NS1 3.2 Foundations Of Us Government

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CHAPTER 2

Foundations of US Government

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The Declaration of Independence

July 4th

Our Country’s Birthday

We celebrate every year with

parades and fireworks.

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33

4

Documents from the

First Continental Congress and the

Declaration of Independence July 4, 17764

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Two of history’s most remarkable

documents

66

7

The thirteen colonies

declare independence

from Great Britain and

begin self government

as:

“The unanimous

Declaration of the

thirteen united States

of America.”

Note: “united” was not capitalized7

8

Following a bloody war and despite a failed

first try, the Declaration of Independence

changed the way people all over the world

thought about self-government.

9

A. France

B. Spain

C. England

D. Germany

The Declaration of Independence was

a document announcing America’s

separation from what country?

10

A. France

B. Spain

C. England

D. Germany

The Declaration of Independence was

a document announcing America’s

separation from what country?

11

The Parts of the

Declaration of

Independence

The Declaration has

five parts:

• preamble

• concept

• grievances

• attempts to resolve

• declares independence

Thomas

Jefferson

Wrote most of

the

Declaration

12

First Part

It announces the

purpose of the

document and

explains why the

signers were

willing to risk

charges of treason

and summary

execution.

Preamble

13

Preamble

An introduction to a document

such as a constitution, explaining

its purpose

14

“[A] decent respect

to the opinions

of mankind

requires that they

[the American

people] should

declare the causes

which impel

them to the

separation”

14

15

God does not select

some people to be

rulers by divine right:

“…all men are

created equal…"

“…endowed by their

Creator with certain

unalienable rights…”

“…among these are

Life, Liberty, and the

pursuit of

Happiness...”

Second Part Concept

16

Divine Rights

Rights and responsibilities given

by a divine being or deity that are

therefore beyond question by

human kind

17

Unalienable

Incapable of being taken away or

transferred to another

18

Instead of accepting

the “divine right”

concept, Founders

concluded:

• governments derive

“just powers” from

“consent of the

governed”

• governments exist

for people, not the

other way around

King George IIIruled by

divine right

19

A. James Madison

B. Thomas Jefferson

C. Alexander Hamilton

D. John Adams

Who drafted, or selected the wording for,

the Declaration of Independence?

20

A. James Madison

B. Thomas Jefferson

C. Alexander Hamilton

D. John Adams

Who drafted, or selected the wording for,

the Declaration of Independence?

21

Plato’sRepublic manuscript

The first democracies ofancient Greece did notinclude the Foundersnew concept:

“We hold these truthsto be self-evident, thatall men are createdequal…”

22

Amendments• XIII 1865 Abolish slavery

• XlV 1868 Grant citizenship• XV 1870 Grant vote to citizens

Amendment• XlX 1920 Grant vote

to women

It would take some time to achieve the promises of the Declaration.

23

Third Part

Lists grievances

and complaints

against

King George lll.

In 1776, important

enough for

Founders to

challenge one of

the world’s most

powerful monarchs.

Grievances

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Fourth Part

• Outlines

colonies' efforts

to resolve

differences

• Not just “rebels”

• Law abiding

citizens

• Tried to make

system work

Attempts to Resolve

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Fifth Part Declares

Independence

“…appealing to

the world for the

rectitude of our

intentions…”

“…united colonies

are absolved from

all allegiance to

the British crown.”

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Rectitude

Righteousness as a consequence

of being honorable and honest

27

• No assurances the

separation would

succeed

• Leaders could be

hung as traitors

• Pledged to each

other “…our lives,

our fortunes, and

our sacred

honor.”

28

A. rebellions

B. contentment

C. republics

D. monarchies

The Founders established the

government on the brand new concept

that “all men are created equal,” at a

time when they were surrounded by

_______.

29

A. rebellions

B. contentment

C. republics

D. monarchies

The Founders established the

government on the brand new concept

that “all men are created equal,” at a

time when they were surrounded by

_______.

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The United States Constitution

Revolutionary War-1777

The Articles of Confederation were the

first attempt to establish a government

of the United States.30

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The First Continental Congress developed

the Articles of Confederation in 1777.

Achievements:

• Won the Revolutionary War

• U. S. acknowledged as a country

• Organized Northwest Territories32

33

The colonies’

individual interests

varied:

Articles appealed to

diverse groups of

separate little

countries.

New England-seafarers-eastward toward

Atlantic

Middle and Southern-farmers-westward

towards more land

34

Colonies’ western

borders:

Some smaller colonies

were well defined,

others claimed vast

tracts westward.

No one really knew.

