Feb 2014
1
Why did the framers promise to add a bill of rights
to the U. S. Constitution following ratification?
a. Anti Federalists would not support the U.S. Constitution without a list of
rights being promised
b. Anti-Federalists convinced the Federalists that it would be harder to ratify
with a bill of rights
c. Federalists convinced the Anti-Federalists that it would be easier to ratify
with a bill of rights
d. Federalists would not support the US Constitution without a list of rights
being promised
2
3
The passage below is from a historical document:
“… Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of
the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these
ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new
Government…”
Based on the passage, what conclusion can be drawn about this colonial view of the
English government?
a. Few colonists wanted to break economic ties with the English government
b. Few colonists wanted to reform the English government
c. Many colonists wanted to dissolve ties with English government
d. Many colonists wanted to deceive the English government
4
The passage below is taken from a citizen’s letter to a public official.
“Classrooms are overcrowded. I expect you to take action!”
Which is a solution to the citizen’s problem?
a.
Florida’s education commissioner changes class requirements
b.
Florida voters pass an amendment to address the issue
c.
The mayor hosts a meeting to address the concerns
d.
The city manager conducts building inspections.
5
“He has….
●grievance
●grievance
●grievance
6
The passage below is from a historical document.
“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the
Consent of our legislatures.”
Which constitutional power was inspired by this passage?
a.
The president has the power to make treaties with the advice and
consent of the Senate.
b.
Congress has the power to declare war and raise and support armies.
c.
The government can quarter soldiers during times of war and peace
d.
The president has the sole power to declare war
7
Which principle of the US Constitution applies to all
citizens?
a. Separation of powers
b. Checks and balances
c. Judicial review
d. Rule of law
8
The passage below is from a speech proposing US Policy:
“I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples
who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside
pressures.
I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their
own way.
I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid
which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes.”
According to this excerpt, which action did President Truman propose?
a. To help nations develop their education systems
b. To help nations strengthen their democracies
c. To help nations prepare for military conflict
d. To help nations create military alliances
9
The statement below was made by a U. S. judge.
“Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no
constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no
court can even do much to help it.”
Based on this statement, what can be presumed about citizen
responsibilities?
a.
Citizens can protect their own freedoms through political
participation
b.
Citizens can amend the US Constitution whenever necessary
c.
Citizens should vote for candidates who support their views
d.
Citizens should rely on the courts to safeguard their rights
10
Why was the US Constitution amended to abolish poll taxes?
a.
To permit more eligible citizens to buy property
b.
To permit resident aliens to buy property
c.
To permit more eligible citizens to vote
d.
To permit resident aliens to vote
11
Which statement explains the purpose of the Preamble to the US
Constitution?
a.
It defines the responsibilities of the three branches of government
b.
It creates a domestic policy for the federal government
c.
It establishes the rights and responsibilities of citizens
d.
It outlines the goals of the US Constitution
12
The scenario below describes a safety issue.
“A school bus stop is located on a city street with no crosswalk. Most of
the students who are picked up a the bus stop live on the opposite side
of the street, requiring them to cross a busy intersection to get to their
bus.”
What is the most effective strategy for getting the bus moved?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Speaking to a school board member
Speaking to the bus driver
Writing letters to the governor
Writing letters to the mayor
13
The chart below shows two systems of government
Government 1
Government 2
Weak central government
Strong central government
Loose association
Different levels of power
Organized for limited purposes
Specific purposes for each level
Which system of government are described?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Government 1 – parliamentary; Government 2 – confederal
Government 1 – federal; Government 2 – parliamentary
Government 1 – federal; Government 2 – confederal
Government 1 – confederal; Government 2 - federal
14
The cartoon below shows a political discussion.
What conclusion can be drawn from this cartoon?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The US Government should be involved in foreign affairs
The US Government should not export
US domestic and foreign policy are not related
US economic and foreign policy are related
15
What can a government official do if a newspaper publishes a story
criticizing the president?
a.
The government official can make the newspaper pay a fine.
b.
The government official can take control of the newspaper
c.
The government official can have the reporter arrested
d.
The government official can write a letter to the editor
16
Why would the president seek approval from the United Nations to take
military action in a foreign country?
a.
To deal with international conflict
b.
To control global warming
c.
To establish trade barriers
d.
