Civics Test
Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Equal Protection Clause? - Engel v. Vitale (1962) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
- Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
How many amendments does the U.S. constitution currently have? - 10 - 17 - 22 - 27
27
Which scenario represents a violation of the Equal Protection Clause? - A state law establishes a minimum driving speed on federal highways. - A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women. - A proposed constitutional amendment establishes a minimum age to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. - A proposed constitutional amendment establishes a minimum education requirement to serve as President.
A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women.
Which of the following documents provided an outline for a state-centered government? - Articles of Confederation - Federalist Papers - Common Sense - Bill of Rights
Articles of Confederation
What is one qualification to serve as a member of the US House of Representatives? - Be a resident of his or her state for at least 10 years - Be a natural born US citizen - Be at least 25 years old
Be at least 25 years old
Which of the following cases impacted interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment? - Brown v. Board of Education (1954) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966) - Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) - Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Which of the following pairs of United States Supreme Court cases resulted in limiting the power for local governments? - Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) and Bush v. Gore (2000) - Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) - Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and West Virginia v. Barnette (1943)
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
Which United States Supreme Court decision focused on how states count popular votes for president and vice president? - Bush v. Gore (2000) - U.S. v. Nixon (1974) - Baker v. Carr (1962) - Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Bush v. Gore (2000)
Which of the following documents provided a rationale for the Declaration of Independence? - Federalist papers - US Constitution - Common Sense - Bill of Rights
Common Sense
Which Supreme Court ruling held that the authors of the U.S. Constitution did not intend for African Americans to be U.S. citizens? - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
Which United States Supreme Court case focused on whether an enslaved person, having lived in free territory, should be free? - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
Declaration of Independence - Formed a state-centered government - established the principle of rule of law - Formed a unitary government - Established the principle of consent of the governed
Established the principle of consent of the governed
Articles of Confederation - Formed a state-centered government - established the principle of rule of law - Formed a unitary government - Established the principle of consent of the governed
Formed a state-centered government
The colonists used a political cartoon with the caption "join or die" to support which action? - Forming their own government - Promoting international treaties - Establishing their own schools - Creating local communities
Forming their own government
What is the length of the U.S. president elected term? - Two years - Four years - Six years
Four years
What is a core theme of the anti-Federalist papers? - The constitution should promote a strong central government. - Government should support enumerated individual rights. - The constitution should reflect checks and balances. - Government should support executive orders.
Government should support enumerated individual rights.
Which phrase from a letter written by Sarah Grimk in 1837 is reflected in the Fourteenth Amendment? - It is impossible that we should fulfill our duties, unless we comprehend them. - I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality. - opposition to a corrupt public opinion.
I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality.
Which phrase from a letter written by Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams in 1776 is reflected in the Nineteenth Amendment? - that generous...principal [sic] of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us... - some individuals discoverd [sic] a sense of honour and justice... - I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them.
I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them.
Which of the following represents the principle of consent of the governed? - Individuals elect members of the House of Representatives. - The people elect the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. - Individuals have the right to jury trials. - The people debate on social media.
Individuals elect members of the House of Representatives.
How did the holding in the United States Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966) impact criminal defendants? - It established a defendants were protected against self-incrimination. - It established the defendant had the right to a speedy trial.
It established a defendants were protected against self-incrimination.
How did the holding in the United States Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) impact criminal defendants? - It established that defendants were protected against self-incrimination - It established that defendants had the right to a speedy trial. - It established that defendants had the right to counsel. - It established that defendants had freedom of speech.
It established that defendants had the right to counsel.
How did District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) impact states rights? - It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights. - It expanded the ability of states to create free speech zones that limited First Amendment rights.
It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights.
How did District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) impact states' rights? - It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights. - It expanded the ability of states to create free speech zones that limited first amendment rights. - It reduced the ability of states to see is illegal proceeds of a crime before trial under the fourth amendment. - It expanded the ability of states to implement the death penalty under the eighth amendment.
It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights.
What does the U.S. constitution do? - It creates a unitary government. - It declares political independence. - It sets up a federal government. - It lists grievances against the British King.
It sets up a federal government.
Which of the following cases impacted the Fourth Amendment protections at the state level? - District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) - Mapp v. Ohio (1961) - Roe v. Wade (1973) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Which United States Supreme Court case established the power of judicial review? - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which of the following cases reinforced the power of the courts? - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Necessary and Proper Clause? - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - West Virginia v. Barnette (1943) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Which of the following cases reinforced the federal government's authority to run a federal institution without interference by a state? - Engel v. Vitale (1962) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Which United States Supreme Court case held that persons accused of crimes must be advised of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights upon their arrest? - Engel v. Vitale (1962) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966) - Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
What is the "rule of law"? - No one is above the law. - the President may suspend laws in an emergency. - Government officials are exempt from the law. - Only citizens must follow the law.
No one is above the law.
What is the minimum number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing each state? - One - Two - Three - Four
One
Which of the following pairs of cases limited the rights of African Americans? - Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) - Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
What is one power of the US Senate? - Declare laws unconstitutional - Ratify international treaties - Impeach government officials - Ratified constitutional amendments
Ratify international treaties
Which point of view is reflected in Common Sense? - The monarchy creates limited government - The monarchy supports self government. - Representatives should be appointed. - Representatives should be elected.
