Unit 1 Test: Foundations Of American Govt
This test is designed to evaluate students' knowledge of Virginia Civics and Economics SOLs 2. A and 2. B
Questions and Answers
- 1.
This group of founding fathers created the United States of America's first plan of government which gave individual states most of the major powers. What early governing body is this?
- A.
2nd Continental Congress
- B.
Jamestown Council
- C.
Virginia House
Correct Answer
A. 2nd Continental CongressExplanation
The correct answer is the 2nd Continental Congress. The 2nd Continental Congress was a group of founding fathers who played a crucial role in the creation of the United States of America. They drafted the first plan of government, known as the Articles of Confederation, which granted most of the major powers to individual states. The 2nd Continental Congress also served as the de facto national government during the American Revolutionary War.Rate this question:
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- 2.
This fundamental political principle is idea that people are the source of government power and must agree or give permission to the government to be governed.
- A.
Rule of Law
- B.
Democracy
- C.
Consent of the Governed
Correct Answer
C. Consent of the GovernedExplanation
The idea that people are the source of government power and must agree or give permission to the government to be governed is known as "Consent of the Governed". This principle asserts that the legitimacy of a government is derived from the consent of the people it governs. It emphasizes the importance of the people's participation and agreement in the decision-making process, ensuring that the government acts in the best interest of its citizens. This principle is a foundational aspect of democratic systems, where the power ultimately rests in the hands of the people.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Citizens gave their consent to be governed to President Obama by voting.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because citizens express their consent to be governed by participating in the democratic process, which includes voting. By voting for President Obama, citizens indicated their willingness to be governed by him and his administration.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The police not having the power to search your home whenever they feel like is an example of what fundamental political principle?
- A.
Rule of Law
- B.
Limited Government
- C.
Democracy
Correct Answer
B. Limited GovernmentExplanation
The correct answer is Limited Government. Limited government refers to the idea that the power of the government is restricted and there are certain boundaries and limitations on what it can do. In this case, the fact that the police cannot search someone's home without a warrant or probable cause demonstrates that there are limitations on the power of the government, ensuring that individuals have certain rights and protections. This principle helps prevent abuse of power and protects individual liberties.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Using our fundamental political principles, what powers does the government have?
- A.
Ones it needs to operate effectively
- B.
Only the ones the people have given it
- C.
Any and all powers it wants
Correct Answer
B. Only the ones the people have given itExplanation
The correct answer is "only the ones the people have given it." This is because in a democratic system, the government derives its powers from the consent of the governed. The people grant the government specific powers through the constitution or other legal frameworks. The government's authority is limited to what is explicitly granted by the people, ensuring that it operates within the boundaries set by the citizens.Rate this question:
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- 6.
If the mayor of Culpeper drinks and drives and gets arrested, then clearly the law applies to him and any other citizens who do the same. This is an example of which fundamental political principle?
- A.
Rule of law
- B.
Democracy
- C.
Representative Government
Correct Answer
A. Rule of lawExplanation
The given scenario demonstrates the principle of rule of law. The fact that the mayor of Culpeper, despite holding a position of authority, is subject to the same laws as any other citizen when it comes to drinking and driving, highlights the idea that everyone is equal before the law. This principle ensures that no one is above the law and that it applies to all individuals, regardless of their status or position in society.Rate this question:
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- 7.
This picture is of the ruins of the Areopagus in Athens, Greece. This place served as the birth place for which fundamental political principle which in Greek means "rule of the people".
- A.
Rule of law
- B.
Consent of the Governed
- C.
Democracy
Correct Answer
C. DemocracyExplanation
The correct answer is democracy. The picture shows the ruins of the Areopagus in Athens, Greece, which was the birthplace of democracy. Democracy is a fundamental political principle that means "rule of the people". In a democratic system, the power and authority lie with the citizens who participate in decision-making processes through voting and electing representatives.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In Ancient Greece, citizens themselves made and carried out laws in what is known as a direct democracy. However, currently in America we have officials we elect to make and carry out laws for us. This fundamental principle is known as what?
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Consent of the Governed
- C.
Representative Government
Correct Answer
C. Representative GovernmentExplanation
The correct answer is "Representative Government". This is because the explanation states that in America, officials are elected to make and carry out laws for the citizens, which aligns with the concept of a representative government. In a representative government, the citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf, rather than directly participating in the decision-making process. This is different from a direct democracy where citizens themselves make and carry out laws.Rate this question:
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- 9.
