Civic literacy study practice multiple choice 80 questions

The United States is an example of which type of government?

a constitutional republic

a constitutional republic

Which is an example of federalism?

the Congress declaring war

power being separated among branches of government

the President nominating an ambassador

power being shared between state and national governments

power being shared between state and national governments

The list below includes holidays observed in the United States.

Memorial Day

Veterans Day

What do these holidays established by the U.S. government honor?

volunteering to improve communities

thanks to the agricultural community

the contributions of laborers

the sacrifices of military personnel

the sacrifices of military personnel

Which part of the U.S. government was created to reflect the position that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed?

the bureaucracy

the executive

the judiciary

the legislature

the legislature

Which document represents the supreme law of the land?

the Mayflower Compact

the Magna Carta

the Declaration of Independence

the U.S. Constitution

the U.S. Constitution

Which government official is elected by the people?

a congressional staffer

a governor

a lobbyist

a federal judge

a governor

Which right is reserved for U.S. citizens?

earning an income

running for federal office

buying a home

serving in the military

running for federal office

Which executive power can the U.S. President exercise to check legislative power?

appoint ambassadors

veto

tax

judicial review

veto

The excerpt below is from the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

"nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

Which government power is described by this excerpt?

bill of attainder

writ of habeas corpus

eminent domain

territorial acquisition

eminent domain

Which U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Korematsu v. United States (1944)

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

How does the outcome in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) affect the rights of the accused?

It established that the accused has the right to the assistance of counsel.

It established that the accused is protected by freedom of speech.

It established that the accused has the right to a speedy trial.

It established that the accused is protected against self-incrimination.

It established that the accused has the right to the assistance of counsel.

Which is an example of the rule of law?

the exemption of government officials from the law

the declaration of war by military authorities

the direct participation of citizens in lawmaking

the equality of all citizens before the law

the equality of all citizens before the law

Which principle was included in the U.S. Constitution as a response to a concern expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

limited monarchy

universal suffrage

unitary government

separation of powers

separation of powers

Which constitutional principle prevents one branch of the government from becoming more powerful than another branch?

equal protection

implied powers

checks and balances

judicial review

checks and balances

Which steps are included in the selection process of a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?

nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate

nomination by the President and approval from 60% of voters

nomination by Congress and ratification by state legislatures

nomination by the Cabinet and confirmation by 2/3 of Congress

nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate

Whom is a U.S. Senator elected to represent?

the residents of a single congressional district

residents of a single state

the residents of several states

the residents of Washington, D.C.

residents of a single state

Which is an example of representative government?

the U.S. Supreme Court ratifying a constitutional amendment

the Congress passing a bill

the Cabinet approving a presidential nominee

the U.S. Armed Forces negotiating a treaty

the Congress passing a bill

Which is an example of a concurrent power in the U.S. federal system?

the building of public roads

the punishment of piracy on the high seas

the establishment of naturalization rules

the authority to conduct elections

the building of public roads

Which decision reinforced the U.S. government's authority to establish a federal institution without state interference?

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Which United States Supreme Court decision resulted in reduced power for state governments?

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Which pair of United States Supreme Court cases resulted in limiting the power of local governments?

Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhimeier (1988) and Bush v. Gore (2000)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) and District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) and District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

Which concept from the Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the English Bill of Rights did American colonists use to support the cause of independence?

free and public education

equality for all property owners

cooperation with foreign governments

no taxation without representation

no taxation without representation

Which document resulted in the formation of a "civil body politic"?

the Articles of Confederation

the Magna Carta

the Mayflower Compact

the Declaration of Independence

the Mayflower Compact

The colonists used a political cartoon with the caption Join or Die to support which action?

promoting international treaties

establishing their own schools

forming their own government

creating local communities

forming their own government

Which document provided a rationale for American independence?

Federalist Papers

Common Sense

U.S. Constitution

Bill of Rights

Common Sense

Which point of view is reflected in Common Sense?

The monarchy supports self-government.

The monarchy creates limited government.

Representatives should be elected.

Representatives should be appointed

Representatives should be elected.

Which was a cause of the American Revolution?

the desire for a bill of rights

the opposition to taxation without representation

the desire for a written constitution

the opposition to the formation of courts

the opposition to taxation without representation

What country was the Declaration of Independence intended to liberate the American colonies?

France

Great Britain

Germany

Spain

Great Britain

Which phrase is included in the Declaration of Independence?

