Government
The idea of _________ means that government is created by the people and for the people.
popular sovereignty
Why was it very difficult to get laws passed under the Articles of Confederation? All states had to agree before a law was passed. Nine of the states had to agree before a law was passed. Each state's vote was not equal, so there was too much disagreement. Citizens didn't always let their states know how they wanted them to vote.
Nine of the states had to agree before a law was passed.
According to the English Bill of Rights, who makes laws regarding taxation? monarchs Parliament the judiciary the military
Parliament
Read the excerpt from the Arizona Republic editorial "Supreme Court Affirms the Right to Pursue Happiness," published on June 26, 2015, about a case that resulted in nationwide legal recognition of same-sex marriage. It's a day to remind ourselves of what it says in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Not all truths are self-evident to us, of course.Some things take time. Too much time. What conclusion about unalienable rights can best be drawn from the excerpt? Rights are always quickly identified and protected by the government. The only rights the government protects are life, liberty, and happiness. People do not always agree about what rights everyone should have. Citizens cannot ask the government to f
People do not always agree about what rights everyone should have.
Read the quote from the US Constitution. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved for the States respectively, or to the people. Which type of powers is this describing? Powers shared by both state and federal levels. Powers implied within the Constitution. Powers held by the states alone. Powers clearly identified for the federal level.
Powers held by the states alone.
As the colonies moved toward independence, the First Continental Congress was created in 1768. 1776. 1760. 1774.
1774.
What was an important effect of Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England? People in England no longer had to pay taxes. Common law became more accessible. Judges were able to rule as they pleased. The rights of the accused were done away with.
Common law became more accessible.
How did Niccolo Machiavelli's ideas contribute to Enlightenment thinking? He helped define natural rights. He argued for the separation of church and state. He felt that law, morality, and religion were superficial. He examined human nature outside of religion.
He examined human nature outside of religion.
John Locke thought people were neither good nor bad naturally. How did Hobbes's views differ from Locke's? Hobbes thought people were naturally violent. Hobbes thought people were naturally kind. Hobbes thought people were naturally peaceful. Hobbes thought people were naturally evil.
Hobbes thought people were naturally violent.
Read the passage from Two Treatises of Government (1690) by John Locke. This paternal, regal power being by divine right only his, it leaves no room for human prudence, or consent, to place it any where else; for if only one man hath a divine right to the obedience of mankind, no body can claim that obedience, but he that can shew that right; nor can men's consciences, by any other pretence, be obliged to it. And thus, this doctrine cuts up all government by the roots. Which statement best explains an Enlightenment position on the divine right to rule? If only one person has the authority to rule, then no one else, even members of government, may have authority, so divine right undermines civil society. If only one person has the authority to rule, there should be no confusion about how to follow the law, so divine right supports the goals of civil society. If only one person has the authority to rule, the people
If only one person has the authority to rule, then no one else, even members of government, may have authority, so divine right undermines civil society.
Which statement best describes a similarity between voting in the US and in other democratic countries? In some countries, citizens do not have the right to vote. In some countries, citizens have the right to vote but choose not to. In some countries, citizens vote for communist leaders. In some countries, citizens vote for monarchs.
In some countries, citizens have the right to vote but choose not to.
Which statement best describes the two main functions of US government? It creates laws and provides leadership. It pays for services and controls the prices of goods. It provides loans and responds to emergencies. It organizes public works and helps businesses.
It creates laws and provides leadership.
Which statement best describes how the US Constitution affects the separation of powers in the federal government? It divides government into three branches, overseen by the president. It guarantees that separate branches of government have similar powers. It divides government into three branches with separate powers. It guarantees that separate branches of government have unlimited powers.
It divides government into three branches with separate powers.
What purpose did the introduction to the Declaration of Independence serve? It detailed how to amend the Declaration of Independence. It listed colonial grievances against the Crown. It indicated why independence was necessary. It declared independence from Britain.
It indicated why independence was necessary.
Which statement about the Virginia Plan is accurate? It called for a unicameral legislature. It supported the interests of the smaller states. It proposed an executive staff instead of a single executive. It inspired the creation of the New Jersey Plan.