If a leader must have the consent of the governed, then is it possible for citizens to transfer the consent to another leader when given the oppurtunity?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
It is possible for citizens to transfer their consent to another leader when given the opportunity because consent is not fixed or permanent. Citizens have the right to change their allegiance and support a different leader if they believe that the new leader will better represent their interests and values. This transfer of consent is a fundamental aspect of democracy, where citizens have the power to choose their leaders through elections or other democratic processes.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is a fundamental political principle?
- A.
A basic idea about government
- B.
Rules for elections
- C.
The people in charge of government
Correct Answer
A. A basic idea about governmentExplanation
A fundamental political principle refers to a basic idea or concept that underlies the functioning and organization of a government. It encompasses the core values, beliefs, and ideals that shape the government's policies, laws, and decision-making processes. It serves as a guiding principle for the establishment and maintenance of a just and effective political system.Rate this question:
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- 11.
This picture is the seal of the Virginia Company whose charters gave colonists the rights of full rights. Who authorized for colonists to have these rights?
- A.
King James I of England
- B.
King Ferdinand of Spain
- C.
King Louis XIV of France
Correct Answer
A. King James I of EnglandExplanation
King James I of England authorized for colonists to have the rights granted by the charters of the Virginia Company. The Virginia Company was a joint-stock company that was granted a charter by King James I in 1606, allowing them to establish colonies in the New World. The charters granted the colonists certain rights and privileges, such as self-governance and the same rights as English citizens. Therefore, King James I of England is the correct answer as he was the one who granted these rights to the colonists through the charters of the Virginia Company.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Charters of the Virginia Company laid the groundwork for what in the New World as it allowed for colonists to work with Colonial governors to make laws?
- A.
Representative government
- B.
Business
- C.
Rule of law
Correct Answer
A. Representative governmentExplanation
The Charters of the Virginia Company laid the groundwork for representative government in the New World. These charters established the framework for the governance of the Virginia Colony, allowing colonists to work with Colonial governors to make laws. This system allowed for the representation of the colonists' interests and participation in the decision-making process, marking an important step towards self-governance and democracy in the New World.Rate this question:
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- 13.
This picture is of the author the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Who is this famous Virginian and founding father?
- A.
Thomas Jefferson
- B.
George Mason
- C.
George Washington
Correct Answer
B. George MasonExplanation
The correct answer is George Mason. George Mason was a famous Virginian and founding father who is best known for drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which later influenced the United States Bill of Rights. He was a key figure in the American Revolution and played a crucial role in shaping the principles of individual rights and limited government that are foundational to the United States.Rate this question:
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- 14.
This document included ideas about natural rights, freedom of press and religion, and the notion of property and fair trials. It would serve as the model for the Bill of Rights years after it was enacted as a plan of government for one of the colonies.
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
U.S. Constitution
- C.
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Correct Answer
C. Virginia Declaration of RightsExplanation
The Virginia Declaration of Rights is the correct answer because it included ideas about natural rights, freedom of press and religion, and the notion of property and fair trials. It served as a model for the Bill of Rights in the future and was enacted as a plan of government for one of the colonies.Rate this question:
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- 15.
2.) He (King George III) has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained, and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.5.) He (King George III) has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.These grievances or complaints written by Thomas Jefferson are most likely from what document?
- A.
Virginia Statue of Religious Freedoms
- B.
Bill of Rights
- C.
Declaration of Independence
Correct Answer
C. Declaration of IndependenceExplanation
The grievances or complaints written by Thomas Jefferson in the given passage are most likely from the Declaration of Independence. This is because the passage describes the actions of King George III, which were among the reasons listed in the Declaration of Independence for the American colonies' decision to separate from Great Britain. The passage mentions the King's forbidding of laws and neglecting to attend to them, as well as his dissolution of representative houses for opposing his invasions on the rights of the people. These grievances align with the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence against King George III.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Jefferson wrote these words in the Declaration of Independence "it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government" in reference to colonists and the King of England's rule. What does this quote represent?
- A.
Colonists withdrawing their consent to be governed
- B.
Colonists' natural rights
- C.
The importance of rule of law
Correct Answer
A. Colonists withdrawing their consent to be governedExplanation
This quote represents the idea of colonists withdrawing their consent to be governed. Jefferson is stating that it is not only their right, but also their duty, to overthrow a government that is oppressive or unjust. This reflects the colonists' desire for independence from the King of England's rule and their belief in their natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It signifies their willingness to take action and fight for their freedom.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Declaration of Independence builds on the idea of natural rights written about by John Locke and George Mason. Thomas Jefferson refers to these rights as "certain unalienable rights". What are they?
- A.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- B.
Life, liberty, and property
- C.
