amendments, CIVIC LITERACY 2 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
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.
Use the passage below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.
"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: The U.S. Constitution, National Archives and Records Administration
Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals in the passage?
Enlightenment
22.Use the passage below, which was included in the Declaration of Sentiments adopted at the Seneca
Falls Convention in 1848, to answer the question that follows.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness."
Which of the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration
of Sentiments?
Declaration of Independence
Which political philosopher's 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 pledged 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 a precedent for?
U.S. Constitution
Which person is considered to be the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison
Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding
document?
U.S. Constitution
Use the excerpt below, from the Thirteenth Amendment, to answer the question that follows.
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall
have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for the above language?
Northwest Ordinances
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, there 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 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
Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?
rule of law