Unit 1 Vocabulary

Which of the following best defines the term 'Articles of Confederation' and provides an example of its use?

• The first constitution of the United States, which created a loose alliance of states. For example, it allowed states to keep most of their power while the national government remained weak.

• A set of laws passed by the British Parliament to tax the American colonies. For example, the Stamp Act was part of these laws.

• A document that ended the American Revolutionary War. For example, the Treaty of Paris recognized American independence.

• A speech given by George Washington at the end of his presidency. For example, the Farewell Address warned against political parties.

Shays' Rebellion can best be described as:

• An armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices after the American Revolution.

• A peace treaty signed between the United States and Britain after the Revolutionary War.

• A movement to abolish slavery in the southern states.

• A battle fought between Native Americans and settlers in the western territories.

The term 'Constitutional Convention' refers to which of the following?

• A meeting to create or revise a constitution

• A celebration of national holidays

• A court case about constitutional rights

• A law passed by the legislature

Which of the following best defines 'Popular Sovereignty' and provides an example or sentence demonstrating its meaning?

• The idea that the authority of a government comes from the people, for example, citizens voting in elections.

• The belief that a king or queen has absolute power over a country, such as a monarchy.

• The principle that only elected officials can make laws, excluding public input.

• The concept that laws are made by judges rather than by the people or their representatives.

Which of the following best defines 'Limited Government' and provides an example?

• A government whose powers are restricted by laws or a constitution; for example, the U.S. government cannot pass laws that violate the Bill of Rights.

• A government that has absolute power over its citizens; for example, a dictatorship.

• A government that is run by a single leader with no checks on their authority; for example, a monarchy.

• A government that controls every aspect of citizens' lives; for example, a totalitarian regime.

The Declaration of Independence is best described as:

• A document declaring the American colonies' independence from Britain.

• A treaty between France and Britain.

• A law passed by the British Parliament to tax the colonies.

• A speech given by George Washington at his inauguration.

Which of the following best defines the term 'Separation of Powers' and provides an example?

• It is the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. For example, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches have separate powers.

• It is the process of dividing a country into different states for administrative purposes. For example, the United States has 50 states.

• It is the act of separating church and state in government affairs. For example, religious leaders cannot make laws.

• It is the system where citizens vote directly on all laws. For example, a direct democracy.

'Checks and Balances' refers to which of the following?

• A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• A process where citizens vote directly on laws.

• A method for balancing the national budget.

• A system where only the president can make laws.

Which of the following best defines 'Federalism' and provides an example of its use?

• A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states. For example, the United States has both federal and state governments.

• A system where all power is held by a single central government, with no power given to regional authorities.

• A form of government where the monarch has absolute power over all regions and people.

• A political system in which local governments operate independently without any central authority.

Which of the following best defines 'Delegated Powers' and provides an example?

• Powers specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution, such as coining money.

• Powers reserved for the states, like setting up schools.

• Powers shared by both state and federal governments, such as taxing.

• Powers that are not written in the Constitution but are assumed to exist.