To encourage free trade
17
The cartoon below illustrates government programs.
Which issue does the cartoon represent?
a. Federal welfare programs are more effective than state welfare programs
b. Federal welfare programs are dependent on state welfare programs
c. Current job programs cannot manage welfare needs
d. Current job programs decrease welfare needs
18
Which statement describes a similarity between the Florida Constitution
and the U.S. Constitution?
a.
Both require the election of one senator from each district
b.
Both divide legislative power between two chambers
c.
Both allow the election of Supreme Court justices
d.
Both give more power to the judicial branch
19
The newspaper headline below describes an event.
“10,000 People Rally in front of the White House, Protesting the War in Iraq.”
What Enlightenment idea is represented by the headline?
a.
Popular sovereignty
b.
Social contract
c.
Majority rule
d.
Natural law
20
Which statement describes a similarity between the Florida Constitution
and the U.S. Constitution?
a.
Both require the election of one senator from each district
b.
Both divide legislative power between two chambers
c.
Both allow the election of Supreme Court justices
d.
Both give more power to the judicial branch
21
Which statement describes a similarity between the Florida Constitution
and the U.S. Constitution?
a.
Both require the election of one senator from each district
b.
Both divide legislative power between two chambers
c.
Both allow the election of Supreme Court justices
d.
Both give more power to the judicial branch
22
The table below describes historical documents.
No central leadership
“The executive Power shall be vested in a President of
the United States of America”
No national court system
“The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in
one supreme Court and in such inferior Courts as the
Congress may… ordain and establish.”
Amending the Articles required
unanimous consent of the states
“The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall
deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this
Constitution…”
Based on the table, how did the current American political system solve problems that
were created by the Articles of Confederation?
a. The Constitution delegated more authority to the federal government
b. The Constitution established the principle of social contract
c.
The Constitution reserved more responsibilities to the states
d. The Constitution provided for a unicameral legislature
23
What is a responsibility of the U.S. Secretary of State?
a.
Budget policy
b.
Foreign affairs
c.
National parks
d.
State laws
24
What was a direct impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
a.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence
b.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution
c.
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation
d.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact
25
What was a direct impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
a.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence
b.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution
c.
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation
d.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact
26
What was a direct impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
a.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence
b.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution
c.
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation
d.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact
27
The image below is from a protest.
Based on the image, what conclusion can
be drawn about the impact of political
parties on the political system?
a.
The Republican party works with political action committees to prevent reform
b.
The Democratic party works with special interest groups to develop policies
c.
The two major parties disregard issues important to third parties
d.
The political platforms of third parties impact policy decisions
28
What was a direct impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
a.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence
b.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution
c.
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation
d.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact
29
What was a direct impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
a.
It generated support for the Declaration of Independence
b.
It convinced the states to finally ratify the Constitution
c.
It inspired the writing of the Articles of Confederation
d.
It influenced the writing of the Mayflower Compact
30
The statement below was written by Thomas Jefferson
“No society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a perpetual law.”
Which statement does this statement support?
a.
The amendment process allows the US Constitution to reflect
citizens views over time.
b.
The amendment process makes sure that the US Constitution is
formally approved.
c.
The ratification process allows the US Constitution to reflect
presidents’ views over time
d.
The ratification process makes sure that the US Constitution is
formally approved
31
Increasing the price of postage is an example of which power?
a.
Concurrent
b.
Delegated
c.
Implied
d.
Reserved
32
Which of the following occurred as a result of the decision in Marbury v.
Madison (1803)?
a.
The US Supreme Court has played an insignificant role in interpreting
the US Constitution
b.
The US Supreme Court power of judicial review was concretely
established
c.
A law cannot be thrown out if it violates the US Constitution.
d.
The concept of checks and balances was defeated
33
The statement below is from an essay written by Henry David Thoreau in 1849.
“A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority…”
Based on the statement, which action would the author have believed to be justified?
a. A group of African-American in the south drank from a public water fountain marked
“colored only”, after Sunday church services.
b. An African-American rider on a segregated city bus refused to move from the white
section to the area reserved for blacks.
c. A female professional golf player sued a private male-only golf resort for denying her
access to the golf course.
d. A group of students gathered outside of the entrance of the school to protest the
district’s new uniform policy.