It inspired the creation of the New Jersey Plan.
Which statement about Congress is accurate? It contains only the House of Representatives. The Senate's membership is based on a state's population. It is bicameral, according to the Constitution. Membership in both houses is based on equal representation.
It is bicameral, according to the Constitution.
What statement about the Necessary and Proper Clause is accurate? It is the source of implied powers. It is written so as not to be open to debate. It specifically refers to both financial and military powers. It specifically reserves powers to other branches.
It is the source of implied powers.
Which statement about the Great Compromise is accurate? It included all of Edmund Randolph's ideas. It was a completely new and different plan. It overlooked the issue of state representation. It merged the ideas of multiple delegates' plans.
It merged the ideas of multiple delegates' plans.
Why were the Articles of Confederation replaced with the Constitution? The Articles of Confederation did not give strong power to the federal government. The Articles of Confederation did not create a governmental structure for the states. The Articles of Confederation did not provide powers for strong individual state governments. The Articles of Confederation did not allow the federal government to deal with foreign countries.
The Articles of Confederation did not give strong power to the federal government.
Why did colonists feel the Articles of Confederation were necessary even though the Declaration of Independence was already written? The Declaration of Independence outlined a system of government but did not specify how much power that government could have. The Declaration of Independence determined individual rights but did not discuss how those rights influenced others. The Declaration of Independence called for a federal system of government but did not plan for the role of individual states. The Declaration of Independence outlined a relationship between individuals and the government but did not detail the power and control of that government.
The Declaration of Independence outlined a relationship between individuals and the government but did not detail the power and control of that government.
Which describes how Congress affects the president's abilities to grant pardons and appoint cabinet members? The Senate approves pardons but not cabinet members. The House approves cabinet members but not pardons. The Senate approves cabinet members but not pardons. The House approves pardons but not cabinet members.
The Senate approves cabinet members but not pardons.
Which of these is the next step in the lawmaking process after a bill is drafted? The bill is sent to the president. The chamber votes on the bill. The president signs or vetoes the bill. The bill is introduced in Congress.
The bill is introduced in Congress.
Why is the Necessary and Proper Clause a source of ongoing debate? Congress cannot agree on how broad its implied powers should be. The wording of the clause is often undergoing revision. The clause deals with implied powers that are ambiguously defined. The clause establishes reserved rights, which vary from state to state.
The clause deals with implied powers that are ambiguously defined.
Based on the foundations of federalism, why might health care continue to be a deeply debated issue? The debate is over whether health care should be under federal or state control. Politicians argue that no single healthcare program will cover all Americans. The debate is over whether health care should affect tax rates. Medical professionals are opposed to such a generic program.
The debate is over whether health care should be under federal or state control.
Which statement about the delegates at the Constitutional Convention is accurate? The delegates all came to the convention from the same region. The delegates agreed on the same constitutional principles. The delegates agreed on what governmental changes were necessary. The delegates considered each one of their states to have independent interests.
The delegates considered each one of their states to have independent interests.
What was the primary way the farms in the South differed from those in the North? The farms of the South did not rely on enslaved labor. The farms of the South raised cash crops using a plantation system. The farms of the South only provided crops for southern families. The farms of the South were pushed aside for other industries.
The farms of the South raised cash crops using a plantation system.
Which statement is an accurate description of the American federal system? States can make their own choices, as they have power over all laws. State and federal governments are run separately, without any overlap. The federal government informs states of what is and what is not considered legal. The federal and state governments share powers, but federal power is supreme.
The federal and state governments share powers, but federal power is supreme.
What was the result of administrative weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation? The national government could not maintain order. The national government overruled many state laws. The national government courts found people guilty without a trial. The national government taxes were too high.
The national government could not maintain order.
Which of these steps in the lawmaking process might happen after a bill is sent to the president? The president can veto the bill. The president can send it to committee. The president can ask the house to debate it. The president can send it to the other house.
The president can veto the bill.
Which best explains how the president selects a justice for the Supreme Court? The president selects a judge that is qualified but disagrees with him on issues. The president selects a judge whom he considers the most qualified and will most likely support his agenda. The president selects a qualified judge that Congress proposes. The president selects a qualified judge whom existing judges approve of.
