FCLE Practice Quiz Pt. 1

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 following principles?

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

Use the passage below, from an exchange between former president Nixon and a television interviewer, to answer the question that follows.

"Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal"--Richard M. Nixon

Source: The Washington Post, June 5, 1977

Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?

rule of law

Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?

republic

Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Source: National Archives and Records Administration

Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?

Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.

The U.S. Congress fulfilled which of the following purposes of government when it declared war on Japan after the attack on 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 walking down a public street window-shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?

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

Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

A suspect is accused of a crime in one state and flees to another state where they are apprehended. The state is very slow in returning the suspect to the state of origin and keeps them imprisoned.

Which of the following represents a suitable petition for the suspect in this situation, in regard to their constitutional rights?

petition for a writ 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

Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

Source: National Archives and Records Administration

Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?

The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances.