SS.7.CG.1.11: Rule of Law Test Item Bank

What is a characteristic of a society under the rule of law?

• Citizens are at liberty to act without any restraint.

• All citizens and officials are subject to the same rules.

• Officials are free to follow their own private judgment.

• The ruler can take whatever steps he or she feels are necessary.

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SS.7CG.1.11

How does the rule of law protect citizens from arbitrary and abusive acts of government power?

• Officials must treat all citizens fairly and equally, based on known rules.

• Officials are free to follow their own views in emergency situations.

• Citizens can vote unpopular officials out of office at election times.

• Citizens can refuse to follow any laws they believe to be unjust.

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SS.7CG.1.11

In this society, ordinary citizens are fearful because they never know what might happen next. At any moment, they might lose their property or even their personal liberty. Which principle is needed to end this uncertainty?

• the rule of law

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• representative government

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SS.7CG.1.11

The chart below describes the characteristics of three societies. Which of these societies is subject to the rule of law?

• I only

• II only

• I and III

• II and III

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SS.7CG.1.11

The diagram below lists several characteristics: Which phrase completes this diagram?

• The rights and responsibilities of American citizens

• The separation of powers among the three branches of government

• The impact of the rule of law on government officials and institutions

• The goals of government identified in the Preamble to the Constitution

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SS.7CG.1.11

The list below describes several characteristics of the American legal system. What has been an important long-term impact of these characteristics?

• American leaders have continuously been able to increase their power.

• Individual rights have been protected against arbitrary actions by government officials.

• Americans have enjoyed unlimited individual rights even when these endanger the safety of others.

• There have been no limits to the power of the majority of citizens expressed in national elections.

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SS.7CG.1.11

In a trial receiving nationwide publicity, an accused celebrity is found not guilty by the jury. Many Americans are outraged and there is even rioting in some streets. What conclusion can be drawn?

• Juries cannot be trusted to protect the rule of law.

• Actions by famous people threaten the rule of law.

• American citizens no longer have any right to justice.

• Violent reactions to decisions reached through a fair trial threaten the rule of law.

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SS.7CG.1.11

Which statement identifies the main idea of this T-shirt?

• Elected representatives can safely ignore the rule of law.

• Young people should be taught to respect the rule of law.

• Not having any rules at all is better than having the rule of law.

• Without the rule of law, we cannot know which rules to follow.

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SS.7CG.1.11

The passage below is from the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. Based on this passage, with which statement would Aristotle have agreed?

• Government leaders can make their own rules.

• Government leaders must follow the rule of law.

• Government leaders should not be limited by the law.

• Government leaders must be able to exercise their powers without restriction.

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SS.7CG.1.11

The quotation is from a speech by Cicero, an ancient Roman politician. Based on this quotation, with which statement would Cicero have agreed?

• Security is more important than personal liberty.

• Only a majority of citizens have the right to make new laws.

• To enjoy our freedom, we rely on all citizens obeying the law.

• Government leaders must not be limited by laws in an emergency.

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SS.7CG.1.11