Representatives should be elected.
Which United States Supreme Court decision resulted in reduced power for state governments? - Roe v. Wade (1973) - U.S. v. Nixon (1974) - Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Which of the following cases held that reproductive rights were an element of the right to privacy under the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment? - District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) - Mapp v. Ohio (1961) - Roe v. Wade (1973) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Roe v. Wade (1973)
What is one chamber of the U.S. Congress? - Senate - Cabinet - Democrats
Senate
Which of the following represents the goal of the Supremacy Clause? - Presidents may not form congressional committees. - States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws. - The U.S. Supreme court may decide to reject an appeal from a lower court. - Congress may settle disputes between the United States and another country.
States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws.
Which of the following pairs of cases impacted first amendment rights? - West Virginia v. Barnette (1943) and U.S. v. Nixon (1974) - U.S. v. Nixon (1974) and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966) and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Texas v. Johnson (1989) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Texas v. Johnson (1989) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Which statement from the English Bill of Rights is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment? - That...keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace...is against law. - That the freedom of speech...in Parliament ought not to be...questioned in any court. - That excessive bail ought not to be required...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. - That the...power of suspending the laws...without consent of Parliament is illegal.
That excessive bail ought not to be required...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Which right from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's Third Amendment? - That...keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace...is against law - That excessive bail ought not to be required...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted
That...keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace...is against law
Which document was adopted by the newly independent United States to organize the national government after declaring independence? - The Magna Carta - The Mayflower compact - The Northwest ordinance - The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation
Which of the following was established by a constitutional amendment? - The Senate may ratify treaties negotiated by the House of Representatives. - The President may sign bills passed by both houses of Congress - The President may serve no more than two elected terms. - Senators may serve no more than two terms.
The President may serve no more than two elected terms.
What is an example of representation? - The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court writes a majority opinion. - The court system rules on a dispute between two states. - The bureaucracy establishes national regulations. - The U.S. Congress passes a law.
The U.S. Congress passes a law.
What is an example of a democratic process? - The people elect a Governor. - The President signs an executive order. - The U.S. Supreme Court rules on a case. - The Environmental Protection Agency adopts a regulation.
The people elect a Governor.
What is the social contract? - The government requires new citizens to register to vote. - The people promise to not commit crimes a condition of parole. - The people give up some liberty to receive governmental protection. - The government promises to protect countries that become independent.
The people give up some liberty to receive governmental protection.
Which is a core theme of the Federalist Papers? - State governments should have greater say in decisions of the federal government. - Federal action should require approval by a majority of the states. - The proposed Constitution should be ratified. - The proposed Bill of Rights should be ratified.
The proposed Constitution should be ratified.
How did the U.S. Constitution resolve the dispute between slave and free states over representation? - Three-Fifths Compromise - Missouri Compromise - Supremacy Clause - Commerce Clause
Three-Fifths Compromise
Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the First Amendment? - Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Which of the following pairs of cases focused on the rights of public school students? - Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Miranda v. Arizona (1966) - Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) and Engel v. Vitale (1962) - Miranda v. Arizona (1966) and Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) - Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
What is the purpose of the selective service system? - To protect presidential candidates during the campaign - To draft for compulsory military service - To promote equality - To establish justice
To draft for compulsory military service
How many U.S. Senators represent each state? - One - Two - It varies based on the state's geographic size. - It varies based on the state's population.
Two
Which United States Supreme Court case focused on executive privilege? - Johnson v. Texas (1989) - Bush v. Gore (2000) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
What is the first phrase of the U.S. Constitution? - When in the course of human events - Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence - The present situation of the world is indeed without a parallel. - We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union.
Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Free Exercise Clause? - West Virginia v. Barnette (1943) - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
West Virginia v. Barnette (1943)
Which phrase is included in the Declaration of Independence? - all men are created equal - promote the general welfare - pledge allegiance to the flag - in order to form a more perfect union
all men are created equal
Why does Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution require that tax bills be introduced in the House of Representatives? - because financial contracts between the original English colonists and their home country were not honored. - because the original English colonists were taxed without their consent.
because the original English colonists were taxed without their consent.
Which phrase from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802 reflects a freedom in the Bill of Rights? - building a wall of separation between Church and State - the legitimate powers of government reach actions only - Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation - my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents
building a wall of separation between Church and State
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? - the Electoral College - checks and balances - bills of attainder - eminent domain
checks and balances
Which is a shared power in the federal system? - establishing post offices - collecting taxes - declaring war - making treaties
collecting taxes
What is an example of a power reserved to the states? - declaring war - making treaties - coining money - creating school systems
creating school systems
What did the Declaration of Independence do? - declared independence from Great Britain - declared independence from Germany - declared independence from France
declared independence from Great Britain
Which phrase in the U.S. constitution addresses the power to seize property? - bills of attainder - eminent domain - writ of habeas corpus - reserved powers
eminent domain
Magna Carta - Formed a state-centered government - established the principle of rule of law - Formed a unitary government - Established the principle of consent of the governed
established the principle of rule of law
What is due process? - the process of assigning bills to committee. - fair treatment in judicial proceedings. - the process for electing the president. - procedures required to enact laws.
fair treatment in judicial proceedings.
