Studying for the American Government Summative

Which Enlightenment philosopher had a major influence on the American government?

• Karl Marx
• Niccolò Machiavelli
• Plato
• John Locke

What are natural or inalienable rights?

• Privileges granted by the government that can be changed or revoked
• Special rights given only to rulers and the wealthy
• Rights that all people are born with and cannot be taken away
• Laws created by kings to control their subjects

According to John Locke, which of the following are considered natural rights?

• Wealth, power, and status
• Obedience, loyalty, and duty
• Life, liberty, and property
• Strength, intelligence, and leadership

European settlers came to the New World seeking opportunities such as religious freedom, economic gain, and land. However, as the 13 colonies developed, tensions grew between the colonists and Britain. Based on John Locke’s ideas about government, why did many colonists begin to resist British rule?

• They wanted to replace the British monarchy with a new king chosen by the colonists.
• They believed the government was violating their natural rights by imposing taxes and laws without their consent.
• They felt Britain was not expanding westward quickly enough to provide more land.
• They believed Locke supported absolute monarchy, and Britain was not ruling strictly enough.

Which document officially announced the American colonies’ separation from Britain and marked the beginning of their fight for independence?

• The U.S. Constitution
• The Articles of Confederation
• The English Bill of Rights
• The Declaration of Independence

After winning the Revolutionary War and gaining independence from Britain, the United States faced serious problems with its government under the Articles of Confederation. Which of the following issues caused the most trouble for the new nation?

• The president had too much power and ruled like a king.
• The national government was too weak to enforce laws, collect taxes, or regulate trade between states.
• Britain still controlled all American trade and made all government decisions.
• The states had no power and were completely controlled by the national government.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

• A list of complaints against the British king that justified the American Revolution.
• The official peace treaty between Britain and the United States that ended the Revolutionary War.
• The first constitution of the United States that created a weak national government with most power held by the states.
• A set of laws written by Britain to control the American colonies before independence.

What is a constitution?

• A list of individual rights that cannot be taken away by the government.
• A collection of laws passed by a king or ruler to govern a nation.
• A treaty between nations that establishes trade agreements and alliances.
• A written plan that outlines the structure, powers, and principles of a government.

What was the main purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

• To organize and govern newly acquired western lands by setting up a system for surveying, selling land, and establishing rules for statehood.
• To give free land to anyone who wanted to move west without any government regulations.
• To create military forts in the western territories to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
• To divide the original 13 states into smaller territories to make governing easier.

What was the primary cause of Shays Rebellion?

• Disagreements over the boundaries of newly acquired territories.
• Heavy taxation and debt among farmers.
• Disputes between the colonies and British rule.
• Opposition to the new Constitution.