Civics And American Government Cp : Midterm
Mid Term Examination For Civics & Government - College Prep Level
Textbook: Civics, Citizens In Action by Merrill Publishing Company
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The latin word "civis" which means citizen, is the root of this word that means "the study of rights and responsibilities of citizens."
- A.
Democratic
- B.
Civics
- C.
Diplomacy
- D.
Stipend
- E.
Lame duck
Correct Answer
B. CivicsExplanation
The word "civics" is derived from the Latin word "civis" which means citizen. The word "civics" refers to the study of rights and responsibilities of citizens.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A government in which the people hold the final authority to rule is:
- A.
Bureaucracy
- B.
Communism
- C.
Monarchy
- D.
Legislature
- E.
Democracy
Correct Answer
E. DemocracyExplanation
Democracy is a form of government where the ultimate power lies with the people. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes through voting and electing representatives. In a democratic system, the government is accountable to the people and operates based on the consent of the governed. This form of governance promotes individual freedoms, protects human rights, and ensures equal opportunities for all citizens.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A government in which one person rules is a:
- A.
Sanction
- B.
Monarchy
- C.
Revolution
- D.
Democracy
- E.
Communist nation
Correct Answer
B. MonarchyExplanation
A monarchy is a form of government where one person, usually a king or queen, holds absolute power and authority. In a monarchy, the ruler inherits the position through hereditary means and has control over all aspects of governance. This system is different from a democracy, where power is distributed among the people, or a communist nation, where power is held by the state. A monarchy is characterized by a centralized authority and a lack of political participation from the general population.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Government in which one person or a group of people rule:
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Direct democracy
- C.
Dictatorship
- D.
Bureaucracy
- E.
Capitalism
Correct Answer
C. DictatorshipExplanation
A dictatorship is a form of government where one person or a small group of people have absolute power and control over the entire country. In this type of government, the ruler(s) hold all the political authority and make decisions without any input or participation from the citizens. The ruler(s) often suppress dissent and opposition, limiting individual freedoms and rights. This form of government is characterized by a lack of democracy and can lead to authoritarian rule.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The prefix of this word means "little" or "few", and refers to a government by a few individuals or a small group:
- A.
Monarchy
- B.
Consulate
- C.
Preamble
- D.
Oligarchy
- E.
Democracy
Correct Answer
D. OligarchyExplanation
The correct answer is "oligarchy". The prefix "olig-" means "little" or "few", and the suffix "-archy" refers to a government or ruling system. Therefore, "oligarchy" means a government by a few individuals or a small group.Rate this question:
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- 6.
An economic system in which most of the means of production, distribution and exchange are owned privately:
- A.
Socialism
- B.
Dualism
- C.
Communism
- D.
Dictatorship
- E.
Capitalism
Correct Answer
E. CapitalismExplanation
Capitalism is an economic system in which the majority of the means of production, distribution, and exchange are privately owned. This means that individuals and businesses have the freedom to own and operate their own businesses, make decisions regarding production and pricing, and engage in trade with minimal government intervention. In a capitalist system, profit is the main motivator, and competition is encouraged. This system allows for individual initiative, innovation, and the accumulation of wealth, making it distinct from socialism, communism, dualism, and dictatorship.Rate this question:
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- 7.
An economic system in which the government owns and controls basic industries:
- A.
Socialism
- B.
Dualism
- C.
Capitalism
- D.
Communism
- E.
Dictatorship
Correct Answer
A. SocialismExplanation
Socialism is an economic system in which the government owns and controls basic industries. In this system, the government plays a central role in the distribution of resources and the means of production. The goal is to ensure equality and provide essential services to all members of society. This stands in contrast to capitalism, where industries are privately owned and operated for profit. Communism is a similar system, but it also involves the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. Dualism and dictatorship are unrelated to the ownership and control of industries.Rate this question:
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- 8.
An economic system in which the means of production, distribution and means of exchange are controlled by society as a whole:
- A.
Monarchy
- B.
Dualism
- C.
Socialism
- D.
Communism
- E.
Dictatorship
Correct Answer
D. CommunismExplanation
Communism is an economic system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are controlled collectively by society. In a communist society, there is no private ownership of property, and resources are shared equally among all members. This system aims to eliminate social classes and promote a classless society. The government plays a central role in implementing and maintaining communism, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and according to the needs of the people.Rate this question:
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- 9.
"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..." is the beginning of which important document:
- A.
The Magna Carta of 1215
- B.
The Declaration of Independence of 1776
- C.
The First Amendment
- D.
The Gettysburg Address of 1863
- E.
The Star Spangled Banner
Correct Answer
B. The Declaration of Independence of 1776Explanation
The given quote is the opening line of the Declaration of Independence of 1776. This document was a pivotal moment in American history, as it proclaimed the colonies' independence from British rule and laid out the principles of equality and unalienable rights. The Declaration of Independence is a significant document that continues to shape the ideals and values of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A form of government, with roots in ancient Greece hundred years ago, in which the people take part directly in ruling. (Hint: Each eligible voting citizen participates in deciding each issue of law)
- A.
Oligarchy
- B.
Absolute monarchy
- C.
Representative democracy
- D.
Constitutional monarchy
- E.
Direct democracy
Correct Answer
E. Direct democracyExplanation
Direct democracy is a form of government where the people directly participate in decision-making. It originated in ancient Greece and involves each eligible voting citizen having a say in every issue of law. In a direct democracy, there is no intermediary body or representative, and the power lies directly with the people. This is in contrast to representative democracy, where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which King affixed his seal to the Magna Carta in 1215?
- A.
King Phillip III
- B.
King George
- C.
King John
- D.
King Alexander
- E.
King Constantine
Correct Answer
C. King JohnExplanation
King John is the correct answer because he was the king who affixed his seal to the Magna Carta in 1215. The Magna Carta was a historic document that established certain rights and limitations on the power of the monarchy in England. King John's agreement to the Magna Carta was a significant moment in the development of democratic principles and the rule of law.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Magna Carta had a profound impact on the monarchy because it is the first time that the King was required to do what?
- A.
Obey the laws of the land
- B.
Conquer neighboring territories
- C.
Create peace in the nation
- D.
Pay taxes
- E.
Take a wife of the same faith
Correct Answer
A. Obey the laws of the landExplanation
The Magna Carta had a profound impact on the monarchy as it was the first time that the King was required to obey the laws of the land. This document, signed in 1215, established that the King was not above the law and that his power was limited. It granted certain rights to the nobles and protected them from arbitrary actions by the King. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and the nobility, laying the foundation for the development of constitutional law and the concept of limited government in England.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The first permanent English settlement in America was created in1607 in:
- A.
Georgetown
- B.
Jamestown
- C.
New York
- D.
New Whales
- E.
Georgia
Correct Answer
B. JamestownExplanation
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607. It was located in present-day Virginia, along the James River. The settlement was founded by the Virginia Company of London, with the intention of finding gold and establishing trade in the New World. Despite facing numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and disease, Jamestown survived and became the foundation for future English colonies in America.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In 1766, the British decided to repeal a number of taxes due to boycotts and some outbreaks of violence, including this controversial law that imposed a tax on all American colonists and required them to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used. (Hint: Ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, other publications, and even playing cards were taxed according to this law.)
- A.
The Boston Tea Party
- B.
The Teapot Dome Scandal
- C.
The Declaration and Resolves
- D.
The Stamp Act
- E.
The Intolerable Acts
Correct Answer
D. The Stamp ActExplanation
The correct answer is the Stamp Act. In 1766, the British decided to repeal a number of taxes, including the Stamp Act, due to boycotts and outbreaks of violence. The Stamp Act imposed a tax on all American colonists and required them to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used, including ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, publications, and even playing cards. The repeal of the Stamp Act was a significant event in the lead-up to the American Revolution, as it demonstrated the colonists' resistance to British taxation without representation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In order to protest the British imposition of unfair and excessive taxes upon the American colonists, this notorious event involved colonists dressing as Indians and dumping entire cargo loads of tea into the harbor:
- A.
The Boston Tea Party
- B.
The Stamp Act
- C.
The Intolerable Acts
- D.
The Declaration and Resolves
- E.
The Teapot Dome Scandal
Correct Answer
A. The Boston Tea PartyExplanation
The correct answer is The Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British imposition of unfair taxes on the American colonists. In this event, colonists disguised themselves as Indians and dumped tea into the harbor as a form of protest. This act demonstrated the colonists' resistance to British rule and their desire for representation in the government.Rate this question:
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- 16.
In response to boycotting and violence by the colonists, the British Parliament passed a set of laws to punish and limit the freedoms of the colonists, which were called: (Hint: The Boston Tea Party was a significant factor in Britain's outrage at the colonists and greatly contributed to the formation of this set of laws, which outraged the colonists even further.)
- A.
The Stamp Act
- B.
The Magna Carta
- C.
The Intolerable Acts
- D.
The Declaration and Resolves
- E.
Parliamentary Law
Correct Answer
C. The Intolerable ActsExplanation
The correct answer is The Intolerable Acts. The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the colonists' protests and boycotts, particularly the Boston Tea Party. These laws were meant to punish and limit the freedoms of the colonists as a way to assert British authority and control over the colonies. The Intolerable Acts further outraged the colonists and contributed to the growing tension between Britain and the American colonies, eventually leading to the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Fighting broke out between the Colonists and the British in April 1775 at the following historic locations:
- A.
