UNIT 1 & 2 EXAM / US HISTORY PM/ MR. ESGUERRA NAME: [1] What was the main cause of the French and Indian War (1754 1763)? (1) disputed land claims in the Ohio River valley between the French and the British (2) conflicts between American colonists and the French over control of the Great Plains (3) taxation of American colonists without representation in Parliament (4) violation of trade agreements between European nations and Native American Indians [2] The British government s use of writs of assistance against American merchants is one reason the Bill of Rights includes protection against (1) cruel and unusual punishment (2) self-incrimination (3) excessive bail (4) unreasonable search and seizure [3]...Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, TIS TIME TO PART.... Thomas Paine, Common Sense In this quotation, Thomas Paine is trying to convince the colonists to (1) accept the Proclamation of 1763 (2) break a treaty with Spain (3) declare their independence from England (4) dissolve their alliance with France [4] Shays Rebellion of 1786 was significant because it (1) showed that the English still had influence after the American Revolution (2) convinced many Americans of the need for a stronger national government (3) revealed the increased threat from rebellious Native American Indians (4) endangered the lives of many recent immigrants [5] The Great Compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention resulted in the (1) formation of the Supreme Court (2) creation of a bicameral legislature (3) development of a two-party system (4) ban on the importation of enslaved Africans [6] Building support for the ratification of the United States Constitution was the purpose of the (1) Farewell Address of George Washington (2) Albany Plan of Union (3) Mayflower Compact (4) Federalist Papers [7] Federalism is best defined as a principle of government that (1) divides power between the central government and state governments (2) includes a system of checks and balances (3) allows the states to nullify national laws (4) places the most power in the hands of the legislative branch [8] All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives;... Article 1, Section 7, United States Constitution The main reason the writers of the Constitution included this provision was to (1) give citizens more influence over taxation issues (2) assure that all citizens would pay taxes (3) deny presidents the power to veto revenue bills (4) provide the government with a balanced budget [9] The United States Constitution grants the Senate the power to (1) impeach governors (2) issue pardons (3) appoint ambassadors (4) approve treaties [10] Which statement about the electoral college system is accurate? (1) The number of electoral votes a state receives is based on its geographic size. (2) A candidate can be elected president without the majority of the popular vote. (3) Presidential candidates are forced to campaign equally in every state. (4) The total number of electoral votes has increased with each census.
[11] Which heading best completes the partial outline below? I. A. Magna Carta B. House of Burgesses C. Town meetings D. John Locke (1) Ideas of Social Darwinism (2) Basis of British Mercantilism (3) Contributions to American Literature (4) Influences on United States Constitutional Government [12] The main reason the Articles of Confederation were replaced as the basis of the United States government was that they (1) lacked provision for a national congress (2) declared that political protests were unconstitutional (3) placed too many restrictions on the activities of state governments (4) failed to give the central government enough power to govern effectively Base your answers to questions 13 and 14 on the passage below and on your knowledge of social studies. We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Preamble to the United States Constitution [13] In this passage, the authors are stating that (1) both men and women should have equal voting rights (2) state governments created the United States government (3) sovereignty belongs to the people of the nation (4) people obtain their rights from their monarch [14] Which two groups debated the ratification of the new Constitution? (1) loyalists and revolutionaries (2) Federalists and Antifederalists (3) Democratic Party and Whig Party (4) executive branch and judicial branch [15] Which heading best completes the partial outline below? I. A. National nominating conventions B. Political parties C. Congressional committees (1) Articles of Confederation (2) Constitutional Compromises (3) Jeffersonian Democracy (4) Unwritten Constitution [16] The amendment process was included in the Constitution to (1) allow for change over time (2) expand the powers of the president (3) increase citizen participation in government (4) limit the authority of the United States Supreme Court [17] A major purpose of the president s cabinet is to (1) offer advice on important issues (2) nominate ambassadors (3) conduct impeachment trials (4) regulate the amount of money in circulation [18] The Mayflower Compact and the Virginia House of Burgesses are most closely associated with (1) abuses by absolute monarchs (2) establishment of religious toleration (3) steps toward colonial self-government (4) adoption of universal suffrage [19] The authors of the Declaration of Independence used the phrase Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness to identify (1) natural rights (2) legal rights (3) States rights (4) economic rights [20] In order to win ratification of the United States Constitution, supporters agreed to (1) add a bill of rights (2) admit new states to the Union (3) establish an electoral college (4) give the Senate the power to ratify treaties
[21] The main purpose for writing the Declaration of Independence was to (1) declare war on Great Britain (2) force France to support the Revolutionary War (3) convince Great Britain to abolish slavery (4) state the colonists reasons for separating from Great Britain [22] At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which problem was solved by the Great Compromise? (1) developing the method of electing a president (2) designating control of interstate commerce (3) outlining the structure of the federal court system (4) establishing the formula for representation in Congress [23] In the United States Constitution, the power to impeach a federal government official is given to the (1) House of Representatives (2) president (3) state legislatures (4) Supreme Court [24] A constitutional power specifically delegated to the federal government is the power to (1) regulate marriage and divorce (2) establish education standards (3) declare war (4) issue driver s licenses [25] To win a presidential election, a candidate must win a (1) two-thirds vote of the state legislatures (2) two-thirds vote in Congress (3) majority