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The first chief justice of the United States was:
John jay
 
Which phrase from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802 reflects a freedom in the Bill of Rights?
“Building a wall of separation between Church & State”
 
Constitutions should consist only of general provisions:
The reason is, that they must necessarily be permanent, and
that they cannot calculate for the possible changes of things. . . .”
— Alexander Hamilton, 1788
 
Which provision of the United States Constitution best supports the idea expressed in this quotation?
elastic clause
 
The presence of which pair of geographic conditions discouraged the development of a plantation economy in the New England colonies?
rocky soil and short growing season
 
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
 
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
 
One way in which the Declaration of Independence and the original United States Constitution are similar is that both promote the idea of
the consent of the governed
 
The main objection to the adoption of the United States Constitution was based primarily on the belief that
individual freedoms could be restricted by a strong central government.
 
In U.S. V. Nixon, what presidential action was declared unconstitutional?
Claiming executive privilege when refusing to cooperate with a criminal investigation.
 
Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?
republic
 
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Declared independence from Great Britain
 
Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?
Roman
 
Judges of the supreme court must be nominated by:
The president
 
What was the main cause of the French and Indian War (1754–1763)?
disputed land claims in the Ohio River valley between the French and the British
 
The courts may not take a man’s life without:
Due process of law
 
Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?
the referendum
 
How many supreme court justices are there, according to the constitution?
The constitution does not establish the number of supreme court justices.
 
The British government’s use of writs of assistance against American merchants is one reason the
Bill of Rights includes protection against
unreasonable search and seizure
 
Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the
weeping voice of nature cries, ’TIS TIME TO PART. . . .”
— Thomas Paine, Common Sense In this quotation, Thomas Paine is trying to convince the colonists to
declare their independence from England.
 
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
 
What is an amendment?
A change or an addition to the Constitution
 
The United States Constitution grants the Senate the power to
approve treaties
 
The length of term for a U.S. Supreme court judge is:
Life
 
Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent
which legal concern underlying most Western nations?
civil law
 
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
 
Which modern process would be supported by the ancient Greeks?
electing governors
 
The supreme court has the right to
Review decisions of the inferior courts
 
Which statement about the electoral college system is accurate?
A candidate can be elected president without the majority of the popular vote.
 
What is the principal function of a written constitution?
outlining the structure and powers of a government
 
All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; . . .”
— Article 1, Section 7, United States Constitution
give citizens more influence over taxation issues.
 
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
 
The power of judicial review was established when
the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
 
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
 
One way that the British government carried out the policy of mercantilism was by
 requiring that most colonial trade occur within the British Empire
 
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers,
and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.”
— Article I, Section 8, United States Constitution
This clause was used by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to justify
establishing the Bank of the United States
 
Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies?
The colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights.
 
As to government matters, it is not in the power of Britain to do this continent justice:
the business of it will soon be too weighty and intricate to be managed with any tolerable degree of convenience,
by a power so distant from us, and so very ignorant of us; for if they cannot conquer us, they cannot govern us.
To be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer,
which, when obtained, requires five or six more to explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness.
There was a time when it was proper, and there is a proper time for it to cease.…
— Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
What is the main argument Thomas Paine makes concerning the relationship between Great Britain and its American colonies?
America is too distant for Great Britain to govern effectively.
 
Most of the amendments to the United States Constitution have dealt with
guaranteeing civil and political rights
 
Which phrase best describes the power of impeachment?
the ability of the U.S. House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation.
 
The United States, together with the United Nations, exhausted every means at our disposal
to bring this crisis to a peaceful end. However, Saddam [Hussein] clearly felt that by stalling and threatening and
defying the United Nations, he could weaken the forces arrayed against him. . . .”
— President George H. W. Bush, address to the nation, January 16, 1991 President George H. W. Bush
used this statement to defend
taking military action to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi aggression.
 
Based on the United States Constitution, the census helps to determine the number of
electoral votes assigned to each state
 
In writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was most directly influenced by the social contract theory of
John Locke
 
Which statement is a fact rather than an opinion?
The power of judicial review was established by a Supreme Court decision.
 
The Federal Reserve System was created in 1913 to
control the money supply
 
Who was the only supreme court chief justice to have been secretary of state?
John marshall
 
In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?
The conflict must be resolved using the Supremacy Clause
 
Who was the first African American justice of the supreme court?
Thurgood marshall
 
The main purpose of the Federalist Papers was to
urge ratification of the Constitution
 
Which circumstance would require a search warrant?
examining the contents of a hotel room
 
What prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances
 
Which president tried to “Pack” the supreme court with his own appointees?
Franklin Roosevelt
 
An example of the unwritten constitution is the
formation of political parties
 
The goal of the War Powers Act of 1973 was to
limit the president’s power to use military force without congressional approval
 
For how many years is a United States Senator elected?
6
 
Which event most directly contributed to the growth of New York City as the nation’s leading trade center?
opening of the Erie Canal
 
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
 
How many US Senators are there?
100
 
A fundamental principle of a republican form of government is that
legislation must be passed by the elected representatives of the people
 
The judicial branch of government can check the legislative branch of government by
declaring laws unconstitutional
 
Judges of the supreme court must be nominated by:
The president
 
The belief expressed in this statement was put into law by the
 addition of the first amendment to the United States Constitution
 
In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?
the right to demonstrate
 
What happens if there is a tie vote in a supreme court decision?
The lower court's ruling is automatically affirmed
 
In what instance does the supreme court have original jurisdiction?
When a state is party to a case
 
President George H. W. Bush used this statement to defend
taking military action to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi aggression
 
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435
 
What are the qualifications needed to serve in the House of Representatives?
25 years old
Citizen of U.S. for 7 years
Legal resident of state that elects them
 
Terms of office for members of the House:
Elected every two years
90% are re-elected
Election is held in November on even number years
 
Census
Counts population, every ten years
 
Reapportionment
Population of state which determines the number of representatives their entitled
 
How many senators are in the United States Senate?
100
2 from each state
 
What are the qualifications to serve in the Senate?
30 years old
Citizen of U.S. for 9 years before election
Legal resident of state they represent
 
What are "at-large" elections?
All the voters of the state elect
 
Terms of office for members of Senate:
2 year terms
Most win re-election
Term begins January 3rd
Election on November
 
How many members are there in Congress?
535
100 Senators and 435 Representatives
 
What do we know about incumbents?
Members who have already been in office most likely always win re-election
 
Constituents
People in the districts they represent
 
Party Affiliation
Being associated with a certain party
 
Speaker of the House
Presiding officer of the house and is its most powerful leader
Appoints members of committees
Refers bills to committees
Leader of majority party
 
Caucus
Majority party chooses the house speaker at the start of each session of
Congress, and the entire house membership approves the choice of the speaker
 
Majority Leader
Speakers top assistant
Steer important bills through the house
Make sure chair persons finish work on important bills
 
Whips
Assistant floor leader
Watch how party members intend to vote on bills
Persuade to vote as party wishes
Make sure party members are present to vote
 
Bills
A proposed law
It's a bill until both houses of congress pass it and the president
signs it
 
House Calendar
List bills that are up for consideration
 
House Rules Committees
Help direct flow of major legislation
Decide whether a bill can be amended
 
Quorum
Minimum number of members who must be present to permit a legislative body to take official action
218 people for majority
 
Who is the president of the Senate?
Vice president
 
What powers does the president of the Senate have?
Presides over Senate, but no real power
 
President Pro Tempore
Presides if vice president isn't there
 
Minority Leader
Develops criticisms of majority party's bills
Tries to keep senators in the minority party working together
 
Filibuster
Stall legislative process and prevent a vote
 
Cloture
Procedure that allows each senator to speak for only 1 hour on a bill
under debate
 
Trustee
Vote on conscience
 
Delegate
Sent to represent others
 
Partisan
Strong supporter of a party
Vote to help their party
 
Politico
Formal term for politician
Combine elements of trustee, delegate, and partisan
 
Describe the purpose of Committees:
1) Allows congress to divide work among many smaller groups
2) Select bills that are to receive further consideration
3) Hold public hearings and investigations
 
Standing Committees
Each deal with a specific issue
Continue from one congress to the next
Permanent
 
Subcommittees
Specialize in subcategory of its standing committees responsibility
 
Select Committees
Study one specific issue and report their findings to the Senate or the
House
Temporary
 
Joint Committees
Made up of members from House and Senate, Temporary or permanent, Have members from both political parties
 
Conference Committees
Temporary, Made by both House and Senate, Talk about different versions of the same law
 
How are committees assigned?
In both the House and the Senate, the political partier assign members to the standing committees
 
Rules Committee
Determines under what rule other bills will come to the floor, Most powerful
 
Ways and Means
All tax codes go through this
 
Appropriations
Direct the flow of ALL governments money
 
Foreign Relations
Directly influence American foreign policy
 
Describe the changes of the Seniority System:
Bypass senior members up for chairs
No more secret ballot
 
Library of Congress
One of the largest libraries in the world
Contains books, journals, music, photos, etc.
Controls copy rights
Researches for Congress
 
Congressional Budget Office
Coordinate budget making work of Congress
Studies budget proposals of president
Researches proposed costs of new programs
Studies economic trends and how government actions could impact the economy
 
General Accounting Office
Nations watchdog over spending
Provide research for lawmakers over specific programs
 
Appropriations Bill
Proposed laws to authorize spending money
 
Interstate Commerce
Trade among the states
 
Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States
In 1964 used its power to regulate interstate commerce to pass the
landmark Civil Rights Act
 
Senate impeachment process
2/3 majority vote of the parliament, then constitutional court decides whether the president is guilty, and if he is then he is removed from power
 
House of Representatives impeachment process
Power to remove any federal official
Accusation of misconduct in office
Simple majority of quorum
 
Subpoena
Legal order that a person appear or produce a requested document
 
Perjury
Lying under oath to Congress
 
Legislative Oversight
Review of how effective the executive branch carries out the laws passed
by congress
 
Legislative Veto
Closed by congress wrote provisions into some of the laws that allowed
it to review and carrie out actions of executive agencie
 
Presidential Veto
President can veto things that are passed by Congress
 
Line-Item Veto
Allows a veto of only certain lines in a bill
 
Simple Resolution
Covers matters that are only affecting one house
Does not have the force law
 
Joint Resolution
The bill is passed by both houses and if the president signs it, it gives for to be a law
Has the force of law
 
Concurrent Resolution
Both the House and the Senate are required to take part, but no law is needed
Does not have force of law
 
Rider
A provision other then the one covered in the bill
 
-Conference Committee:
If the houses disagree on a bill they have a conference and work out the
problems
 
-President: Can either sign the bill, not sign the bill, veto, or pocket
veto the bill
 
Pigeonholing
Holding a bill until it dies
 
Congressional options to a veto:
Possible to override a veto with 2/3 vote in each house
 
Describe the impact of lobbyists
They try to persuade congress to support their cause and bill
   
The Bill of Rights was added to the US Constitution primarily to:
provide the President with power in times of emergency
establish fair and impartial elections
protect individual liberties
guarantee voting privileges to minorities
 
Which guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion to individuals in the US?
the Treaty of Paris 1783
the Articles fo Confederation
the First Amendment to the US Constitution
the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution
 
Which has been an important limitation on the power of eminent domain found in the Fifth Amendment?
The reciting of prayers in public schools has been prohibitied
There must be "clear and present danger" before it can be exercised
Individuals accused of commiting crimes are protected from abusive behavior by the police
Governments must provide "reasonable compensation" when taking a person's property
 
Which of the following words are part of the Declaration of Independence?
"They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalineable right, that among these are the right of live, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
"All persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the US."
"No solider shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner."
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
 
Which action would be protected by the First Amendment?
A reporter publishes an article critical of city officials
A man on trial refused to testify against himself
A woman asks to see a lawyer before answering questions from the police
A family refuses to permit soldiers to be housed in their home
 
In the US, illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in a court of law against someone. This rule is based on an individual's constitutional right to:
face accusers in open court
be protected agaisnt double jeopardy
a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury
protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
 
SUPPORTERS of RATIFICATION of the CONSTITUTION and of a strong central government.
Federalists
 
They opposed the ratification of the Constitution because it gave more power to the federal government and less to
the states, and because it did not ensure individual rights. The Anti-federalists were instrumental in obtaining passage of the
BILL of RIGHTS as a prerequisite to ratification of the Constitution in several states
Anti-Federalists
 
The New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan differed mainly over what?
State representation in the legislative branch
 
Quote: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal. . . ."
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
 
Quote: "it is the great parent of science & of virtue: and that a nation will be great in both, always in proportion as it is free."
Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Willard, March 24, 1789
 
Quote: "our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."
Thomas Jefferson to Dr. James Currie, January 28, 1786
 
Quote: "nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle."
Thomas Jefferson to John Norvell, June 11, 1807
 
Quote: "I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared."
Thomas Jefferson to William Plumer, July 21, 1816
 
Quote: "bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. education & free discussion are the antidotes of both."
Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, August 1, 1816
 
Quote: "What a stupendous, what an incomprehensible machine is man! Who can endure toil, famine, stripes, imprisonment & death itself in vindication of his own liberty, and the next moment . . . inflict on his fellow men a bondage, one hour of which is fraught with more misery than ages of that which he rose in rebellion to oppose."
Thomas Jefferson to Jean Nicholas Demeunier, January 24, 1786
 
Quote: "yet the hour of emancipation is advancing . . . this enterprise is for the young; for those who can follow it up, and bear it through to it's consummation. it shall have all my prayers, and these are the only weapons of an old man."
Thomas Jefferson to Edward Coles, August 25, 1814
 
Quote: "the two principles on which our conduct towards the Indians should be founded, are justice & fear. after the injuries we have done them, they cannot love us . . . ."
Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins, August 13, 1786
 
Quote: "The expedition of Messrs. Lewis & Clarke for exploring the river Missouri, & the best communication from that to the Pacific ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected."
Thomas Jefferson's Sixth Annual Message to Congress, December 2, 1806
 
Quote: "I agree with you that it is the duty of every good citizen to use all the opportunities, which occur to him, for preserving documents relating to the history of our country."
Thomas Jefferson to Hugh P. Taylor, October 4, 1823
 
Quote: "I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give."
Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, February 7, 1788
 
Quote: "Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights."
Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789
 
Quote: "I have often thought that nothing would do more extensive good at small expense than the establishment of a small circulating library in every county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be lent to the people of the country under regulations as would secure their safe return in due time."
Thomas Jefferson to John Wyche, May 19, 1809
 
Quote: "our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to our god alone. I enquire after no man's and trouble none with mine; nor is it given to us in this life to know whether yours or mine, our friend's or our foe's, are exactly the right."
Thomas Jefferson to Miles King, September 26, 1814
 
Quote: " . . . there is no act, however virtuous, for which ingenuity may not find some bad motive."
Thomas Jefferson to Edward Dowse, April 19, 1803
 
Quote: "When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred."
Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Smith, February 21, 1825
 
Quote: "I cannot live without books."
Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, June 10, 1815
 
Which legislation reflects federal efforts to regulate transportation?
Interstate Commerce Act
 
Which legislation reflects federal efforts to regulate transportation?
Interstate Commerce Act
 
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.
 
Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies?
The colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights.
 
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.” Source: National Archives and Records Administration”.
Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for the above language?
Northwest Ordinances
 
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
 
In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?
the right to demonstrate.
 
Which modern process would be supported by the ancient Greeks?
electing governors
 
Which of the following reflects the most important consequence of the Watergate break-in?
resignation of the president of the United States
 
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 of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?
Roman
 
Which person is considered to be the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison
 
“In order to attract investment and business and reduce expenses, a 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
 
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
 
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 phrase best describes the power of impeachment?
the ability of the U.S. House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation
 
Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?
the referendum
 
Use the passage below, taken from a presidential nomination speech, to answer the question that follows.
“What do the people of America want more than anything else? To my mind, they want two things: work, . . . and with work, a reasonable measure of security . . .”
Based on the passage, which government program would the speaker support?
New Deal
 
The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, primarily functions to:
Protect individual liberties against government intrusion.
 
Which of the following is a power that the U.S. Constitution grants to Congress?
Power to declare war.
 
Which official is the top law enforcement official at the county level of government?
sheriff
 
Use the quotation to answer the question.
“The way to have good and safe government is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to
everyone exactly the functions in which he is competent.”
—Thomas Jefferson, letter to Joseph C. Cabell, 1816
How does this quote support the idea of different obligations for state and local governments?
Different levels of government can provide separate services more easily and efficiently.
 
Like the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution establishes which of the following?
three branches of government
 
Why do some states prefer the Missouri Plan for choosing judges?
It combines appointment of judges with election of judges
 
Of the following, what may happen following a guilty verdict in a criminal case?
The defendant appeals the case to a higher court.
 
What stops one branch of government. from becoming too powerful?
Checks & balances.
 
Which U.S Supreme Court case held that a person accused of a crime must
be advised of their 5th & 6th amendment rights upon their arrest?
Miranda vs Arizona (1966)
 
Who does a U.S Senator represent?
The residents of a single state
The U.S Constitution requires that the President be elected by whom?
The electoral college
 
Which structure found in the U.S Constitution was included as a response to a concern expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
Separation of powers
Length of U.S President’s elected term?
4 years
 
Which phrase in the U.S Constitution addresses the power to seize property?
Eminent domain
 
Which phrase from a letter written by Sarah Grimké in 1837 is reflected in the 14th amendment?
“I ask no favors for my sex... I surrender not our claim to equality”
 