What is one right included in the First Amendment? - jury trial - bear arms - free speech - legal representation
free speech
What is one branch of the U.S. federal government? - state - monarchical - parliamentary - legislative
legislative
What are two natural rights identified in the declaration of Independence? - life and liberty - bear arms and life - jury trials and liberty - jury trials and bear arms
life and liberty
Which action is an example of petitioning the government? - becoming politically informed - lobbying officials - serving on a jury - paying taxes
lobbying officials
Which government officials are elected by the people? - federal congressional staffers - federal court judges - bureaucrats - mayors
mayors
Which two steps are required in order for someone to become Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court? - nomination by the President, confirmation by the Senate - nomination by the Vice President, confirmation by the Senate - nomination by the President, confirmation by the House of Representatives - nomination by the Vice President, confirmation by the House of Representatives
nomination by the President, confirmation by the Senate
Which right the colonists consider inalienable in the Declaration of Independence? - pursuit of happiness - trial by jury - privacy - voting
pursuit of happiness
What is popular sovereignty? - rule by the people - rule by an oligarchy - rule by a monarch - rule by a dictator
rule by the people
Which of the following is a right reserved for U.S. citizens only? - working for pay - purchasing a home - getting an education - running for federal office
running for federal office
Which structure found in the U.S. Constitution was included as a response to a concern expressed in the Declaration of Independence? - separation of powers - unitary government - limited monarchy - universal suffrage
separation of powers
What is one responsibility of only U.S. citizens? - paying taxes - serving on a jury - attending public meetings - petitioning the government
serving on a jury
What is the length of a U.S. Senator's elected term? - two years - four years - six years - eight years
six years
What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called? - the Bill of Rights - the Federalist Papers - the Declaration of Rights - the Articles of Confederation
the Bill of Rights
Which part of the U.S. constitution protects the freedom of religion? - Article I - Article II - the Preamble - the Bill of Rights
the Bill of Rights
The U.S. Constitution requires that the President be elected by whom? - Congress - the popular vote - state legislatures - the Electoral College
the Electoral College
In what 1620 document do the writers form a civil body politic? - the Declaration of Independence - the Articles of Confederation - the Mayflower Compact - the Magna Carta
the Mayflower Compact
What are the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence called? - the Article - the Sections - the Preamble - the Amendments
the Preamble
Who has the power to veto bills? - the President - the Chief Justice - the Speaker of the House
the President
Who is Commander in Chief of the military? - the Attorney General - the Speaker of the House - the Secretary of Defense - the President
the President
Who is in charge of the executive branch? - the Majority Leader - the Chief Justice - the President - the Speaker
the President
Who signs proposed bills into federal laws? - the Speaker of the House of Representatives - the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court - the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate - the President of the United States
the President of the United States
If both the U.S. President and the U.S. Vice President are unable to serve, who acts as president? - the Chief Justice - the Secretary of State - the Senate Majority Leader - the Speaker of the House
the Speaker of the House
What is the highest federal court in the United States? - the Supreme Court - the Court of Appeals - the Circuit Court - the District Court
the Supreme Court
Which document represents the supreme law of the land? - the U.S. Constitution - the Mayflower Compact - the Articles of Confederation - the Declaration of Independence
the U.S. Constitution
According to the authors of the Declaration of Independence, who is responsible for protecting natural rights? - the government - political parties - interest groups - the people
the government
Based on the U.S. Constitution, which part of government was intended to hold least power? - the legislative branch - the executive branch - the judiciary - the military
the judiciary
Which part of government was created to reflects the colonists position that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed? - the legislature - the bureaucracy - the executive - the judiciary
the legislature
What is an example of judicial review? - the power of the House of Representatives to impeach public officials - the power of the Supreme Court to find laws unconstitutional - the power of the President to issue pardons to convicted criminals - the power of the President to nominate federal judges
the power of the Supreme Court to find laws unconstitutional
What is an example of federalism? - the principle that the national and state governments share power. - separation of powers between branches of government. - the President's power to nominate ambassadors. - Congress's power to declare war.
the principle that the national and state governments share power.
Who does a U.S. Senator represent? - the residents of several states - the residents of a single state - the residents of Washington D.C. - the residents of a single congressional district
the residents of a single state
Which right from the English Bill of Rights is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment? - excessive bail ought not to be required - election of members...ought to be free - may have arms for their defense - to petition the king
to petition the king
What is the purpose of the Seventeenth Amendment? - to limit judicial power - to eliminate the bureaucracy - to establish congressional term limits - to promote democratic participation
to promote democratic participation
What is a purpose of civil rights movements? - to secure equalities - to create new rights - to expand state power - to advance communism
to secure equalities
What is the length of a U.S. Representative's elected term? - two years - four years - six years - eight years
two years
