8th Grade MidtermStudy Guide
Date of Exam: October 17th, 2015
1) What writing by Thomas Jefferson was influenced by the Great
Awakening's belief in equality?
2) What idea from the Great Awakening encouraged colonists to revolt
against British rule in America?
3) What was the difference between the philosophies contained in the
Declaration of Independence and the policies of other governments at the
time it was written?
4) What is a key tenet of the Declaration of Independence?
5) What battle convinced the French government to join the American
Revolutionary War?
6) Which American diplomat was instrumental in convincing France to join
the American Revolutionary War?
7) French soldiers helped their countrymen revolt against the French
government because of what American war?
8) How did the American system of government incorporate republican
ideals with its English heritage?
9) In the 18th century, political liberal thought and belief emphasized that
__________.
A the state exists to promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
people have the right and duty to rebel against oppressive
B
government
C acceptance of religious minorities is important
D All of the above
10) What did the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower
Compact all have in common?
11) The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact in 1620 to for what reason?
12) Both English and American governments were inspired by the
philosophy of John Locke. One of Locke's more influential ideas was the
__________.
13) In an attempt to prevent the type of oppressive rule that the
Declaration of Independence listed against King George III, the Articles of
Confederation gave __________ to the national government.
14) Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence contained a grievance
about the quartering of troops in America without the consent of the
people. In an attempt to prevent this from happening again, the United
States Constitution addressed this issue with which amendment?
8th Grade MidtermStudy Guide
Date of Exam: October 17th, 2015
15) The Declaration of Independence mentions the colonists' attempt to
petition King George III about their grievances, only to have their requests
denied. The Constitution addressed this concern with which amendment?
16) Which of the following was an important debate during the
Constitutional Convention?
A. large states vs. small states
B. central government vs. state
power
C. northern states vs. southern
states
D. All of the above
17) As related to the Constitution, which of the following is an example of a
concurrent power?
18) James Madison's recommendation to add a bill of rights to the
Constitution, led to __________ ratifying the Constitution.
19) Which amendment of the Constitution guarantees that those rights not
granted to the federal government belong to the states?
20) The Constitution preserves individual rights through _______________
(THINK: _________ OF ____________)
21) Checks and balances in the federal government specifies that…
A. he Supreme court can overturn laws passed by Congress
B. The congress appoints Supreme Court justices
C. The President can veto decisions of the Supreme Court
D. The Congress can overturn laws made by the President.
22) The Constitution includes a separation of powers, what does the term
separation of powers mean?
23) What were some of the effects of the Great Awakening on the colonies?
A. It produced moral and religious zeal among the colonists.
B. It produced a sense of unity, regardless of social strata or political belief.
C. It encouraged colonists to question the authority of the British government.
D. All of the above
24) What were some of the effects of the Great Awakening on the colonies?
A. It produced moral and religious zeal among the colonists.
B. It produced a sense of unity, regardless of social strata or political belief.
C. It encouraged colonists to question the authority of the British government.
D. All of the above
25) Several countries were inspired by the success of the American
Revolution, and achieved their own independence between the years of
1775 and 1830. Which of the following was NOT one of those countries?
A. Canada
B. Mexico
C. Bolivia
D. France
26) By 1830, as a result of the American Revolution, __________.
A. the United States stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific
8th Grade MidtermStudy Guide
Date of Exam: October 17th, 2015
B. Britain no longer controlled any part of North America
C. Mexico had lost Texas and its northern provinces to the United States
D. most European powers had lost their New World colonies
27) The framers of the U.S. Constitution were influenced by which English
political document(s)?
28) In order to fulfill the powers of Free and Independent States as stated
in the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation gave the
national government the power to…
A. wage war.
B. make peace.
C. sign treaties.
D. All of the above
29) Which of the following statements regarding the New Jersey Plan is
true?
A. The New Jersey Plan favored a strong central government over states rights.
B. The New Jersey Plan was initially accepted by the delegates at the Constitutional
Convention.
C. The New Jersey Plan allowed for each state, regardless of size, to have an equal
voice in Congress.
D. The New Jersey Plan did not give the central government the ability to raise
taxes.
30) Which of the following was an outcome of the compromises made
between Northern and Southern states while developing the Constitution?
A. Export taxes were prohibited.
B. Two-fifths of the slaves in a state would count towards representation in the
House.
C. The slave trade was to be abolished in five years.
D. One-third of the Senate would be required to ratify treaties.
31. Which co–author of the Federalist Papers played an influential role in
the shaping of the Constitution with his contribution in creating the Virginia
Plan? (FIGURE OUT THE AUTHORS)
32. Which delegate proposed the creation of a strong central government
(the Virginia Plan) instead of revising the Articles of Confederation?
33) The President's ability to veto laws passed by Congress is an example of
A. federalism.
B. Judicial Review.
C. checks and balances.
D. None of the above
34) In what way does the Declaration of Independence guarantee the rights
of the people?
A. It states that government can only exist with the consent of the governed.
B. It states that the state legislatures are responsible for the protections of rights.
C. It states that God grants basic unalienable rights.
D. Both A and C
35) One of the grievances listed against King George III in the Declaration
of Independence was taxing the colonies without their consent. In an
attempt to prevent this from happening in the United States, the Articles of
Confederation gave __________ the power to tax.