American Revoultion & US Constitution Era Assessment
Answer the following questions using all of the information that you know
Questions and Answers
- 1.
According to the Declaration of Independence, where does government get its power?
- A.
Its Constitution
- B.
Its military
- C.
Its elected officials
- D.
The consent of the governed (the people)
Correct Answer
D. The consent of the governed (the people)Explanation
The correct answer is "The consent of the governed (the people)". According to the Declaration of Independence, government derives its power from the consent of the governed, meaning that the authority of the government is granted by the people it governs. This concept reflects the idea of popular sovereignty, which asserts that the people are the ultimate source of political power in a democratic society. The government's legitimacy and authority depend on the consent and support of the people it represents.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
Government should guarantee its citizens economic security.
- B.
The central government and states should share power.
- C.
A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown.
- D.
Rulers derive their right from God and are bound to govern in the nation’s best interest.
Correct Answer
C. A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown.Explanation
The correct answer is that a government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown. This idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a government becomes destructive to the rights of the people, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government that will protect their rights. This concept reflects the belief in popular sovereignty and the idea that governments exist to protect the rights and freedoms of the people they govern.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
John Adams
- B.
Benjamin Franklin
- C.
Thomas Jefferson
- D.
James Madison
Correct Answer
C. Thomas JeffersonExplanation
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Second Continental Congress, Jefferson was chosen to draft the document. His eloquent writing skills and his understanding of Enlightenment ideals made him the perfect candidate for this task. Jefferson's words in the Declaration of Independence laid out the reasons for the American colonies' separation from Britain and declared the fundamental rights of all individuals. His contribution to this historic document solidified his place in American history as one of the founding fathers and a champion of liberty.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The government created by the Articles of Confederation lasted only a few years because it:
- A.
Had no plan to organize the Northwest Territory
- B.
Lacked the ability to enforce its authority
- C.
Circulated no paper money
- D.
Compelled the states to abide by its treaties
Correct Answer
B. Lacked the ability to enforce its authorityExplanation
The government created by the Articles of Confederation lasted only a few years because it lacked the ability to enforce its authority. Without a strong central government, the states had significant autonomy and were not obligated to follow the laws and decisions made by the national government. This lack of enforcement power made it difficult for the government to effectively govern and maintain order. As a result, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation of a new constitution and a stronger federal government under the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Who has the power to impeach or bring charges against the president?
- A.
The vice president
- B.
The House of Representatives
- C.
The Senate
- D.
The Supreme Court
Correct Answer
B. The House of RepresentativesExplanation
The House of Representatives has the power to impeach or bring charges against the president. This is stated in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 2, which grants the House the sole power of impeachment. Impeachment is the first step in the process of removing a president from office, and it requires a majority vote in the House. After impeachment, the Senate holds a trial to determine whether the president should be convicted and removed from office. Therefore, the House of Representatives plays a crucial role in the impeachment process.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Separation of powers refers to what?
- A.
Separation of church and state
- B.
Separation of military and civilian authority
- C.
Separation of campaign donations from an elected official’s votes
- D.
Separation of the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches
Correct Answer
D. Separation of the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branchesExplanation
The correct answer is the separation of the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This principle refers to the division of powers and responsibilities among these three branches of government in order to prevent concentration of power in one entity. It ensures a system of checks and balances, where each branch has its own distinct functions and powers, and can act as a check on the other branches. This separation helps maintain the independence and accountability of each branch, promoting a more democratic and balanced governance system.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Constitution says the role of Congress is to:
- A.
Make laws
- B.
Enforce laws
- C.
Interpret laws
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Make lawsExplanation
The Constitution clearly outlines the role of Congress, which is to make laws. This is stated in Article I of the Constitution, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The power to make laws is one of the fundamental functions of Congress, as it allows them to create, amend, and repeal laws that govern the nation. Congress is responsible for representing the interests of the people and enacting legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of the nation. Therefore, the correct answer is "Make laws."Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become president?
- A.
Be a natural born citizen of the United States
- B.
Be at least 35 years old
- C.
Vote in at least two previous presidential elections
- D.
Have resided in the country for at least 14 years
Correct Answer
C. Vote in at least two previous presidential electionsExplanation
To become president, one must be a natural born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and have resided in the country for at least 14 years. Voting in at least two previous presidential elections is not a requirement to become president.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The system of “checks and balances” does what?
- A.
Maintains proper fiscal discipline by controlling spending
- B.
Keeps any branch from becoming too powerful
- C.
Requires government jobs be open to all qualified citizens
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Keeps any branch from becoming too powerfulExplanation
The system of "checks and balances" is designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, thus creating a system of accountability and preventing any one branch from dominating the others. This system helps to maintain a balance of power and protect against the abuse of authority.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How many Supreme Court justices are called for in the Constitution?
- A.
At least five
- B.
No more than 11
- C.
Nine
- D.
The Constitution doesn’t specify.
Correct Answer
D. The Constitution doesn’t specify.Explanation
The Constitution doesn't specify the exact number of Supreme Court justices. The number of justices is determined by Congress and has varied throughout history. Currently, there are nine justices on the Supreme Court, but this could potentially change in the future if Congress decides to amend the law.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called what?
- A.
The preamble
- B.
The Establishment Clauses
- C.
The Bill of Rights
- D.
The Articles of Confederation
Correct Answer
C. The Bill of RightsExplanation
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added to the Constitution 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 a fair trial. The Bill of Rights is a crucial part of the Constitution and ensures that the government respects the rights of its citizens.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which amendment guarantees the right to criticize the U.S. government?
- A.
First
- B.
Second
- C.
Fourth
- D.
Fifth
Correct Answer
A. FirstExplanation
The First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize the U.S. government because it protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to express dissenting opinions and criticize the government without fear of censorship or punishment. This amendment is crucial for maintaining a democratic society, as it allows citizens to hold the government accountable and participate in political discourse.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What does it mean when accused criminals “plead the fifth”?
- A.
They want their right to an attorney.
- B.
They refuse to testify against themselves.
- C.
They agree to testify against someone else if they get immunity.
- D.
They believe they're wrongly accused.
Correct Answer
B. They refuse to testify against themselves.Explanation
When accused criminals "plead the fifth," it means that they refuse to testify against themselves. This is based on the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which grants individuals the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves in a criminal case. By invoking the Fifth Amendment, accused individuals are exercising their right to avoid self-incrimination and protect themselves from potentially providing evidence that could be used against them in court.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Until the 25th Amendment passed, what happened if a vice president died in office?
- A.
The president appointed a replacement.
- B.
A special election was held for vice president.
- C.
The speaker of the House became vice president.
- D.
There was no vice president until the next presidential election.
Correct Answer
D. There was no vice president until the next presidential election.Explanation
If a vice president died in office before the 25th Amendment was passed, there was no vice president until the next presidential election. The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, established procedures for filling a vacancy in the vice presidency. Prior to this amendment, there was no clear protocol for replacing a vice president who died or left office.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who was considered the "Father of the Constitution" because he wrote much of it?
- A.
William Hamilton
- B.
James Madison
- C.
Thomas Jefferson
- D.
Samuel Adams
Correct Answer
B. James MadisonExplanation
James Madison is considered the "Father of the Constitution" because he played a significant role in its creation. He was one of the main authors of the Constitution and contributed greatly to its drafting. Madison's ideas and writings heavily influenced the content of the Constitution, making him a key figure in its development. His contributions, including the Virginia Plan, the Federalist Papers, and his advocacy for a strong central government, solidify his title as the "Father of the Constitution."Rate this question:
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- 16.
What important document begins (after another line which would give this completely away!!)...."When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 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....."
- A.
The Bible
- B.
The Declaration of Independence
- C.
The U.S. Constitution
- D.
The Preamble
Correct Answer(s)
B. The Declaration of Independence
C. The U.S. ConstitutionExplanation
The given passage is the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence, which is a document that declared the American colonies' independence from British rule in 1776. It outlines the reasons for this separation and asserts certain fundamental rights, such as the belief that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. Constitution, on the other hand, is a separate document that was written and ratified in 1787 to establish the structure and powers of the United States government.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which document is considered the 'supreme law of the United States'?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
Preamble
- C.
Bible
- D.
Constitution
Correct Answer
D. ConstitutionExplanation
The Constitution is considered the 'supreme law of the United States' because it is the foundational document that establishes the framework for the government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It sets out the structure of the three branches of government, defines the powers and limitations of each branch, and protects individual rights through the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. The Constitution is the highest authority in the United States legal system and serves as a guide for all laws and governmental actions.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Halifax Resolves....
- A.
Were the first state constitution independent of the English
- B.
Represented the first official call for independence from England
- C.
Urged all colonies to join the war effort
- D.
Created a new government in each of the colonies
Correct Answer
B. Represented the first official call for independence from EnglandExplanation
The Halifax Resolves represented the first official call for independence from England. This means that it was the first time that a formal declaration or resolution was made, stating the desire for independence from the English. It marked a significant step towards the eventual American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The US Constitution set a federal system of government. What does this mean?
- A.
The states have all of the power and make all the laws
- B.
The national government has all of the power and makes all of the laws
- C.
The power is divided between the state and national government
- D.
The President makes all the laws for the US
Correct Answer
C. The power is divided between the state and national governmentExplanation
The correct answer is that the power is divided between the state and national government. This means that both the state and national governments have their own separate powers and responsibilities. The state governments have the power to make and enforce laws within their own jurisdiction, while the national government has the power to make and enforce laws that apply to the entire country. This division of power helps to ensure a balance between the central government and the individual states, promoting a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 11, 2013Quiz Created by
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