Constitutional Republic of the United States

How does the constitutional republic of the United States reflect the ideas expressed in this document?

• by establishing a tradition of civic participation

• by allowing states to challenge federal laws in court

• by maintaining rule of law and holding all citizens accountable

• by creating a separation of powers between branches of government

Based on this passage, which foundational principle is being described? "We the People of the United States, ... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

• rule of law

• limited government

• due process of law

• equality of mankind

What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?

• Freedom of speech

• Right to bear arms

• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• Right to privacy

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

The diagram describes the causes that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

• Colonial agricultural trade increases.

• Colonial religious rights are restricted.

• The British enact a series of taxes in the colonies.

• The British grant the colonists representation in Parliament.

The passage comes from the Declaration of Independence. Based on the passage, where should governments get their power?

• from God

• from the public

• from the legislative branch

• from the executive branch

Which weakness of the Articles of Confederation was highlighted by the events of Shays's Rebellion?

• no power to tax

• no national armed forces

• lack of a legislative branch

• lack of a national court system

In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase "We the People"?

• Citizens express their will through political parties.

• Citizens express their will by directly creating laws.

• Government receives taxes from citizens and exists to support them.

• Government receives its power from citizens and exists to serve them.

The newspaper details an important step in filling a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Which constitutional principle does the headline illustrate?

• rule of law

• judicial review

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

The passage is from Anti-Federalist Paper #84, written by John DeWitt in 1787. "The Constitution proposed to your acceptance is designed, not for yourselves alone, but for generations yet unborn. The principles, therefore, upon which the social compact is founded, ought to have been clearly and precisely stated, and the most express and full declaration of rights to have been made. But on this subject there is almost an entire silence." Based on this passage, with which statement regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution would DeWitt agree?

• The Constitution should limit local government.

• The Constitution should protect individual rights.

• The Constitution should create a strong national government.

• The Constitution should protect the rights of the individual states.