Government Quiz
Since 9/11, the federal government has increased security at major airports, large venues, and federal buildings. Of the six purposes stated in the Preamble of the United States Constitution, which of the following is MOST closely related to this example?
"Insure domestic Tranquility"
Most Americans believe citizens should have ________.
equal opportunities
A meaningful explanation of the American governmental system must include which of the following ideals?
Recognition of the rights of all individuals
The American political culture is generally defined by ________.
attachment to individualism and liberty
Citizens can be the ultimate guardians of their own rights and freedoms by ________.
believing in and participating in the democratic system
Which term best describes the government developing policies based on what most people want?
majority rule
"Life, liberty, and the property" were considered by John Locke to be
natural rights
Which characteristic is a feature of a constitutional democracy?
The protection of individual rights
A unitary government is different than a confederate government in that a unitary government
establishes a strong central authority.
According to John Locke, what was the primary purpose of government?
to protect natural rights of individuals
Freedom of men under government is, to have a standing rule to live by... and not to be subject to the inconstant, uncertain, unknown, arbitrary will of another man... (WHICH BEST EXPLAINS Locke's influence on the American Revolution)
People set limits on government to protect individual rights
Use the excerpt below to answer the question. Rousseau's social contract theories together form a single, consistent view of our moral and political situation. We are endowed with freedom and equality by nature, but our nature has been corrupted. . . . We can overcome this corruption, however, by invoking our free will to reconstitute [remake] ourselves politically . . . —"Social Contract Theory," Dr. Celeste Friend, Hamilton College, 2004 Which excerpt from the Declaration of Independence BEST reflects this philosophy?
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...
Rule of law is a principle of American government. It means that every person is entitled to the protection of the law. It also means that government officials must follow the same laws as everybody else. Which civil protection described in the Bill of Rights addresses the principle of rule of law?
The courts cannot deny a speedy trial to someone accused of a crime.
Which statement is the BEST explanation of the divine right of kings?
The king answers only to God.
Which statement identifies the purpose of this passage from the Declaration of Independence? Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . . . [W]henever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . . —The Declaration of Independence
The people can overthrow a government that fails to protect basic rights.
Widely shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that citizens hold about the role of government and how it operates are known as _____.
political culture
Activities and interactions that seek to affect the composition, power, and actions of government are collectively referred to as ______.
politics
Which action by John Locke BEST explains his influence on the founding of the United States?
popularizing the concept of natural rights
Use the excerpt below to answer the question. . . . Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . . —The Declaration of Independence, 1776 This excerpt is based on which philosophical argument?
social contract theory
Which practice outlined in the U.S. Constitution was influenced by the ideas of republicanism?
the election of representatives to make the laws
