FCLE practice questions

Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government

roman

During the 6th century B.C.E., the ancient Athenians divided the powers of their government between two assemblies and guaranteed certain political rights to all male citizens. How do these political reforms best illustrate how societies develop?

By limiting government authority

A certain country is characterized by the following traits:

1. power achieved through inheritance

2. same ruling family for over a century

3. finite freedoms and rights

4. hierarchical social status

5. single established state religion

The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the

Divine right of kings

Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?

The referendum

What is the principal function of a written constitution?

Outlining the structure and powers of a government

Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances, as defined in the U.S. Constitution?

Keeping any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful

Which modern process would be supported by the ancient Greeks?

Electing governors

Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent which legal concern underlying most Western nations?

Civil law

Nixon said: “Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.”

Rule of law

Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?

Republic

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins “We the People…”

Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule

The U.S. Congress fulfilled which purpose of government when it declared war on Japan after Pearl Harbor?

Providing for the common defense

Which circumstance would require a search warrant?

Examining the contents of a hotel room

In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?

The right to demonstrate

A man is stopped and searched by police while walking; what constitutional grounds could he contest this on?

Fourth amendment

In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?

The conflict must be resolved using the supremacy clause

Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?

Article I

A suspect is accused of a crime in one state and held in another that delays return. What petition applies?

Petition for a write of habeas corpus

Which phrase best describes the power of impeachment?

The ability of the U.S. House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation

“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.” Which constitutional provision was inspired by this?

The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers

“We the People…” Which philosophical movement best reflects these ideals?

Englightenment

“All men and women are created equal…” — Declaration of Sentiments (1848). Which document influenced this?

Declaration of Independence

Which political philosopher’s ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke

Why did colonists protest British tax policies

The colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights.

The Mayflower Compact’s pledge to unite and obey laws set a precedent for which document?

U.S. Constitution

Who is considered the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?

James Madison

Government by the people and separation of powers are the main principles of which founding document?

U.S. Constitution

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist…” — Thirteenth Amendment. What inspired this language?

Northwest Ordinances

The Mayflower Compact said citizens should look out for the “general good.” What impact did that have on U.S. government?

The government should provide equal protection under the law

The Great Compromise resulted in what?

Congress would have two houses—one based on population, one with equal representation.

What was the most important consequence of the Watergate break-in?

Resignation of the president of the United States

Which legislation reflects federal efforts to regulate transportation?

Interstate commerce act

Which government practice was upheld in Plessy v. Ferguson?

Segregating public facilities

Which statement about the Monroe Doctrine is accurate?

The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere

By what process were 18-year-olds granted the right to vote?

Constitutional amendment

“What do the people of America want more than anything else? Work and security.” Which program would the speaker support?

New Deal

A state removes federal safety regulations. Which act would make this violate the Supremacy Clause?

Occupational Safety and Health Act

“If a law be in opposition to the constitution…” Which Supreme Court case established this precedent?

Marbury v. Madison

Which case prioritized national security over civil rights?

Korematsu v. United States

A defendant was denied an attorney in a felony case. Which Supreme Court case overturned such a decision?

Gideon v. Wainwright