Make Laws
To Enforce Laws
To Interpret Laws
What is the job of the Legislative Branch?
To Make Laws
To Enforce Laws
To Interpret Laws
What is the job of the Executive Branch?
To Make Laws (or create laws)
To Enforce Laws (or carry out laws)
To Interpret Laws (Judge)
What is the job of the Executive Branch?
To Make Laws (or create laws)
To Enforce Laws (or carry out laws)
To Interpret Laws (Judge)
The Legislative Branch is also commonly called what name?
Congress
The Supreme Court
The Cabinet
Committee
If the President (National/Federal Level) or Governor (State Level) freed you from punishment for a crime, what did they give you?
A Pardon
A Veto
An Executive Order
A Statute
A bill can start in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. If the bill starts in the Senate, where does it have to go before it reaches the President's desk?
The Supreme Court
A State Legislature
The Cabinet
A bill can start in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. If the bill starts in the House of Representatives, where does it have to go before it reaches the President's desk?
The Supreme Court
A State Legislature
The Senate
The Department of Justice
Which level of government provides these services:
Trash Collection, Police, Firefighters, Clean Drinking Water
National/Central/Federal
State
Local
