American Government and Enlightenment Quiz

Which Enlightenment thinker believed in natural rights like life, liberty, and property?

• John Locke

• Hobbes

• Rousseau

• Montesquieu

What does “separation of powers” mean?

• States and national government share power

• Powers are divided among branches

• Citizens vote on laws

• The Supreme Court is independent

Which document declared American independence?

• Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Federalist Papers

• Declaration of Independence

What did Montesquieu contribute to U.S. government ideas?

• Natural Rights

• Social Contract

• Separation of Powers

• Judicial Review

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Too much presidential power

• No national court system

• Power to tax too strong

• Too many amendments

What is the “Supreme Law of the Land”?

• Declaration of Independence

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• State laws

“We the People” in the Constitution shows what principle?

• Rule of Law

• Checks & Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

What is one thing federalism does?

• Gives power only to the president

• Divides power between levels of government

• Removes power from citizens

• Eliminates Congress

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

• To strengthen Congress

• To list grievances

• To protect individual liberties

• To replace the Declaration

What part of the Constitution states its goals?

• Articles

• Preamble

• Bill of Rights

• Amendments