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The president
 
Which government officials are elected by the people?
Mayors
 
What are two natural rights identified in the Declaration of Independence?
Life and liberty
 
Why did many colonists fight the British during the American Revolution?
They opposed taxation without representation
 
Which phrase from a letter by Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams in 1776 is reflected in the 19th amendment?
“I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them”
 
Which phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the U.S Constitution’s 3rd amendment?
“That keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace is against the law”
 
Based on the US Constitution which part of the government was intended to hold the least power?
The judiciary
 
The colonists used a political cartoon with the caption “join or die” to support what?
Forming their own government
 
Which is a shared power in the federal system?
Collecting taxes
 
Who has the power to veto bills?
The president
 
Who signs proposed bills into federal laws?
The president
 
What is the length of a US Representative elected term?
2 years
 
How many US Senators represent each state?
Two
 
What is one qualification to serve as a member of the US House of Representatives?
Must be at least 25 years old
 
What is an example of a power reserved to the states?
Creating school systems
 
Why does article 1, section 7 of the US constitution require that tax bills be introduced in the house of representatives?
Because the original English colonists were taxed without their consent
 
What is an example of a democratic process?
The people elect a governor
 
Which of the following represents the principle of consent of the governed?
Individuals elect members of the House of Representatives
 
Which part of the government was created to reflect the colonists’ position that governments derive their
powers from the consent of the governed?
The legislature
 
What is one chamber of the US Congress?
Senate
 
Which two steps are required in order for someone to become chief justice of the US supreme court?
Nomination by the president and confirmation by the Senate
 
What is a core theme of the Federalist papers?
The proposed Constitution should be ratified
 
Which of the following represents the goal of the supremacy clause?
States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws
 
First two paragraphs of the declaration of independence state what?
The preamble
 
Which statement from the English bill of rights is reflected in the US Constitution’s eighth amendment?
“That excessive bail ought not to be required nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted”
 
What is an example of federalism?
The principle that the national and state government share power
 
Who is the commander-in-chief of the military?
President of the United States
 
What is the highest federal court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
 
Which point of view is reflected in the “common sense”?
Representatives should be elective
 
What is the purpose of the civil rights movement?
To secure equalities
 
What is one responsibility of only US citizens?
Serving on a jury
 
What did the US Constitution do?
Formed a unitary government
 
What is the minimum number of US House of Representatives that represent each state?
One
 
Which US supreme court case is correctly paired with the rights that pertain to the first amendment?
Citizens of the United States versus the federal election commission (2010)
 
Which right from the English bill of rights is reflected in the US Constitution’s first amendment?
“To petition the king”
 
What is the purpose of the 17th amendment?
(outlines senate representation for the states and that there will be direct election of US senators by US citizens)
To promote democratic participation
 
What is an example of judicial review?
The power of the Supreme Court to find laws unconstitutional
 
What phrase is included in the Declaration of Independence?
“All men are created equal”
 
Which of the following documents provided the rationale for the declaration of independence?
Common sense- a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775 advocating independence from
Great Britain to the people in the colonies.
 
Which of the following was established by a constitutional amendment?
The president may serve no more than two elected terms
 
What is an example of representation?
The US Congress passes a law
 
Which document was adopted by the newly independent United States to organize the national government
after declaring independence?
Articles of confederation
 
What is the “rule of law”?
No one is above the law
 
Which action is an example of petitioning the government?
Lobbying officials
 
How did the holding in the US Supreme Court case Miranda vs Arizona impact criminal defendants?
It established that defendants were protected against self-incrimination
 
How did the holding in the US Supreme Court case Gideon versus Wainwright impact criminal defendants?
It established that defendants had the right to counsel
 
Which right did the colonists consider “inalienable” in the Declaration of Independence?
Pursuit of happiness
 
Which scenario represents a violation of the equal protection clause?
A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men then for women
 
How did the US constitution resolve the dispute between slave and free states over representation?
The 3/5 compromise
 
How did the supreme court case District of Columbia vs Heller impact state rights?
Reduce the ability of states to place restrictions on Second Amendment rights
 
What is the length of US senators elected term?
Six years
 
What is one power of the US Senate?
Ratify international treaties
 
What are the branches of the US federal government?
legislative
judicial
executive
 
Which of the following is a right reserved for US citizens only?
Running for federal office (ex.the president)
 
If both the US president and the US vice president are unable to serve, who acts as president?
The speaker of the house
 
Due process of law
Fair treatment in judicial proceedings
 
What is the purpose of the selective service system?
To draw for compulsory military service