The Purdue Civics Knowledge Test

Which of the following is most closely associated with the concept of civic life?

Campaigning for a school board member.

Which is the most direct way the wishes of citizens are represented in the United States government?

By the actions of their elected officials.

Why is the Rule of Law an important concept underlying the Constitution of the United States?

It protects all citizens by ensuring no one is above the law.

Which of the following defines unlimited government?

A government without effective means of restraining its power.

What does it mean to say the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land?

State and local governments cannot pass laws that conflict with federal laws.

Which is a common theme in both the Magna Carta and the Constitution of the United States?

That individual liberty is essential.

Which of the following most accurately describes a republic?

Citizens elect representatives to whom they delegate the power to make laws.

What is the name given to the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States?

The Bill of Rights.

Which power is held concurrently by the state and national government?

Legislating taxation.

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the primary purpose of government?

To secure the unalienable rights of its citizens.

Which statement best explains why the framers of the Constitution of the United States adopted a federal system of government?

To distribute the power of government across levels and branches.

A United States Senator is a representative of which branch of government?

Legislative

Which of the following individuals has the power to veto a law passed by Congress?

President

What is the major role of political parties in the United States?

To nominate candidates to run in elections.

Use the quote to answer the question. "Republics . . . derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates . . ." — Benjamin Franklin

Based on this quote, what would Benjamin Franklin most likely see as a major role of the press?

To investigate and report on government actions.

Which of the following constitutional amendments is primarily focused on the participation of citizens in politics?

The Twenty-Second Amendment.

What do the 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments have in common?

They focus on increasing the participation of citizens in politics.

Use this information to answer the question. A driver is stopped by police for speeding. Although there is no sign of other illegal activity, the officer asks the driver to open the trunk of the car so the officer can look inside. The driver refuses the officer's request.

The driver's refusal to allow the search is consistent with the rights guaranteed by which amendment to the Constitution of the United States?

Fourth Amendment.

Which right is guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States?

The right to keep and bear arms.

Which activity is most directly associated with promoting civic participation?

Offering students a chance to participate in a community service project.

Which statement about immigration to the United States is most accurate?

The history and culture of the United States has been significantly impacted by successive waves of immigration.

Which of the following was NOT a major cause of the American Revolution?

The Issue of Slavery.

Why did the British government look to impose new taxes on the Colonists in the years leading up to the American Revolution?

To help pay costs for defending the colonies during the French and Indian War.

Which of the following was a major cause of the Civil War?

Conflicts regarding the extension of slavery in new states.

How did the Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford impact abolitionists in the period before the Civil War?

It gave momentum to the anti-slavery movement in the United States.

Use the quote "Wher-ever law ends, tyranny begins" - John Locke(1690)How is this quate related to the Rule of Law?

It supports the idea that clear, shared, and accepted rules are needed to protect the right of citizens.

What is one current outcome of America's history of slavery?

The courts recognize state laws have priority over federal laws.

Suppose two-thirds of the House and Senate approve a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States. What must happen next for the amendment to be ratified?

It must be approved by three-fourths of the states.

Suppose a Constitutional Convention approves a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States. What must happen next for the amendment to be ratified?

It must be approved by three-fourths of the states.

How are natural rights obtained by citizens?

They are granted by the state government.

Which is an example of how natural rights are protected by the Constitution of the United States?

The police must obtain a warrant from a judge before entering private property.

According to the Constitution of the united states, states do not have the power to do which of the following?

Make treaties

According to the Constitution of the united states, which action is reserved to the federal government?

making treaties with other countries.

Which entity has the most control over funding for the Army and Air Force?

The Secretary of Defense.

Which branch of government makes the laws?

Legislative

Which position of the federal level is similar to the governor at the state level?

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S.

Congress passes a law, but the President vetoes it. Congress reversed the President's veto and the law is enacted. This scenario is an example of which principle of American government?

checks and balances.

Which statement best describes an effect of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison?

It established the Supreme Court's power to void a law passed by Congress.

President Eisenhower's actions are consistent with which principle?

Rule of Law

What is one way independent third parties have an impact on American politics?

They raise issues often ignored by the major parties.

What is the primary way a free press is important to American democracy?

It facilitate the exchange of information and ideas

What is the best reason the opportunity to attend a government supported public school can be classified as a type of economic right?

It helps fulfill a basic human need

What is the best example of civic participation?

buying used books from a thrift store.

Which is one way the Harlem Renaissance contributed to the development of the United States?

It created new limits on segregation and prejudice against African Americans

Why did Paul revere create this famous etching of the Boston Massacre?

To blame the massacre on the colonist.