"all men are created equal"

"promote the general welfare"

"in order to form a more perfect union"

"I pledge allegiance to the flag"

"all men are created equal"

Which two natural rights are identified in the Declaration of Independence?

life and liberty

life and bearing arms

jury trials and bearing arms

liberty and jury trials

life and liberty

Based on the Declaration of Independence, which entity is responsible for protecting natural rights?

the military

a political party

an interest group

the government

the government

Which excerpt from the Declaration of Independence supports the principle of popular sovereignty?

"Governments long established should not be changed"

"reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement"

"deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"

"attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us"

"deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"

What is a primary goal of a civil rights movement?

to expand the power of state government

to expand the role of judicial review

to promote equality under the law

to promote a stronger central government

to promote equality under the law

Which document was adopted by the United States to organize the national government after declaring independence?

the Articles of Confederation

the Mayflower Compact

the Northwest Ordinance

the Olive Branch Petition

the Articles of Confederation

Which weakness of the Articles of Confederation led to the call to revise the document?

inadequate congressional tax authority

strict international trade regulations

rapid congressional amendment procedures

lenient federal court policies

inadequate congressional tax authority

Which aspect of the U.S. Constitution addresses a dispute over representation between free states and slave states?

the Supremacy Clause

the Commerce Clause

the Missouri Compromise

the Three-Fifths Compromise

the Three-Fifths Compromise

Who authored the Federalist Papers?

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Roger Sherman

Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison

John Hancock, Peyton Randolph, and George Washington

Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison

Which is a position of the Federalist Papers?

The proposed Bill of Rights should be ratified

State governments should have a greater say in federal action

Federal action should require approval by a majority of the states.

The proposed Constitution should be ratified.

The proposed Constitution should be ratified.

Which statement reflects a position of the Anti-Federalists?

The Constitution should reflect checks and balances.

The Constitution should include enumerated rights.

The Constitution should support executive orders.

The Constitution should promote a strong central government.

The Constitution should include enumerated rights.

Which statement represents a goal of the Supremacy Clause?

The U.S. Supreme Court may reject an appeal from a lower court.

Presidents may not form congressional committees

States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws.

Congress may settle disputes between the United States and another country

States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws.

Which purpose of government in the Preamble is supported by the Selective Service System?

"provide for the common defense"

"form a more perfect union"

"promote the general welfare"

"establish justice"

"provide for the common defense"

Which characteristic of the national government under the Articles of Confederation is reflected in the U.S. Constitution?

a president

a judiciary

a military

a legislature

a legislature

Which officials are elected to serve in the U.S. Congress?

Associate Justices and Attorneys General

Representatives and Senators

military officers and Joint Chiefs of Staff

executive officers and Cabinet Secretaries

Representatives and Senators

How many Senators does the U.S. Constitution allow to represent each state?

one

two

four

six

two

What action can the U.S. Senate take to check executive power?

reject a judicial nominee

approve an executive order

declare a law unconstitutional

ratify a constitutional amendment

reject a judicial nominee

What is the age requirement to serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives?

at least 35 years old

at least 18 years old

at least 25 years old

at least 30 years old

at least 25 years old

Which elected official is elected to serve a two-year term?

U.S. Senator

U.S. President

U.S. Supreme Court Justice

U.S. Representative

U.S. Representative

Which government entity is responsible for voter registration in Florida?

the state election assistance commission

the federal elections commission

a local polling precinct

county supervisor of elections office

county supervisor of elections office

Which United States Supreme Court decision focused on how states count popular votes for president and vice-president?

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Bush v. Gore (2000)

What is the constitutional role of the Electoral College?

choosing members of Congress

overriding presidential vetoes

choosing members of state legislatures

selecting the U.S. President

selecting the U.S. President

Which function of the federal government was established by a constitutional amendment?

The Supreme Court may enact bills passed by both houses of Congress.

A U.S. Senator may not serve more than two terms.

The Senate may ratify treaties negotiated by the House of Representatives.

A U.S. President may not serve more than two elected terms.

A U.S. President may not serve more than two elected terms.

Which U.S. leader has the constitutional authority to serve in the capacity of Commander in Chief?

the Secretary of Defense

the Secretary of Homeland Security

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

the President of the United States

the President of the United States

If the offices of U.S. President and Vice President are vacant at the same time, which official is next in the line of succession?

the Secretary of State

the Chief Justice

the Speaker of the House

the Senate Majority Leader

the Speaker of the House

Which is the highest level of the federal judiciary?

the U.S. Supreme Court

the U.S. District Courts

the U.S. Courts of Appeals

the U.S. Court of Federal Claims

the U.S. Supreme Court

Which constitutional principle was established by Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

individual rights

limited government

representative government

judicial review

judicial review

Which is an example of judicial review?

the U.S. Supreme Court declaring a law unconstitutional

the U.S. House of Representatives impeaching a public official

the U.S. President nominating a federal judge

the U.S. President pardoning a convicted criminal

the U.S. Supreme Court declaring a law unconstitutional

What government action established the three-tiered federal court system?

court-martial summary

an appellate court outcome

Article III of the U.S. Constitution

the Judiciary Act of 1789

the Judiciary Act of 1789

Which requires U.S. citizenship?

federal jury service

employment as a first responder

membership in the military

You Answered high school graduation

federal jury service

How many amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified?

27

10

17

22

27

Which phrase from an 1802 letter written by President Thomas Jefferson reflects a freedom in the Bill of Rights?

"Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation"

"my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents"

"building a wall of separation between Church & State"

"the legitimate powers of government reach actions only"

"building a wall of separation between Church & State"

Which United States Supreme Court holding impacted the way that religious practice was approached in public schools?

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Which right is included in the First Amendment?

freedom of speech

keep and bear arms

no excessive fines

a speedy and public trial

freedom of speech

Which of the following pairs of cases impacted First Amendment rights?

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943) and U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) and Texas v. Johnson (1989)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) and U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) and Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Which action is an example of petitioning the government?

supporting a ballot initiative

paying a property tax

serving on a jury

joining the military

supporting a ballot initiative

How did District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) impact states rights?

It expanded the ability of states to implement the death penalty under the Eighth Amendment.

It expanded the ability of states to create free speech zones that limited First Amendment rights.

It reduced the ability of states to seize "illegal proceeds of a crime before trial" under the Fourth Amendment

It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights.

It reduced the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights.

Which phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the Third Amendment?

"That.. keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, ...is against law"

"That election of members ought to be free"

"That the... power of suspending the laws..without the consent of Parliament is illegal"

"That excessive bail ought not to be required nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted"

"That.. keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, ...is against law"

Which of the following cases impacted Fourth Amendment protections at the state level?

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

What is due process?

fair treatment in judicial proceedings

the processfor electing the president

procedures required to enact laws

the process for assigning bills to committee

fair treatment in judicial proceedings

Which statement from the English Bill of Rights is reflected in the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

"That excessive bail ought not to be required..nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted"

"That keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace,. .. is against law"

"That the freedom of speech in Parliament ought not to be .. questioned in any court"

"That the... power of suspending the laws.without the consent of Parliament is illegal"

"That excessive bail ought not to be required..nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted"

Which phrase from an 1837 letter written by Sarah Grimké is reflected in the Fourteenth Amendment?

"It is impossible that we should fulfill our duties unless we comprehend them"

"but I am in search of truth;"

"opposition to a corrupt public opinion"

"I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality."

"I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality."

What role did the Fourteenth Amendment play in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)?

The amendment's Citizenship Clause was used to argue for access to public education for children.

The amendment's Equal Protection Clause was used to argue that segregated educational facilities were unequal

The amendment's Due Process Clause was used to support the busing of students to particular schools.

The amendment's Privileges and Immunities Clause was used to support separate but equal educational facilities.

The amendment's Equal Protection Clause was used to argue that segregated educational facilities were unequal

Which scenario represents a violation of the Equal Protection Clause?

A state law establishes a minimum driving speed on federal highways.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires a minimum age to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court

A proposed constitutional amendment requires a minimum education level to serve as President.

A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women.

A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women.

Which phrase from a 1776 letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams is reflected in the Nineteenth Amendment?

"I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them"

"that generous.. . principal of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us"

"Are not. .the common people vassals"

"some individuals discoverd a sense of honour and justice"

"I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them"

How does the outcome in Miranda v. Arizona (1966) affect the rights of the accused?

It protects against self-incrimination.

It protects against double jeopardy.

It protects the right to a speedy trial.

It protects the right to a jury trial.

It protects against self-incrimination.

Which of the following cases held that reproductive rights were an element of the right to privacy under the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment?

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Which U.S. Supreme Court decision was based on the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The excerpt below is from the majority opinion in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010).

Political speech is "indispensable to decision making in a democracy, and this is no less true because the speech comes from a corporation rather than an individual."

Based on this excerpt, which part of the U.S. Constitution did the Court's majority use to support its opinion?

the First Amendment

the Elections Clause

the Fifteenth Amendment

the Commerce Clause

the First Amendment

Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the First Amendment?

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the free exercise clause?

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)

Which U.S. Supreme Court decision addressed the central ideas of executive privilege and judicial review?

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Bush v. Gore (2000)

United States v. Nixon (1974)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

United States v. Nixon (1974)