34
Which example is an obligation of citizenship?
a.
Obeying a city ordinance by cleaning up after you dog
b.
Checking the mail for a neighbor who is out of town
c.
Mowing your lawn every weekend
d.
Attending community celebrations
35
Which type of law is used to resolve disputes between Congress and the
President?
a.
Civil
b.
Constitutional
c.
Criminal
d.
Military
36
What does a presidential campaign advertisement symbolize when it shows
a candidate visiting a theme park?
a.
Voters can understand the candidate policies
b.
Voters can relate to the candidate
c.
The candidate has leadership qualities
d.
The candidate is a taxpayer
37
Which description identifies a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
a.
The government gave too much power to the executive branch
b.
The government gave too much power to the states
c.
The government solved only national problems
d.
The government solved only economic problems
38
The scenario below describes an event.
The President of the United States plans to address the world concerning
the issues of Palestinian statehood. In preparation for the President’s
address. New Yorkers have begun to prepare for an increase in traffic and
elevated security levels.
Which international organization is the setting for the President’s address?
a.
United Nations
b.
World Court
c.
NAFTA
d.
NATO
39
The scenario below describes an event.
The President of the United States plans to address the world concerning
the issues of Palestinian statehood. In preparation for the President’s
address. New Yorkers have begun to prepare for an increase in traffic and
elevated security levels.
Which international organization is the setting for the President’s address?
a.
United Nations
b.
World Court
c.
NAFTA
d.
NATO
40
The political cartoon
addresses a foreign policy concern.
Based on the cartoon, which of the
following is likely to occur?
a. The government continues to import oil
b. The government breaks off diplomacy
with oil rich nations
c. The government cuts military spending
in oil rich nations
d. The government invests in alternative fuel research
41
The poster below encourages American’s to buy
war bonds.
Based on this poster, the principles of which
document would be supported by purchasing
war bonds?
a. Declaration of Independence
b. Articles of Confederation
c. Magna Carta
d. Bill of Rights
42
35. How do Political Action Committees (PACs) typically influence
government?
a.
By serving as Cabinet members for the President
b. By financially supporting members of Congress
c. By providing staff for members of Congress
d. By bringing cases before the Supreme Court
43
37. The following passage is from Barron v. Baltimore (1833)
“The powers they conferred on this government were to be exercised by itself, and
the limitations on power, if expressed in general terms, are naturally, and we
think necessarily, applicable to the government created by the government.”
What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
a. The Court decision reflected the Anti-Federalist views of the Bill of Rights
b. The Court decision reflected the Federalist views of the Bill of Rights
c. The Anti-Federalist papers were used to support this decision
d. The Federalist papers were used to oppose this decision
44
38. The passage below is from a constitutional amendment
“No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or
immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person
of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person
within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
What has been a lasting impact of this amendment?
a. Citizenship right to minorities were expanded
b. Citizenship rights to minors were expanded
c. Immigrants were permitted to remain in the United States
d. States passed their own laws related to immigration
45
“He has….
●grievance
●grievance
●grievance
46
39. The passage below is translated into English from the 1215 Magna Carta
“All evil customs … shall immediately be inquired into in each county by twelve
sworn knights of the same county chosen by the honest men of the same county.”
Based on the passage what was the impact of the Magna Carta on US court
proceedings?
a. Juries are mandatory in criminal trials
b. Juries are selected by the lawyers
c. Trials must include reliable evidence
d. Trials must have truthful witnesses
47
40. The passage below is from Executive Order 13490, President Barack Obama
January 21, 2009
“Every appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after Jan 20, 2009, shall
sign…and… be… committed to, the following pledge upon becoming an appointee…
I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the
duration of my service as an appointee.”
What conclusion can be drawn about the presidents decision to write this executive
order?
a. The media’s focus on the administration’s corruption leads to impeachment hearings
b. The media’s role as a watchdog of government exposes possible conflicts of interest
c. The president’s action promotes more cooperation among special interest groups
d. The president’s role as Commander-in-Chief requires immediate action
48
41. Which of an individual’s rights was violated when he received a letter
from a state university informing him that he was rejected because of his
ethnic background?
a.
Due process
b. Free speech
c. Equal
d. Civil
49