The president selects a judge whom he considers the most qualified and will most likely support his agenda.
Read this quote from Article I of the Constitution. Congress shall have power . . . [t]o make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers. Which type of powers does this quote refer to, and why is this type often the source of debate? The quote refers to reserved powers, which are given to the states to interpret as they will. The quote refers to expressed powers, which are not considered either "necessary or proper." The quote refers to concurrent powers, which are difficult to implement equally in every state. The quote refers to implied powers, which are often difficult to interpret or understand.
The quote refers to implied powers, which are often difficult to interpret or understand.
Under the Articles of Confederation, why didn't the national government enforce the laws? The states had the power to enforce the national laws. The executive branch was ineffective in enforcing the laws. The national police force had no power to enforce the laws. The president was just a figurehead and could not enforce laws.
The states had the power to enforce the national laws.
Which reason most closely illustrates why the national government was unable to maintain law and order under the Articles of Confederation? There was no national court system. State approval was needed to pass laws. The nation had two systems of currency. The government was unable to regulate trade.
There was no national court system.
Which statement about the northern states in the 1780s is accurate? Their economy was based on agriculture. They had far fewer large cities than the southern states. They generally had less enslaved labor than the southern states. They had very large farms called plantations.
They generally had less enslaved labor than the southern states.
Why were taxes an ongoing source of conflict for the American colonists? They did not get sufficient government services. They paid a higher tax rate than those living in England. They were taxed without having representation in Parliament. They felt the taxes should be invested in colonial infrastructure.
They were taxed without having representation in Parliament.
___________ supported the Enlightenment idea that people are naturally selfish.
Thomas Hobbes
Under the Articles of Confederation, if Virginia had ten thousand citizens and Delaware had five thousand citizens, how many votes would each state have in the legislature? Virginia would have ten, and Delaware would have five. Virginia would have one, and Delaware would have five. Virginia would have one, and Delaware would have one. Virginia would have three, and Delaware would have two.
Virginia would have one, and Delaware would have one.
The preamble to the Declaration of Independence outlines the principles upon which the new government would be based. Which of these best describes one of those principles? a government based on a social contract the end of taxation without representation the removal of the British military a need for equality regardless of race or gender
a government based on a social contract
The divine right of kings is best described as a belief that a king's authority to rule comes from God. an elected king is most worthy to rule. only men can have authority to rule. a king has less authority than the people.
a king's authority to rule comes from God.
Which description best defines a confederation? a government in which there is a single, all-powerful ruler a system in which a national government and state governments share power equally a government in which all citizens vote on all major issues and the majority rules a system in which states agree to form a national government, but maintain their sovereignty
a system in which states agree to form a national government, but maintain their sovereignty
A delegate proposes amending the Articles of Confederation. How many states would have to agree in order for the amendment to pass? a simple majority all of them three-fourths two-thirds
all of them
How did the Enlightenment's theories of government view the role of government? as benevolent as absolute as transparent as useful
as useful
A qualification for president under Article II of the Constitution is being born in the United States. being born in Washington DC. living for ten years in the United States. living for ten years in Washington DC.
being born in the United States.
The Magna Carta established the rights of citizens. neighboring countries. non-Christian believers. military officers.
citizens.
A country governed by a central party is best characterized as communist. democratic. capitalist. aristocratic.
communist.
Which term defines a power shared by state and federal governments? concurrent expressed implied reserved
concurrent
Powers that are shared between Congress and states are referred to as expressed powers enumerated powers implied powers concurrent powers
concurrent powers
Which of these actions is forbidden by the Constitution? creating a law ex post facto borrowing money from the government passing "necessary and proper" laws regulating trade with foreign countries
creating a law ex post facto
Which of these powers is considered an implied power? raising taxes regulating trade creating a national bank declaring war
creating a national bank
Which is an example of an expressed power Congress holds? creating a national banking system taking away the right of habeas corpus declaring war and maintaining a military building and maintaining roads
declaring war and maintaining a military
John Locke believed that natural rights should be given only to the majority. should be limited for all people. do not come from the government. do not pertain to economic issues.
do not come from the government.
