EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
CORRECT
◉ John Locke . Answer: He wrote that government is morally obligated
to serve people, namely by protecting their natural rights of life, liberty,
and property.
Think-Declaration of Independence
◉ John Locke "Social Contract" . Answer: A social contract is the belief
that the state only exists to serve the will of the people.
He believed when government violates individual rights, people were
obligated to rebel.
Think - Declaration of Independence/American Revolution
◉ Magna Carta (1215) . Answer: First document to limit the powers of
the king - signed in 1215.
Citizens could not be deprived of life, liberty or property without a
lawful judgment of their peers or by law of the land.
Represented by the fifth amendment.
,◉ English Bill of Rights (1689) . Answer: Established freedom from
taxation without representation, outlawed cruel and unusual punishment,
guaranteed the right to bear arms, and many other rights.
Many of these same rights are included in the U.S. Constitution.
◉ Mayflower Compact (1620) . Answer: First document to establish
self-government in the colonies.
Signed before the passengers left the ship, The Mayflower, to settle in
Plymouth Colony.
◉ Common Sense (Thomas Paine) . Answer: Pamphlet encouraging
colonists to demand their rights as citizens and support independence for
the colonies.
Ideas are echoed in the Declaration of Independence.
◉ Self-Government . Answer: Government or control of a country by
its own members rather than by members of a different country.
◉ Declaration of Independence . Answer: Statement of American ideals
-role of government is to protect their natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit
of happiness) - adopted July 4, 1776.
Also listed grievances against the king. Colonists were angry over being
taxed without their consent (no taxation without representation).
◉ Assent . Answer: Official approval or agreement
,◉ Tyranny . Answer: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
◉ Shay's Rebellion (1787) . Answer: Protests by Massachusetts farmers
over tax collections and judgments for debt. State militia crushed the
rebels.
Alarmed politicians - cited as a reason to revise or replace the Articles of
Confederation.
◉ Articles of Confederation . Answer: First form of government for
America.
Many Weaknesses:
Only had a Congress where 9 out of the 13 states had to agree.
No executive or judicial branch (power to enforce or interpret laws).
States had the majority of the power.
Country in debt - no way to raise money.
◉ Preamble to the Constitution . Answer: Introduction to the U.S.
Constitution, establishing the goals and purposes of government.
"We the People" = government depends on the people for its power and
exists to serve them.
Sets up the six goals of government.
, ◉ Constitutional Government . Answer: Any government whose
authority and construction are defined by a constitution.
◉ Separation of Powers . Answer: Powers of government are divided
among three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and
Judicial.
Limits the power of government.
Montesquieu (French philosopher) believed this was a way to ensure
liberty.
◉ Checks and Balances . Answer: Each governmental branch has
powers to limit (check) the other branches.
Keeps the balance of power relatively equal between the branches.
Montesquieu (French philosopher) believed this was a way to ensure
liberty.
◉ Federalists . Answer: Supporters of the Constitution who believe a
strong national government is needed to keep the country united.
Published the Federalist Papers to gain support for the Constitution.
◉ Anti-
Federalists . Answer: Feared a strong federal government as created by
the Constitution.
Did not believe it would protect states' rights nor people's freedom.