Life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness
Correct Answer
A. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinessExplanation
The correct answer is "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". The Declaration of Independence draws inspiration from the concept of natural rights, which were previously discussed by John Locke and George Mason. Thomas Jefferson refers to these rights as "certain unalienable rights", and they include the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are considered inherent to all individuals and cannot be taken away or denied by any governing authority.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Complete this analogy involving Declaration of Independence quotes and fundamental political principles."all men are created equal" is to _________________as"deriving their just powers from...the governed" is to consent of the governed
- A.
Rule of law
- B.
Representative government
- C.
Limited government
Correct Answer
A. Rule of lawExplanation
The analogy in this question is based on the relationship between two quotes from the Declaration of Independence and their corresponding political principles. The quote "all men are created equal" emphasizes the principle of equality, while the quote "deriving their just powers from...the governed" highlights the principle of consent of the governed. The correct answer, "rule of law," aligns with these principles as it refers to the idea that everyone is subject to the law, regardless of their status or power. This principle ensures equality and that the government's powers are derived from the consent of the people.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What was America's first plan of government which included a weak national government lacking the power to tax or regulate interstate commerce.
- A.
Articles of Confederation
- B.
U.S. Constitution
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
A. Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The correct answer is Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation was America's first plan of government, which was in effect from 1781 to 1789. It established a weak national government that lacked the power to tax or regulate interstate commerce. Under the Articles, the states had more power than the central government, leading to difficulties in governing and ultimately leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Under the Articles of Confederation, who had most of the major powers?
- A.
Individual states
- B.
The national government
- C.
The national army
Correct Answer
A. Individual statesExplanation
During the time of the Articles of Confederation, the individual states had most of the major powers. This was because the Articles created a weak central government, giving more authority and autonomy to the states. The national government had limited powers and was unable to enforce laws or collect taxes effectively. As a result, the individual states retained control over issues such as taxation, trade regulations, and the formation of their own militias. The national government, on the other hand, lacked the authority to enforce its decisions and relied heavily on the cooperation of the states.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Why was the U.S. Constitution eventually written and adopted as the United States of America's plan of government?
- A.
The Articles of Confederation had too weak of a national government
- B.
There was no Bill of Rights in the Articles of Confederation
- C.
England never signed off on the Articles of Confederation
Correct Answer
A. The Articles of Confederation had too weak of a national governmentExplanation
The U.S. Constitution was eventually written and adopted as the United States of America's plan of government because the Articles of Confederation had too weak of a national government. The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, created a weak central government that lacked the power to effectively govern the nation. This led to various issues and challenges, such as difficulties in raising taxes, regulating trade, and maintaining a strong military. As a result, the Founding Fathers recognized the need for a stronger central government and drafted the U.S. Constitution to address these shortcomings and establish a more effective system of governance.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Jefferson also wrote this document which would later serve as the model for the 1st amendment as lead to the separation of church and government.
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
Virginia Statue of Religious Freedom
- C.
Bill of Rights
Correct Answer
B. Virginia Statue of Religious FreedomExplanation
The correct answer is the Virginia Statue of Religious Freedom. This document, written by Jefferson, served as a model for the 1st amendment of the United States Constitution. It advocated for the separation of church and government, ensuring religious freedom for all individuals. This statute was a significant step towards establishing the principle of religious liberty in America.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Current plan of government for the United States including a federalist system which balances power between a national government and state governments.
- A.
Articles of Confederation
- B.
Virginia Declaration of Rights
- C.
U.S. Constitution
Correct Answer
C. U.S. ConstitutionExplanation
The U.S. Constitution is the correct answer because it outlines the current plan of government for the United States, which includes a federalist system. This system ensures a balance of power between the national government and state governments. The Articles of Confederation and the Virginia Declaration of Rights are both historical documents that played a role in shaping the U.S. Constitution, but they are not the current plan of government.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What are the 10 amendments included in the U.S. Constitution known as?
- A.
Articles of Confederation
- B.
Bill of Rights
- C.
Charters of the Virginia Company
Correct Answer
B. Bill of RightsExplanation
The correct answer is "Bill of Rights." The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were added to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. They include important rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States before the Constitution, and the Charters of the Virginia Company were the legal documents granting rights to the Virginia Company to establish colonies in North America.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What is civics?
- A.
The study of citizens and their role in government
- B.
The study of small Honda cars
- C.
The study of history
Correct Answer
A. The study of citizens and their role in governmentExplanation
Civics is the study of citizens and their role in government. It involves understanding how governments function, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the various political processes and institutions that shape society. This field of study explores topics such as democracy, law, public policy, and civic engagement. By studying civics, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their rights as citizens and how they can actively participate in the political process to bring about change and contribute to the betterment of their communities.Rate this question:
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