Which responsibilities were assigned to the central government under the Articles of Confederation? taxing goods and services maintaining a militia drawing up treaties publishing a newspaper
drawing up treaties
Read the quote from England's Magna Carta. No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned or disseised of his free tenement or of his liberties or free customs. . . . To no-one will we sell or deny of delay right or justice. This part of the document granted people the right to lower taxes. due process. protect property. suspend laws.
due process.
Which best describes a role of the executive branch of the federal government? governing commerce interpreting laws regulating taxes enforcing laws
enforcing laws
Under the Constitution, political rights protect the freedoms of citizens accused of a crime. elected representatives. every American citizen. state and national officials.
every American citizen.
Declaring war and coining money are considered states' rights. implied powers. national rights. expressed powers.
expressed powers.
State governments must follow which type of laws? local federal regional judicial
federal
Read the quote by Baron de Montesquieu. When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. According to the quote,______is lost if one person has too much power.
freedom
An important effect of the Magna Carta on English government was that it established a monarchy. gave voting rights to all citizens. reduced the rights of citizens. gave more power to the people and protected their rights.
gave more power to the people and protected their rights.
A purpose of government in the United States is to guarantee power for a single leader. guarantee rights for people worldwide. guarantee rights for its citizens. guarantee power for a few leaders.
guarantee rights for its citizens.
The Necessary and Proper Clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress ______ powers.
implied
Which had the greatest influence in prompting the Second Continental Congress to declare independence? the battles of Lexington and Concord King George III's rejection of peaceful reconciliation financial support from France and Spain increased open public support for independence
increased open public support for independence
The purpose of the preamble of the Constitution is to establish and maintain the sovereignty of individual states. describe and enforce the powers of the confederation government. introduce and explain the core ideas of the government's important principles. define and distinguish the roles of domestic and foreign policies.
introduce and explain the core ideas of the government's important principles.
The part of the US government that interprets laws is the executive branch. vice president. Senate. judicial branch.
judicial branch.
The Magna Carta placed clear limits on the power of the citizens. army. king. Church.
king.
As commander in chief, the president has the power to declare war. lead the military. fund the armed forces. call for a draft.
lead the military.
The Magna Carta led to the creation of Parliament, England's executive branch. legislative branch. royal branch. judicial branch.
legislative branch.
Locke argued that all humans are born with what natural rights? life, liberty, property life, cooperation, liberty opportunity, property, support opportunity, support, cooperation
life, liberty, property
Read the excerpt from the preamble to the Constitution. Insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare. According to the excerpt, the responsibility of government is to create and maintain a system that exists to serve state governments. set up an operating a system that eliminates the need for a strong federal government. preserve and enforce internal law and order. maintain internal peace, and support citizens and protect them from foreign threats.
maintain internal peace, and support citizens and protect them from foreign threats.
According to the 1790 census, where did most enslaved people live? only in the North mostly in the South mostly in the Mid-West only in the far West
mostly in the South
Read this quote from Article I of the Constitution. Congress shall have power . . . [t]o make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers. Which part of this quote is the basis for implied powers? have power all Laws necessary and proper foregoing powers
necessary and proper
How many of the thirteen states needed to approve a law before it could be passed, under the Articles of Confederation? three seven nine thirteen
nine
Which act could be considered an acceptance of the social contract? paying the electric bill in exchange for using electricity viewing commercials in exchange for watching network news broadcasts observing traffic laws in exchange for driving on the highway paying the water bill in exchange for taking a shower
observing traffic laws in exchange for driving on the highway
An example of a public safety service a government provides state-run hospitals public schools interstate highways police officers
police officers
A plan of action taken by government to achieve a goal is a regulation. service. policy. guarantee.
policy.