Plymouth Rock and Plymouth Settlement
- B.
Jamestown, Virginia
- C.
New York and the Boston Harbor
- D.
Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts
- E.
Kentucky and Tennessee
Correct Answer
D. Lexington & Concord, MassachusettsExplanation
Fighting broke out between the Colonists and the British in April 1775 at Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts. This is historically significant because it marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. British troops were sent to seize colonial weapons and arrest rebel leaders, but the local militia confronted them. The first shots of the war were fired at Lexington, and the conflict then escalated at Concord. This event demonstrated the colonists' determination to resist British authority and ultimately led to the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 18.
This historic document, declaring the independence of the new America from British rule, was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, with the help of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. (Hint: It received final approval on July 4, 1776).
- A.
The Magna Carta
- B.
The Stamp Act
- C.
The Declaration Of Independence
- D.
Repeal Of The Stamp Act
- E.
The Intolerable Acts
Correct Answer
C. The Declaration Of IndependenceExplanation
The correct answer is the Declaration of Independence. This historic document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, with the assistance of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, declared the independence of the new America from British rule. It received final approval on July 4, 1776.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The national anthem of the United States is "The Star Spangled Banner", and was composed by which American patriot:
- A.
Betsy Ross
- B.
Francis Scott Key
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Thomas Jefferson
- E.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
B. Francis Scott KeyExplanation
The correct answer is Francis Scott Key. He composed "The Star Spangled Banner", which became the national anthem of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Even as the Declaration of Independence was being written, another group of patriots was working on our nation's first national constitution, which was passed by the Congress in 1777, and is known as:
- A.
The Gettysburg Address
- B.
The National Anthem
- C.
The Declaration of Independence
- D.
Treaty of Versailles
- E.
The Articles of Confederation
Correct Answer
E. The Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The correct answer is the Articles of Confederation. The question asks for the name of the nation's first national constitution that was passed by Congress in 1777. The Articles of Confederation fits this description as it was indeed the first constitution of the United States, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781. It established a weak national government with limited powers, leading to its eventual replacement by the Constitution in 1789.Rate this question:
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- 21.
To ratify means to:
- A.
Overturn a bad law
- B.
Bow down to the rule of the Monarchy
- C.
Tell who was responsible for committing a crime
- D.
Approve and give formal sanction to; confirm
- E.
Allow the state to overturn laws of the constitution
Correct Answer
D. Approve and give formal sanction to; confirmExplanation
Ratifying means to approve and give formal sanction to something, confirming its validity or legality. It does not involve overturning a law, bowing down to the rule of the Monarchy, identifying the responsible party in a crime, or allowing the state to overturn laws of the constitution. Ratification is a process by which a decision, agreement, or action is officially accepted or approved.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Based upon this agreement, the Articles of Confederation would be replaced by a new document entitled The Constitution. The name of the agreement that led to this shift was:
- A.
The Treaty At Versailles
- B.
The Great Compromise
- C.
The Magna Carta
- D.
Abolishment
- E.
The Suffrage Movement
Correct Answer
B. The Great CompromiseExplanation
The Great Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It resolved the conflict between the large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature, with representation based on both population (House of Representatives) and equal representation for each state (Senate). This compromise was crucial in the creation of the Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation as the governing document of the United States.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The first President of the United States:
- A.
Benjamin Franklin
- B.
Thomas Jefferson
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Francis Scott Key
- E.
James Madison
Correct Answer
C. George WashingtonExplanation
George Washington is the correct answer because he was indeed the first President of the United States. He served as the President from 1789 to 1797 and played a crucial role in shaping the country's early government and policies. Washington's leadership and contributions to the nation are widely recognized and he is often referred to as the "Father of His Country."Rate this question:
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- 24.
This new law enacted in 1789 provided for appeals from the states to the federal court. (Hint: The importance of this new law was that a federal court would have final authority in deciding issues that were being appealed.)
- A.
The Great Compromise
- B.
The Intolerable Acts
- C.
The Magna Carta
- D.
The Judiciary Act
- E.
Parliamentary Procedure
Correct Answer
D. The Judiciary ActExplanation
The correct answer is The Judiciary Act. The Judiciary Act, enacted in 1789, provided for appeals from the states to the federal court. This new law was important because it established a federal court with final authority in deciding issues that were being appealed. It helped to create a system of checks and balances between the state and federal governments, ensuring that the federal court had the power to review and overturn decisions made by state courts.Rate this question:
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