NAME:
8th Grade
US/SC History
American Government Quiz: 16 points
This marking period we have learned a lot about the structure of the US government after we
declared independence from Britain. Today is your chance to show what you know! There will
be 2 parts- multiple choice (12 points total, 1 point per question) and short answer (4 points
total, 2 points per question). Read the questions carefully and good luck!
Multiple Choice
1. What was the replacement for the Articles of Confederation?
a. The Preamble
b. The Constitution
c. The Declaration of Independence
d. The Bill of Rights
2. What was the purpose of the Preamble?
a. To establish independence from Britain
b. To create the organization and laws for our government
c. To break the government into different levels
d. To state the goals for the Constitution
3. What were the principles of the Constitution?
a. The 7 ideas that the government was centered upon
b. The laws that establish the roles and responsibilities of the branches
c. The rights dedicated to people of America
4. What does the principle of Federalism accomplish for America?
a. It divides our government into three branches
b. It splits our government into three levels
c. It allows people the right to vote for their leaders
d. It gives all power to the President
5. Level of government refers to (circle all that apply)
a. Location of where the government occurs
b. Branches of government
c. Federal, State and Local governments
d. The different types of governments we have in America
6. “Establish a more perfect union” was a component of:
a. The Preamble
b. The Articles of Confederation
c. The principles of the Constitution
d. The Declaration of Independence
7. Limited government is an important principle because
a. It ensures that the president has complete control over all elements of government
b. It prevents the government from going beyond the Constitution
c. It allows the President to only rule for 8 years maximum
d. It is a key goal in the Preamble
8. Which of the following would be considered the job of the local government?
a. Printing money
b. Declaring war
c. Fixing sidewalks
d. Passing education laws
9. Which branch of the Federal government is responsible for making laws?
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial
10. Which level of government is responsible for driving laws?
a. State
b. Local
c. Federal
11. Why is the Judicial Branch important?
a. It interprets the Constitution in court cases
b. It passes laws for the nation to follow
c. It creates police and criminal justice offices
d. It deals with treaties with foreign countries
12. Why is the Constitution important?
a. It made us independent from Britain
b. It created the specific organization of government we follow
c. It was the first attempt at a successful government in America
d. It gives all of the laws that states must follow
Short Answer
1. Why is it both important and necessary that we have levels of government?
2. Pick one of the following Constitution Preamble Articles of the Constitution 7 Principles . Tell
me how life in America would be different if we did not have this element in our government?