Daniel Shays’ rebellion

triggered new thinking

about the national

government.34

35

A. It discouraged exploration by the

French

B. It blocked the British from threatening

from Canada

C. It later became five new states

D. It alleviated the overcrowded cities of

the northeastern states.

What was the significance of the

organization of the Northwest

Territories?

36

A. It discouraged exploration by the

French

B. It blocked the British from threatening

from Canada

C. It later became five new states

D. It alleviated the overcrowded cities of

the northeastern states.

What was the significance of the

organization of the Northwest

Territories?

37

Shay’s Rebellion and the Need

for a Stronger Government

1786-Daniel Shays—leader of

Massachusetts farmers heavily indebt, losing homes and farms to taxes.

Sympathetic mobs intervened to keep

farmers’ (many Revolutionary War

Veterans) properties.

38

On January 25, 1787, to arm themselves,

the group attacked the Continental Army

Arsenal in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Rebellion failed when fired upon but it

was a warning to authorities.

Articles of Confederation requiredunanimous consent of all states before

Federal action so this was a state matter.

This demonstrated the weakness of the

Articles of Confederation. 38

39

“We are either a united people or we are

not. If the former, let us act as a nation.

If we are not, let us no longer act a farce

by pretending to it.”

George Washington

(private citizen 1783-1787)

wrote to James Madison

(future drafter of

the Constitution):

40

Under the Articles of Confederation, the

government had no:

• real taxing authority

• executive or judicial branch

• power to regulate trade

• power to regulate relations

between states, or a state and

a foreign country40

41

States could not

agree on a national

currency, each

state printed

its own.

It required a two-

thirds vote by the

delegates to pass a

law.

41

42

A constitutional convention

convened in May 1787 to amend

the Articles of Confederation.

Meeting until September,

it drew up a new constitution

instead.

Two plans considered:

• James Madison’s Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan42

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Constitutional Convention

A special meeting held to

draw up a new constitution

4444

45

A. Powerless to direct relations

between states, or between states

and a foreign country

B. Powerless to impose a national

banking system

C. Powerless to regulate trade

D. Powerless to tax

Which of these factors did most of the

Founders NOT believe was a weakness

of the Articles of Confederation?

46

A. Powerless to direct relations

between states, or between states

and a foreign country

B. Powerless to impose a national

banking system

C. Powerless to regulate trade

D. Powerless to tax

Which of these factors did most of the

Founders NOT believe was a weakness

of the Articles of Confederation?

47

James Madison

Youthful “Father of the Constitution”

• At 36, one of the

youngest founders

• Talents admired

• Most influential

• arrived early

• brought detailed

plan

47

48

• Kept most detailed

notes of session

proceedings

• Attended almost

every session

Much of what we

know today comes

from his notes.

48

49

Virginia Plan

• Strong central

government

• Three branches

• legislative

• executive

• judicial

49

50

Empowered national

legislature to:

• pass laws states

could not pass

• strike down state

laws conflicting

with national laws

• call armed forces

to enforce national

laws

51

William Paterson

offered the

New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey

Plan mainly just

tinkered with the

Articles of

Confederation

52

New Jersey Plan—national government:

• would have some taxing authority

• could levy import duties/stamp tax

• had power to collect from states

• had power to regulate trade

• Congress-passed laws would be

supreme laws of land

• included a form of executive and

judicial branches

52

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Levy

To impose or collect (a tax)

54

Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan

• How much power should the

national government have?

• How would states’ representation

be determined? Should each state’s

representation depend on population

or geographical size?

55

Under Articles of Confederation

All states represented

equally

• small population

states liked

• large population

states disliked

Intense debate

threatened convention

56

A. He arrived early to the convention with

a prepared plan.

B. His copious, detailed notes have

allowed us to know about what

happened at the convention.

C. He was one of the oldest Framers of

the Constitution.

D. He was present at almost every

session of the convention.

Which of the following statements is NOT

true regarding James Madison’s role as

the Father of the Constitution?

57

A. He arrived early to the convention with

a prepared plan.

B. His copious, detailed notes have

allowed us to know about what

happened at the convention.

C. He was one of the oldest Framers of

the Constitution.

D. He was present at almost every

session of the convention.

Which of the following statements is NOT

true regarding James Madison’s role as

the Father of the Constitution?

58

The Great Compromise

Roger Sherman of Connecticut

reintroduced an earlier plan

• All states treated equal in

an upper house

• Lower house apportioned

by population

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Balance between small and large

states

• Each state is allowed two Senators.

• 435 Representatives are divided based

on state population with a minimum of 1

59

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Other

Constitutional Balancing Acts

The Great Compromise was important

but not the only compromise.

60

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Balance between the Federal

Government and States

• Federal government given specific

(enumerated) power

• States retain law-making powers62

63

Balance between House

of Representatives and the Senate

• House of Representatives originates

all taxing laws

• Senate approves Presidential

appointments to the cabinet and

Supreme Court63

64

x

Balance between the Senate and the

President

• Agreement needed on all treaties

between the United States and foreign

governments.64

65

Legislative Executive

Judicial

Each branch of the

government is

assigned specific

responsibilities.

65

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• Legislative branch makes the laws

and levies the taxes.

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• Executive branch enforces the laws.

68

U.S. Supreme Court

• Judicial branch interprets the laws and

assures the rights of the individual.

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• The legislative branch passes laws.

• The president may veto laws.

• The legislature may over-ride the

president's veto with a 2/3 majority

vote.

• The judicial branch may declare a law

unconstitutional.

70

Veto

The right (of a President)

to reject a piece of legislation

71

U.S. GOVERNMENT’S CHECKS AND BALANCES

Executive Branch

The President

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court

Federal Courts

Legislative Branch

The Congress

Constitution

Can declare a law unconstitutional

and set it aside.

Must approve appointments.

Can impeach judges.

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72

States preserve a say in the union by their

collective power to approve or reject

constitutional amendments.

73

“…whenever two thirds of both

Houses shall deem it necessary,

shall propose Amendments to this

Constitution,…

or two thirds of the several States,

shall call a Convention for proposing

Amendments, …shall be valid …when

ratified by the Legislatures of three

fourths of the several

States, …”

74

A. The most heavily populated states would have

two national representatives, and the less

populated states one.

B. National representation would be determined

by the amount of taxes the states paid to the

national government.

C. The states would be divided into large

districts, with each district being assigned one

representative at the national level.

D. National representation would take place in

two houses, one with equal representation,

one with representation based on population.

What was the central proposal of the Great

Compromise?

75

A. The most heavily populated states would have

two national representatives, and the less

populated states one.

B. National representation would be determined

by the amount of taxes the states paid to the

national government.

C. The states would be divided into large

districts, with each district being assigned one

representative at the national level.

D. National representation would take place in

two houses, one with equal representation,

one with representation based on population.

What was the central proposal of the Great

Compromise?

76

A. The legislative branch: interpreting

laws.

B. The judicial branch: making laws.

C. The executive branch: enforcing laws.

D. The legislative branch: assuring

individuals’ rights

Which of these relationships is

accurate?

77

A. The legislative branch: interpreting

laws.

B. The judicial branch: making laws.

C. The executive branch: enforcing laws.

D. The legislative branch: assuring

individuals’ rights

Which of these relationships is

accurate?

78

An Overview of the

United States Constitution

• Form a more perfect union

• Establish justice

• Ensure domestic tranquility

• Provide for the common defense

• Promote general welfare

• Secure the blessings of liberty

• To ourselves and posterity78

Preamble

79

Posterity

Future generations

8080

81

Article I - Legislative Branch

Section 1: Legislative power vested

Section 2: House of Representatives

Section 3: Senate

Section 4: Elections of Senators and

Representatives

Section 5: Rules of House and Senate

Section 6: Compensation and

Privileges of Members81

82

Article I - Legislative Branch

Section 7: Passage of Bills

Section 8: Scope of Legislative Power• Declare war

• Raise & support armies

• Provide and maintain a navy

•Make rules for the forces

Section 9: Limits on Legislative Power

Section 10: Limits on States

82

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Article II - Executive Branch

Section 1: Election, Installation, Removal

Section 2: Presidential PowerCommander-in-Chief of all armed

forces

Section 3: State of the Union, Receive

Ambassadors, Laws Faithfully

Executed, Commission Officers

Section 4: Impeachment83

84

Article III - Judiciary

Section 1: Judicial Power Vested

Section 2: Scope of Judicial Power

Section 3: Treason

84

85

Section 1: Full Faith and Credit

Section 2: Privileges and Immunities,

Extradition, Fugitive Slaves

Section 3: Admission of New States

Section 4: Guarantees to States for

autonomy and adherence

Article IV - States

85

86

Autonomy

The quality or state of being

self-governing

87

Article V - The Amendment Process

2/3

3/487

88

Article VI - Legal Status of the Constitution

Supreme law of the land88

89

Article VII - Ratify

July 1788

9 of 1389

90

Ratify

To formally confirm or approve,

as of a treaty or a constitutional

amendment

91

A. posterity

B. primogeniture

C. predecessors

D. potentiality

The Preamble to the Constitution states

that the document is intended to protect

the liberty of _______, meaning future

generations.

92

A. posterity

B. primogeniture

C. predecessors

D. potentiality

The Preamble to the Constitution states

that the document is intended to protect

the liberty of _______, meaning future

generations.

93

A. the President

B. the Supreme Court justices

C. the states

D. Congress

Article I deals with the duties of _______.

94

A. the President

B. the Supreme Court justices

C. the states

D. Congress

Article I deals with the duties of _______.

95 Independence Hall

Some states

would not ratify

without a bill of

rights.

With ratification

in jeopardy,

Framers

promised a bill

of rights after

ratification.

Bill of Rights

95

96

Congress added the first ten

amendments to the U.S. Constitution

in 1791.

• defines citizens’ rights

• states limitations on governments

96

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Amendment

A formal alteration to a document

such as a constitution or law

9898

99

Constitution—large institutional matters

Bill of Rights—ordinary individual lives

• Worship (or not)

• Peaceable assembly

• Speech and Press

99

100

Judges, lawyers and officers of the court

know the amendments governing:

• search and seizure

• self-incrimination

• right to counsel

101

Overview of the first 10 amendments

101

102102

103

First Amendment:

Freedom of Religion

The right to

exercise one's

own religion, or

no religion,

free from any

government

influence or

compulsions.

104

Even unpopular

expression is

protected from

government

suppression or

censorship.

First Amendment:

Freedom of Speech

105

Freedom of the press gives citizens

the right to print or publish truthful

thoughts, ideas, or opinions.

First Amendment:

Freedom of the Press

106

Supreme Court Justice

Oliver Wendell Holmes:

Freedom of religion,

speech, and the press

comes with the

responsibility to not

“…present a clear and

present danger…” to

the public. Each citizen

must exercise his or her

freedoms responsibly.

107107

108

Second Amendment:

The Right to Bear Arms

The right to bear arms allows citizens

to own weapons.108

109109

110

Third Amendment:

Quartering of Soldiers

Citizens cannot be forced

to house (or quarter)

soldiers in their homes

during peacetime.

However, during wartime soldiers

can be quartered in private homes,

as prescribed by law.

111

Quartering

Lodging, or providing living

quarters for soldiers

112

A. superiority

B. limitations

C. ambiguities

D. particulars

The Bill of Rights was intended to define

the rights of the citizens and also to

state the _______ of the new state and

federal governments.

113

A. superiority

B. limitations

C. ambiguities

D. particulars

The Bill of Rights was intended to define

the rights of the citizens and also to

state the _______ of the new state and

federal governments.

114114

115

Fourth Amendment:

Search and Seizure

The right to be free of unwarranted

and unwanted government intrusion

into one's personal and private affairs,

papers, and possessions

Civil Liberties

116

Police may search only after obtaining

a warrant from a judge.

Part of everyday work for police,

courts, and lawyers.

117117

118

Fifth Amendment:

Criminal Proceedings and Due Process

The right to be treated fairly by the

government whenever the loss of

liberty or property is at stake.

119

Rights affecting criminal proceedings include:

• An indictment and grand jury hearing

• Protection against double jeopardy

• Protection against self-incrimination

120

Indictment

A written statement charging

someone with a crime or other

offense, drawn up by a

prosecuting attorney, and

presented by a grand jury

121

Double Jeopardy means a person

cannot be tried for the same crime twice.121

122

Self-incrimination means a person is

protected from being forced to testify

against himself or herself.122

123

The last section of the amendment

deals with preventing arbitrary

confiscation of private property.123

124

A. Oliver Wendell Holmes

B. John Marshall

C. Earl Warren

D. William Taft

What Supreme Court justice stated in

1917 that if someone’s words “present a

clear and present danger” to the safety

of the citizens, the words are not

protected by the first amendment?

125

A. Oliver Wendell Holmes

B. John Marshall

C. Earl Warren

D. William Taft

What Supreme Court justice stated in

1917 that if someone’s words “present a

clear and present danger” to the safety

of the citizens, the words are not

protected by the first amendment?

126126

127

Sixth Amendment:

The Right to a Jury Trial

Guarantees the rights to:

• a trial by peers

• a prompt and public trial

• call and question witnesses

• an attorney

128128

129

Seventh Amendment:

The Right to a Civil Trial

Guarantees the right to:

• a trial in any dispute over

money or property

130130

131

Eighth Amendment:

Punishment for Crimes

Bail cannot be for an unreasonable

amount of money.

Bail is money or property given to a

court to guarantee that an accused

person will appear in court.

132

Courts cannot impose excessive

fines or punishments that are:

• Cruel

• Unusual

133133

134

Ninth Amendment:

Unenumerated Rights

Just because other rights and freedoms

are not mentioned in the amendments

doesn’t mean the citizens do not have

them. Not every right needs to be

enumerated.

135

Enumerated

To list, or to specify individually

136136

137

Tenth Amendment:

Powers Reserved to the States

Any power not assigned to the federal

government or forbidden to the states

remains with the states or the people.

Freedom, not restriction, is the

basis of our government.

138

A. warrant

B. writ

C. indictment

D. amendment

The Fifth Amendment states that citizens

cannot be tried without a prosecuting

attorney-prepared document charging

them with a crime, called a/an _______.

139

A. warrant

B. writ

C. indictment

D. amendment

The Fifth Amendment states that citizens

cannot be tried without a prosecuting

attorney-prepared document charging

them with a crime, called a/an _______.

140

After the first 10, only 17 more amendments

• 6 define a person and voting rights

• 200 years—still growing, changing,

expanding our definition of freedom

Other Constitutional Amendments

141

AMENDMENT XI Passed by Congress March 4, 1794.

Ratified February 7, 1795.

Clarifies judicial power over foreign

nationals and limits the ability of

citizens to sue states.141

142

AMENDMENT XIl Passed by Congress December 9, 1803.

Ratified June 15, 1804.

Changes procedure for electing

Vice President.142

143

AMENDMENT XIll Passed by Congress January 31, 1865.

Ratified December 6, 1865.

Ended slavery throughout the

United States143

144

AMENDMENT XIV Passed by Congress June 13, 1866.

Ratified July 9, 1868.

Declared newly freed slaves to be citizens.

144

145

AMENDMENT XV Passed by Congress February 26, 1869.

Ratified February 3, 1870.

Outlawed racial tests for voting.

145

146

AMENDMENT XVI Passed by Congress July 2, 1909.

Ratified February 3, 1913.

Allowed federal government to

introduce a personal income tax.146

147

AMENDMENT XVlI Passed by Congress May 13, 1912.

Ratified April 8, 1913.

Provided for popular (direct) election

of Senators.147

148

A. the president

B. the vice president

C. senators

D. Representatives to the House

Amendment XII changes the procedure

of electing _______.

149

A. the president

B. the vice president

C. senators

D. Representatives to the House

Amendment XII changes the procedure

of electing _______.

150

AMENDMENT XVllI Passed by Congress December 18, 1917.

Ratified January 16, 1919.

Banned alcoholic beverages in the

Unites States. 150

151

AMENDMENT XIX Passed by Congress June 4, 1919.

Ratified August 18, 1920.

Granted women the right to vote.151

152

AMENDMENT XX Passed by Congress March 2, 1932.

Ratified January 23, 1933.

• Changed presidential inauguration date

to January 20

• Changed Congress convening date to

January 3

• Clarified procedures to fill vacancies152

153

AMENDMENT XXI Passed by Congress February 20, 1933.

Ratified December 5, 1933.

Repealed Amendment XVlll.153

154

AMENDMENT XXlI Passed by Congress March 21, 1947.

Ratified February 27, 1951.

Limits Presidents to two terms of office.

154

155

AMENDMENT XXllI Passed by Congress June 16, 1960.

Ratified March 29, 1961.

Granted residents of the District of

Columbia the right to vote in presidential

elections. 155

156

AMENDMENT XXIVPassed by Congress August 27, 1962.

Ratified January 23, 1964.

Forbade states from requiring taxes

(head taxes) as a condition of voting. 156

157

AMENDMENT XXV Passed by Congress July 6, 1965.

Ratified February 10, 1967.

• Clarified Presidential succession

• Provided for appointment of a new

Vice President

• Provided for temporary transfer

of Presidential powers157

158

AMENDMENT XXVI Passed by Congress March 23, 1971.

Ratified July 1, 1971.

Granted 18-year-olds the right

to vote in federal elections. 158

159

AMENDMENT XXVlI Originally proposed September 25, 1789.

Ratified May 7, 1992.

Congressional pay raises do not

begin until after the next election. 159

160

A. XVII

B. XVIII

C. XIX

D. XX

Which amendment gave women the right

to vote?

160

161

A. XVII

B. XVIII

C. XIX

D. XX

Which amendment gave women the right

to vote?

162

Conclusion

The Declaration

of Independence

launched the

United States with

a new vision—a

Government

deriving its “…just

powers from the

consent of the

governed.”

163

During the first years, including the

Revolutionary War, the country was

governed by the Articles of

Confederation.

164

• A stronger national government was

needed.

• Constitutional convention convened

in Spring 1787 to revise Articles of

Confederation but drew up a new

Constitution instead.

• Stronger federal government

• executive

• legislative

• judicial164

165

• By July 1788, a majority of states

ratified it and the Constitution took

effect.

• Congress and the states modified it

almost immediately with Bill of Rights

{Amendments 1-10}

• Over the following 200 years we

have added 17 more Amendments

165

166

A. prologue

B. preface

C. prelude

D. preamble

The introduction to the

Declaration of Independence,

which announces the plan to

separate from the British Empire,

is known as the _______.

167

A. prologue

B. preface

C. prelude

D. preamble

The introduction to the

Declaration of Independence,

which announces the plan to

separate from the British Empire,

is known as the _______.

168

A. unalterable

B. indivisible

C. unalienable

D. inevitable

A central idea of the Declaration

of Independence is that “life,

liberty, and the pursuit of

happiness” are among the

_______ rights of human beings,

those that cannot be taken away

or given to another.

169

A. unalterable

B. indivisible

C. unalienable

D. inevitable

A central idea of the Declaration

of Independence is that “life,

liberty, and the pursuit of

happiness” are among the

_______ rights of human beings,

those that cannot be taken away

or given to another.

170

A. divine

B. regal

C. unalienable

D. consecrated

The Founders felt strongly that

the government’s power should

come from the people, not from

someone ruling by _______

rights believed to have come

from a deity.

171

A. divine

B. regal

C. unalienable

D. consecrated

The Founders felt strongly that

the government’s power should

come from the people, not from

someone ruling by _______

rights believed to have come

from a deity.

172

A. One part describes the actions the

colonists took to resolve the problems

with England.

B. The document was intended to explain to

the world why the colonists were taking

such a drastic step.

C. It was signed by members of the First

Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

D. The philosophy of government it stated

was so unique that the new country was

known as the “American experiment.”

Which of these statements is NOT accurate

about the Declaration of Independence?

173

A. One part describes the actions the

colonists took to resolve the problems

with England.

B. The document was intended to explain to

the world why the colonists were taking

such a drastic step.

C. It was signed by members of the First

Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

D. The philosophy of government it stated

was so unique that the new country was

known as the “American experiment.”

Which of these statements is NOT accurate

about the Declaration of Independence?

174

A. Both the Revolutionary War and the War

of 1812 were fought and won.

B. The United States was recognized as a

real country by other countries.

C. The Northwest Territories were

organized, setting the stage for the

addition of five new states.

D. Daniel Shays led a rebellion that brought

to light the weakness of the national

government.

During the time when the country was

governed by the Articles of Confederation,

all of the following events occurred except

which one?

175

A. Both the Revolutionary War and the War

of 1812 were fought and won.

B. The United States was recognized as a

real country by other countries.

C. The Northwest Territories were

organized, setting the stage for the

addition of five new states.

D. Daniel Shays led a rebellion that brought

to light the weakness of the national

government.

During the time when the country was

governed by the Articles of Confederation,

all of the following events occurred except

which one?

176

A. To write a completely new constitution

B. To amend the Articles of

Confederation

C. To debate whether or not the Articles

of Confederation should be changed.

D. To discuss legal means of organizing

a national army to counter the threat

of a second war with England

For what original purpose did the

Constitutional Convention assemble in

the spring of 1787?

177

A. To write a completely new constitution

B. To amend the Articles of

Confederation

C. To debate whether or not the Articles

of Confederation should be changed.

D. To discuss legal means of organizing

a national army to counter the threat

of a second war with England

For what original purpose did the

Constitutional Convention assemble in

the spring of 1787?

178

A. Method of taxation

B. Trade regulations

C. Federal bank

D. Executive and judicial

branches

The leaders of early America felt

the Articles of Confederation

lacked some important powers,

including all of the following

except which one?

179

A. Method of taxation

B. Trade regulations

C. Federal bank

D. Executive and judicial

branches

The leaders of early America felt

the Articles of Confederation

lacked some important powers,

including all of the following

except which one?

180

A. He supported the New Jersey

Plan.

B. He took detailed notes and

attended nearly every meeting.

C. He was one of the youngest

delegates, only 36 years old.

D. He arrived in Philadelphia early,

bringing a plan with him.

Which of these statements is NOT

true about James Madison, the

Father of the Constitution?

181

A. He supported the New Jersey

Plan.

B. He took detailed notes and

attended nearly every meeting.

C. He was one of the youngest

delegates, only 36 years old.

D. He arrived in Philadelphia early,

bringing a plan with him.

Which of these statements is NOT

true about James Madison, the

Father of the Constitution?

182

A. How the state and federal

governments’ powers would be

balanced

B. How national laws would be

initiated and passed

C. How states’ representation

would be handled

D. How much power the president

should have

What controversial problem did

the Great Compromise solve?

183

A. How the state and federal

governments’ powers would be

balanced

B. How national laws would be

initiated and passed

C. How states’ representation

would be handled

D. How much power the president

should have

What controversial problem did

the Great Compromise solve?

184

A. Judicial: makes laws

Legislative: interprets laws

Executive: enforces laws

B. Legislative: makes laws

Judicial: interprets laws

Executive: enforces laws

C. Legislative: enforces laws

Judicial: makes laws

Executive: interprets laws

D. Judicial: interprets laws

Executive: makes laws

Legislative: enforces laws

Which of these groups accurately reflects the

responsibilities of the three branches of the

federal government?

185

A. Judicial: makes laws

Legislative: interprets laws

Executive: enforces laws

B. Legislative: makes laws

Judicial: interprets laws

Executive: enforces laws

C. Legislative: enforces laws

Judicial: makes laws

Executive: interprets laws

D. Judicial: interprets laws

Executive: makes laws

Legislative: enforces laws

Which of these groups accurate reflects the

responsibilities of the three branches of the

federal government?

186

A. To pass amendments to the

Constitution

B. To confirm presidential

appointees to its own body, the

Supreme Court

C. To approve the constitutions of

new states

D. To rule that a law passed by

Congress is unconstitutional

Which of these powers belongs to

the Supreme Court?

187

A. To pass amendments to the

Constitution

B. To confirm presidential

appointees to its own body, the

Supreme Court

C. To approve the constitutions of

new states

D. To rule that a law passed by

Congress is unconstitutional

Which of these powers belongs to

the Supreme Court?

188

A. To determine the constitutionality

of a law

B. To confirm presidential

appointees to the Supreme Court

C. To override a presidential veto

with a two-thirds majority vote

D. To ratify all treaties the president

makes with foreign powers

The legislative branch of the federal

government possesses all the

following powers except which one?

189

A. To determine the constitutionality

of a law

B. To confirm presidential

appointees to the Supreme Court

C. To override a presidential veto

with a two-thirds majority vote

D. To ratify all treaties the president

makes with foreign powers

The legislative branch of the federal

government possesses all the

following powers except which one?

190

A. Draft

B. Remit

C. Levy

D. Confer

What term is used to refer to the

assigning or collecting of

taxes?

191

A. Draft

B. Remit

C. Levy

D. Confer

What term is used to refer to the

assigning or collecting of

taxes?

192

A. Confirmation

B. Rejection

C. Interpretation

D. Initiation

What type of action is a veto,

such as done by a president?

193

A. Confirmation

B. Rejection

C. Interpretation

D. Initiation

What type of action is a veto,

such as done by a president?

194

A. predecessors

B. posterity

C. forefathers

D. constituents

The Constitution begins by

asserting, among other things,

that “We the people of the

United States” intend to ensure

freedom for “ourselves and our

_______,” or future generations.

195

A. predecessors

B. posterity

C. forefathers

D. constituents

The Constitution begins by

asserting, among other things,

that “We the people of the

United States” intend to ensure

freedom for “ourselves and our

_______,” or future generations.

196

A. Ratification

B. Confirmation

C. Proclamation

D. Declamation

What term is used to refer to the

formal approval, as of a treaty

or an amendment to the

Constitution?

197

A. Ratification

B. Confirmation

C. Proclamation

D. Declamation

What term is used to refer to the

formal approval, as of a treaty

or an amendment to the

Constitution?

198

A. Ratification

B. Restitution

C. Amendement

D. Amelioration

What term is used to refer to the

formal changing or altering of a

document such as a

constitution or a law?

199

A. Ratification

B. Restitution

C. Amendement

D. Amelioration

What term is used to refer to the

formal changing or altering of a

document such as a

constitution or a law?

200

A. qualities

B. limitations

C. superiority

D. restructuring

Both to define the rights of the

citizens and to state the _______

of the new state and federal

governments were the reasons

behind the first ten amendments

to the Constitution, called the

Bill of Rights.

201

A. qualities

B. limitations

C. superiority

D. restructuring

Both to define the rights of the

citizens and to state the _______

of the new state and federal

governments were the reasons

behind the first ten amendments

to the Constitution, called the

Bill of Rights.

202

A. Of peaceable assembly

B. Of free speech

C. Of religion

D. Of bearing arms

Which of these rights is NOT

guaranteed by the First

Amendment?

203

A. Of peaceable assembly

B. Of free speech

C. Of religion

D. Of bearing arms

Which of these rights is NOT

guaranteed by the First

Amendment?

204

A. Chief Justice of the Supreme

Court Oliver Wendell Holmes

B. US President Woodrow Wilson

C. Speaker of the House of

Representatives Henry Clay

D. Presidential Candidate Abraham

Lincoln

Who made it clear that the words of

any citizen who abused the right of

free speech to present “a clear and

present danger” would not be

protected by the Constitution?

205

A. Chief Justice of the Supreme

Court Oliver Wendell Holmes

B. US President Woodrow Wilson

C. Speaker of the House of

Representatives Henry Clay

D. Presidential Candidate Abraham

Lincoln

Who made it clear that the words of

any citizen who abused the right of

free speech to present “a clear and

present danger” would not be

protected by the Constitution?

206

A. Right to bear arms

B. Quartering of soldiers in

peace time

C. Search and seizure

D. Due process in criminal

proceedings

The Second Amendment

addresses which of these

topics?

207

A. Right to bear arms

B. Quartering of soldiers in

peace time

C. Search and seizure

D. Due process in criminal

proceedings

The Second Amendment

addresses which of these

topics?

208

A. contribute to their salaries

B. provide them a place to live

C. follow their orders except in

national emergencies

D. serve in the armed forces

except in war time

The Third Amendment prevents

citizens from being forced in

peacetime to quarter soldiers,

which means that citizens are not

required to _______.

209

A. contribute to their salaries

B. provide them a place to live

C. follow their orders except in

national emergencies

D. serve in the armed forces

except in war time

The Third Amendment prevents

citizens from being forced in

peacetime to quarter soldiers,

which means that citizens are not

required to _______.

210

A. writ of habeas corpus

B. warrant

C. indictment

D. summons

The Fifth Amendment protects

citizens from being tried without

a/an _______, which is legal

document prepared by a

prosecuting attorney charging

them with a crime.

211

A. writ of habeas corpus

B. warrant

C. indictment

D. summons

The Fifth Amendment protects

citizens from being tried without

a/an _______, which is legal

document prepared by a

prosecuting attorney charging

them with a crime.

212

A. validated

B. certified

C. prioritized

D. enumerated

The Ninth Amendment states

that just because certain rights

are not _______ (listed or

specified) in the Constitution, it

does not mean that citizens do

not have that right.

213

A. validated

B. certified

C. prioritized

D. enumerated

The Ninth Amendment states

that just because certain rights

are not _______ (listed or

specified) in the Constitution, it

does not mean that citizens do

not have that right.

214

A. Third

B. Fourth

C. Fifth

D. Sixth

Which amendment permits

people to refuse to testify

against themselves?

215

A. Third

B. Fourth

C. Fifth

D. Sixth

Which amendment permits

people to refuse to testify

against themselves?

216

A. 12

B. 13

C. 16

D. 17

How many amendments to the

Constitution have been passed

since the Bill of Rights?

217

A. 12

B. 13

C. 16

D. 17

How many amendments to the

Constitution have been passed

since the Bill of Rights?

218

A. 1962

B. 1969

C. 1971

D. 1973

In what year were 18-year-olds

given the right to vote?

219

A. 1962

B. 1969

C. 1971

D. 1973

In what year were 18-year-olds

given the right to vote?

220

A. Slavery

B. Governmental structure

C. Citizenship

D. Voting

What subject do Amendments

XV, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, and XXVI

have in common?

221

A. Slavery

B. Governmental structure

C. Citizenship

D. Voting

What subject do Amendments

XV, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, and XXVI

have in common?

222

A. Consumption of alcoholic

beverages

B. Levying of a personal income

tax

C. Establishment of slavery

D. Limitation of the presidential

term of office

What was banned by one

amendment and then reinstated

when the amendment was

repealed?

223

A. Consumption of alcoholic

beverages

B. Levying of a personal income

tax

C. Establishment of slavery

D. Limitation of the presidential

term of office

What was banned by one

amendment and then reinstated

when the amendment was

repealed?

224

A. Declaration of Independence

B. Bill of Rights

C. US Constitution

D. Articles of Confederation

What document is unique

because it directly affects how

American citizens live their

daily lives?

225

A. Declaration of Independence

B. Bill of Rights

C. US Constitution

D. Articles of Confederation

What document is unique

because it directly affects how

American citizens live their

daily lives?