Civic Literacy Test Flashcards
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
Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?
the referendum
What is the principle function of a written constitution?
outlining the structures and power of a government
Which modern process would be supported by the ancient greeks?
electing governors
Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?
Roman
A certain country is characterized by the following traits:
1. Power achieved through inheritance
2. Same ruling family 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 of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances as defined in the constitution?
keeping any of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful
Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent which legal concern underlying most Western nations?
civil law
“Well when the President does it that means that it is not illegal”-Richard M Nixon
Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?
rule of law
Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?
republic
“We the people of the United States…..”
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
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 1
In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?
the right to demonstrate
“A suspect is accused of a crime in one state and flees to another state…”
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
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,…”
Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals in the passage?
enlightenment
“He has kept among us in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.”
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
the third amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances
“He has kept among us in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.”
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
the third amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Which if the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments?
Declaration if Independence
Which political philosophers ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies?
the colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights
In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledge to unite into “a civil body politic” and agreed to make and abide by laws that “insured the general good of the colony”.
What founding document did this set the precedent for?
U.S Constitution
Which person is considered to be the principle author of the U.S Constitution?
James Madison
Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding documents?
U.S Constitution
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude,…”- 13th amendment
Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for the above language?
Northwest Ordinaces
The Mayflower Compact includes a pledge to ensure that all citizens look out for the general good of the colony. Based on this, what impact has the Mayflower Compact had on modern understanding of the purpose of government in the United States?
the government should provide equal protection under the law
“At the Constitutional Convention, their was a major debate between large states and small states about representation in the new Congress. This debate was resolved by the Great Compromise.”
What was the result of this compromise?
Congress would have two houses, one in which state representation was based on population and one in which all states had equal representation
Which of the following reflects 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
The U.S Supreme Court enabled which government practices to continue in its ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson?
segregating public facilities
Which of the following statements regarding the Monroe Doctrine is accurate?
The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere
By what process where eighteen year olds fully granted the right to vote?
constitutional amendment
“What do the people of America want more than anything else?…..”
Based on the passage, which government program would the speaker support?
New Deal
“In order to attract investment and business and reduce expenses, state legislature proposes passing a law that removes the need for certain federal regulatory features relating to office and factory environments.”
Which legislative action would most likely cause the U.S Supreme Court to decide that this violated the Supremacy Clause?
Occupational Safety and Health Act
“So if a law be in opposition to the Constitution;…..”
Which supreme court case established the precedent described in the opinion?
Marbury v. Madison
Which of the following cases resulted in a decision that undermined civil rights and liberties in prioritization of national security?
Korematsu v. United States
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Which if the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments?
Declaration if Independence
“A person is charged with felony breaking and entering. During the court proceedings, the defendant requested an attorney and was denied the right to counsel.”
Which Supreme Court Case overturned the trials court decision, due to lack of counsel?
Gideon v. Wainwright
