Should You Be Allowed To Vote?

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2. According to George Washington: "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, __________ and __________ are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.

Our form of government assumed certain principles and norms. As John Adams, second President put it: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Explanation

Our form of government assumed certain principles and norms. As John Adams, second President put it: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

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3. What are the three branches of the Federal Government?

The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Presidency

Congress, the White House, and the Security and Exchange Commission

The Legislative, Executive and Judicial

The Defense Department, Social Security and the Department of Homeland Security

4. Which of the three branches of government is established FIRST by the Constitution?

The Legislative

The Presidency

The Supreme Court

The Cabinet

The Senate

5. Which of these functions/agencies of the Federal Government is specifically authorized in the Constitution?

Social Security

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

Medicare/Medicaid

The Post Office

Article 1, Section 8

Explanation

Article 1, Section 8

6. What does the 10th Amendment do?

Gives Congress the power to separate church and state

Reserves all power not specifically given to the Federal Government to the States or to the people

Guarantees the right to an abortion

Forces the States to comply with Federal law

Nullifies the right of secession

7. What part of the original Constitution gave the power to tax individual income?

Article 1, Section 8

Article 2, Section 4

Article 4, Section 1

There was no such power in the original document

In fact, Article 1, Section 9 specifically prohibited such a direct tax. The first time the government attempted one, to fund the War of 1861-1865, the Supreme Court ruled it Unconstitutional (conveniently, this ruling came after Appomattox). It was not until the 16th Amendment passed in 1913 (one of four Progressive Amendments passed in a mere 7 years) that Congress assumed the power to reach directly into the wallets of Americans.

Explanation

In fact, Article 1, Section 9 specifically prohibited such a direct tax. The first time the government attempted one, to fund the War of 1861-1865, the Supreme Court ruled it Unconstitutional (conveniently, this ruling came after Appomattox). It was not until the 16th Amendment passed in 1913 (one of four Progressive Amendments passed in a mere 7 years) that Congress assumed the power to reach directly into the wallets of Americans.

8. What part of the Constitution directs the separation of Church and State?

Article 1, Section 8

Article 4, Section 4

Article 2, Section 3

There is no such direction in the Constitution

This famous catchphrase is based on a letter written by Thomas Jefferson, but was never a part of our governing documents. In fact, while many people cite the First Amendment's provision that "Congress shall pass no law respecting the establishment of a religion," few note the next clause says "nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Our government was not intended either to impose a religion on the public square, OR to prevent any faith from participating in the same.

Explanation

This famous catchphrase is based on a letter written by Thomas Jefferson, but was never a part of our governing documents. In fact, while many people cite the First Amendment's provision that "Congress shall pass no law respecting the establishment of a religion," few note the next clause says "nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Our government was not intended either to impose a religion on the public square, OR to prevent any faith from participating in the same.

9. Prior to the 17th Amendment, how did Senators obtain office?

They were selected by the State legislatures, as a representative of the State

They bid for the office through the Governor of their state

The State's members of the House of Representatives elected them

The 17th Amendment had nothing to do with Senators, who have always been directly elected by the people

The 17th Amendment was part of the Progressive era watering down of many Constitutional checks and balances. Senators were meant to be State representatives to the Federal Government, whose agenda was shaped by that State's legislature. Direct election put them more on a par with the Representatives, closer to the momentary passions of the people.

Explanation

The 17th Amendment was part of the Progressive era watering down of many Constitutional checks and balances. Senators were meant to be State representatives to the Federal Government, whose agenda was shaped by that State's legislature. Direct election put them more on a par with the Representatives, closer to the momentary passions of the people.