Read the excerpt from the preamble to the Constitution. . . . [A]nd secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. According to this excerpt of the preamble, who were freedoms and rights established for? the states and elected officials foreign powers and leaders past generations present and future generations
present and future generations
The Constitution's creation of a national government with separation of powers prevents the national government from being controlled by one branch. eliminates overlapping or repetitive government powers among the branches. reduces government powers among all branches and gives them to the states. replaces stronger branch powers with weaker powers and grants more power to voters.
prevents the national government from being controlled by one branch.
What must people provide in order to be governed under a social contract? rational consent to the government allegiance to the government political support for the government material support for the government
rational consent to the government
The Enlightenment was an age of inquiry based on ________, not religion.
reason
What was the subject of the most debate between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention? taxes slavery representation delegaton
representation
The issue of slavery at the Constitutional Convention was actually an issue about representation. taxes. citizenship. legislature.
representation.
Which powers are given directly to the people or the states? implied reserved concurrent expressed
reserved
Which rights were granted to many citizens in the English Bill of Rights? Select three optons. right to trial by jury right to suspend laws protection and equal rights for all religions protection from cruel and unusual punishment right to bear arms
right to trial by jury protection from cruel and unusual punishment right to bear arms
Which example describes natural rights? rights that are given under specific circumstances rights that are granted to only certain citizens rights that can be restricted by government rights that should be protected by the government
rights that should be protected by the government
Which concept describes the idea that government and government officials are not above the law? limited government federalism rule of law guaranteed rights
rule of law
According to the Constitution, how long is a senator's term? two years four years six years eight years
six years
The English Bill of Rights declared that each member of Parliament had the right to speak freely. refuse to pay taxes. disobey laws. serve as king.
speak freely.
Expressed powers are those that are specifically granted in the Constitution. held by both the federal government and the states. considered the basis for the "necessary and proper" clause. inferior compared to powers directly given by Congress.
specifically granted in the Constitution.
What event prompted the formation of the First Continental Congress? the Boston Massacre the Boston Tea Party the battles of Lexington and Concord the publication of Thomas Paine's Common Sense
the Boston Tea Party
In what part of the Great Compromise are the ideas of the Virginia Plan represented? the Senate the House of Representatives the Office of the President the Unicameral Legislature
the House of Representatives
In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described? the Preamble the body the conclusion the grievances
the Preamble
Once the delegates settled the Great Compromise, what issue did they tackle next? the New Jersey Plan the Virginia Plan the Electoral process for the presidency the Three-Fifths Compromise
the Three-Fifths Compromise
The document that provides the structure for the US government is the Declaration of Independence. the Articles of Confederation. the US Constitution. the Bill of Rights.
the US Constitution.
Which factors contributed to the beginning of the Enlightenment movement? Check all that apply. the age of science and scientific inquiry the revival of religious belief and study the age of reason-based inquiry the advancement in all areas of human interest the resurgence of past ideas and principles
the age of science and scientific inquiry the age of reason-based inquiry the advancement in all areas of human interest
The key idea of John Locke's Enlightenment theory was to protect and enhance the freedoms and rights of the government. the philosophers. the law. the individual.
the individual.
What did the philosophers of the Enlightenment seek to understand? the natural rights behind religion's continued power the natural rights governing human behavior and society the natural rights that gave leaders absolute power the natural rights that governed the physical universe
the natural rights governing human behavior and society
Which best describes the main action called for by the Declaration of Independence? to seek peace with Great Britain to give the United States the power of self-government to declare war on Great Britain to create the First Continental Congress
to give the United States the power of self-government
Why did Montesquieu advocate the separation of powers? to stop political parties from gaining too much power to ensure power divisions along party lines to eliminate conflict between branches of government to limit the power of any single group or person
to limit the power of any single group or person
The president vetoes a bill proposed to become law by Congress. In this situation, what is the purpose of this power? to limit the power of the legislative branch to replace the power of the legislative branch to strengthen the power of the legislative branch to remove the power of the legislative branch
to limit the power of the legislative branch
Read the quote by Thomas Hobbes. Law was brought into the world for nothing else but to limit the natural liberty of particular men in such manner as they might not hurt but assist one another and join together against a common enemy. According to Hobbes, what is the primary purpose of the social contract? to protect rights to remove rights to reduce liberty to expand liberty
to reduce liberty