Civic Literacy Test

Question 1

During the 6th century B.C.E the ancient Athenians divided the powers of their government between two assemblies and guaranteed certain political rights to all male citizens. How do these political reforms best illustrate how societies develop?

Answer 1

by limiting government authority

Question 2

Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece?

Answer 2

the referendum

Question 3

What is the principle function of a written constitution?

Answer 3

outlining the structures and power of a government

Question 4

Which modern process would be supported by the ancient greeks?

Answer 4

electing governors

Question 5

Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government?

Answer 5

Roman

Question 6

A certain country is characterized by the following traits:
1. Power achieved through inheritance
2. Same ruling family over a century
3. Finite freedoms and rights
4. Hierarchical social status
5. Single established state religion
The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the following principles?

Answer 6

divine right of kings

Question 7

Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances as defined in the constitution?

Answer 7

keeping any of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful

Question 8

Laws against defamation, including libel and slander, property damage and breach of contract represent which legal concern underlying most Western nations?

Answer 8

civil law

Question 9

“Well when the President does it that means that it is not illegal”-Richard M Nixon
Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?

Answer 9

rule of law

Question 10

Which form of government is based on popular sovereignty?

Answer 10

republic

Question 11

“We the people of the United States…..”
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S Constitution?

Answer 11

governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule

Question 12

The U.S congress fulfilled which of the following purposes of government when it declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Answer 12

providing for the common defense

Question 13

Which circumstance would require a search warrant?

Answer 13

examining the contents of a hotel room

Question 14

A man is walking down a public street window shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?

Answer 14

Fourth Amendment

Question 15

In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?

Answer 15

The conflict must be resolved using the Supremacy Clause

Question 16

Which article of the U.S Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?

Answer 16

Article 1

Question 17

In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?

Answer 17

the right to demonstrate

Question 18

“A suspect is accused of a crime in one state and flees to another state…”
Which of the following represents a suitable petition for the suspect in this situation, in regard to their constitutional rights?

Answer 18

petition for a writ of habeas corpus

Question 19

Which phrase best describes the power of impeachment?

Answer 19

the ability of the U.S House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation

Question 20

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,…”
Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals in the passage?

Answer 20

enlightenment

Question 20

“He has kept among us in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.”
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?

Answer 20

the third amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances

Question 20

“He has kept among us in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.”
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?

Answer 20

the third amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances

Question 21

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Which if the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments?

Answer 21

Declaration if Independence

Question 22

Which political philosophers ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 22

John Locke

Question 23

Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies?

Answer 23

the colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights

Question 24

In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledge to unite into “a civil body politic” and agreed to make and abide by laws that “insured the general good of the colony”.
What founding document did this set the precedent for?

Answer 24

U.S Constitution

Question 25

Which person is considered to be the principle author of the U.S Constitution?

Answer 25

James Madison

Question 26

Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding documents?

Answer 26

U.S Constitution

Question 27

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude,…”- 13th amendment
Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for the above language?

Answer 27

Northwest Ordinaces

Question 28

The Mayflower Compact includes a pledge to ensure that all citizens look out for the general good of the colony. Based on this, what impact has the Mayflower Compact had on modern understanding of the purpose of government in the United States?

Answer 28

the government should provide equal protection under the law

Question 29

“At the Constitutional Convention, their was a major debate between large states and small states about representation in the new Congress. This debate was resolved by the Great Compromise.”
What was the result of this compromise?

Answer 29

Congress would have two houses, one in which state representation was based on population and one in which all states had equal representation

Question 30

Which of the following reflects the most important consequence of the Watergate break in?

Answer 30

resignation of the President of the United States

Question 31

Which legislation reflects federal efforts to regulate transportation?

Answer 31

Interstate Commerce Act

Question 32

The U.S Supreme Court enabled which government practices to continue in its ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson?

Answer 32

segregating public facilities

Question 33

Which of the following statements regarding the Monroe Doctrine is accurate?

Answer 33

The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere

Question 34

By what process where eighteen year olds fully granted the right to vote?

Answer 34

constitutional amendment

Question 35

“What do the people of America want more than anything else?…..”
Based on the passage, which government program would the speaker support?

Answer 35

New Deal

Question 36

“In order to attract investment and business and reduce expenses, state legislature proposes passing a law that removes the need for certain federal regulatory features relating to office and factory environments.”
Which legislative action would most likely cause the U.S Supreme Court to decide that this violated the Supremacy Clause?

Answer 36

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Question 37

“So if a law be in opposition to the Constitution;…..”
Which supreme court case established the precedent described in the opinion?

Answer 37

Marbury v. Madison

Question 38

Which of the following cases resulted in a decision that undermined civil rights and liberties in prioritization of national security?

Answer 38

Korematsu v. United States

Question 39

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Which if the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments?

Answer 39

Declaration if Independence

Question 39

“A person is charged with felony breaking and entering. During the court proceedings, the defendant requested an attorney and was denied the right to counsel.”
Which Supreme Court Case overturned the trials court decision, due to lack of counsel?

Answer 39

Gideon v. Wainwright