US History I Honors Midterm Review

1.

Summarize the following philosophers' views on what government should be like: Plato, Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire (in that order).

A.

Only some were fit to rule; we should enter into a social contract; prevent crimes, not punish them; we need an absolute leader
B.

Only some were fit to rule; men are free to have their life, liberty, and property; split power into legislative, executive and judicial; people should have firm rights
C.

People should have firm rights; we need an absolute leader; men are free to have their life, liberty, and property; only some were fit to rule
D.

People should have firm rights; we need an absolute leader; prevent crimes, not punish them; split power into the legislative, executive, and judicial

Correct Answer
B. Only some were fit to rule; men are free to have their life, liberty, and property; split power into legislative, executive and judicial; people should have firm rights

Explanation
Plato believed that only some were fit to rule, the most elite and educated members of society. Locke believe that all men were allowed to live, have their liberty, and own property. This is seen in the Constitution with the line "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Montesquieu was the philosopher who's contribution is most visible in the Constitution, through his idea of splitting power into the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Voltaire believed that the system in Europe with "many...sow, while few do reap," where most of the people were peasants while few people were lords, with the rewards of that status. Therefore, he believed in the rights of the people.

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2.

What type of government is the US currently?

A.

Direct Democracy
B.

Republic
C.

Representative Democracy
D.

Theocracy
E.

Monarchy

Correct Answer
C. Representative Democracy

Explanation
We were originally established as a republic, which is seen in the Constitution. However, with the amendment allowing African-American citizens to vote, along with women, we became a representative democracy, because everyone was allowed to vote (over a certain age, and belonging to the country).

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3.

What is the difference between an absolute monarchy and a constitutional monarchy?

4.

Was the Articles of Confederation a reactionary document? Use evidence to support your point.

5.

How was the issue of representation of states in the government decided?

A.

It was based solely on population.
B.

Each state was given one representatives.
C.

Each state was given two representatives.
D.

One subsection of the legislative branch was based on population, the other one each state was given two representatives.

Correct Answer
D. One subsection of the legislative branch was based on population, the other one each state was given two representatives.

Explanation
You didn't get this? Really? You need to brush up on your facts.

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6.

"To declare War" is an enumerated power.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution.

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7.

Which is a concurrent power? I. The power to tax II. The power to convict people of crimes and hold them in jail III. The power to levy income taxes

A.

I
B.

II
C.

I and II and III
D.

I and II
E.

I and III

Correct Answer
D. I and II

Explanation
I is held by both state and federal government.
II is held by both state and federal government.
III is an implied power of the federal government.

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