of the popular vote (4) majority of the electoral college vote [26] The British benefited from their mercantilist relationship with the American colonies primarily by (1) supporting the growth of colonial industries (2) prohibiting colonists from fishing and fur trading (3) taking large amounts of gold and silver from the southern colonies (4) buying raw materials from the colonies and selling them finished products [27] The Declaration of Independence (1776) has had a major influence on peoples throughout the world because it (1) guarantees universal suffrage (2) establishes a basic set of laws for every nation (3) provides justification for revolting against unjust governments (4) describes the importance of a strong central government [28] One accomplishment of the national government under the Articles of Confederation was the passage of legislation establishing (1) a central banking system (2) a process for admitting new states to the Union (3) the president s right to put down rebellions (4) the ability of Congress to tax the states effectively [29] Disagreement at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 over the Virginia and New Jersey plans was resolved by a compromise that (1) guaranteed continuation of the slave trade for at least twenty more years (2) limited the power of the federal government to wage war (3) provided for construction of a new national capital in the south (4) created a Congress made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives [30] Presidential Candidates Skip Campaigning in Low- Population States Winner Of Popular Vote Loses Election These headlines refer to controversial issues most directly related to (1) judicial review (2) the electoral college (3) impeachment (4) checks and balances [31] The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion; and on application of the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened), against domestic violence. United States Constitution, Article IV, Section 4 According to this excerpt, a goal of the framers of the Constitution was to ensure that the United States
(1) remained neutral during domestic conflicts involving the states (2) supported the right of each state to resist presidential decisions (3) provided for the common defense of every state (4) approved a bill of rights to protect citizens from government tyranny [32] A major reason the Antifederalists opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution was because the Constitution (1) created a national bank (2) lacked a provision for a federal court system (3) failed to provide for the direct election of members of the House of Representatives (4) changed the balance of power between the state and national governments [33] An constitution is the creation of the example of the use of the unwritten (1) presidential veto (2) United States Navy (3) federal postal system (4) president s cabinet [34]...That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,... Declaration of Independence Which provision of the original United States Constitution was most influenced by this ideal? (1) enabling the president to select a cabinet (2) providing for direct election of the House of Representatives (3) allowing the Senate to try articles of impeachment (4) authorizing the Supreme Court to rule on disputes between states [35] Delegates at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 agreed to the Three-fifths Compromise to solve a dispute directly related to (1) the power of the presidency (2) representation in Congress (3) a decision by the Supreme Court (4) the addition of a bill of rights [36] Which feature of the United States Constitution traditionally gives the states authority over public education? (1) reserved powers (2) preamble (3) fifth amendment (4) supremacy clause [37] Base your answer to question 37 on the quotation below and on your knowledge of social studies.... The nation deserves and I will select a Supreme Court justice that Americans can be proud of. The nation also deserves a dignified process of confirmation in the United States Senate, characterized by fair treatment, a fair hearing and a fair vote. I will choose a nominee in a timely manner so that the hearing and the vote can be completed before the new Supreme Court term begins.... President George W. Bush, 2005 Which constitutional principle is suggested by this quotation? (1) federalism (2) checks and balances (3) States rights (4) due process [38] The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 are considered achievements under the Articles of Confederation because they (1) established processes for settling and governing the western territories (2) settled boundary disputes with Great Britain and Spain (3) provided the basic methods of collecting taxes and coining money (4) created a system of state and federal courts [39] The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. United States Constitution, 10th amendment This part of the Bill of Rights was intended to (1) give the people the right to vote on important issues (2) reduce the rights of citizens (3) limit the powers of the federal government (4) assure federal control over the states
[40] The creation of the presidential cabinet and political parties are examples of (1) the unwritten constitution (2) separation of powers (3) the elastic clause (4) judicial review [41] The term supreme law of the land refers to which document? (1) Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (2) Constitution of the United States (3) Articles of Confederation (4) Declaration of Independence [42] Which principle of the United States Constitution is intended to ensure that no one branch of government has more power than another branch? (1) checks and balances (2) federalism (3) limited government (4) rule of law [43] Which title is most accurate for the timeline above? (1) Forms of Colonial Protest (2) Effects of British Navigation Laws (3) Causes of the American Revolution (4) Abuse of Power by Colonial Legislatures [44] Before 1763, the British policy of salutary neglect toward its American colonies was based on the desire of Great Britain to (1) treat all English people, including colonists, on an equal basis (2) benefit from the economic prosperity of the American colonies (3) encourage manufacturing in the American colonies (4) ensure that all mercantile regulations were strictly followed [45] A major criticism of the Articles of Confederation was that too much power had been given to the (1) British monarchy (2) House of Burgesses (3) state governments (4) national government [46] Which action can be taken by the United States Supreme Court to illustrate the concept that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land? (1) hiring new federal judges (2) voting articles of impeachment (3) declaring a state law unconstitutional (4) rejecting a presidential nomination to the cabinet
[47] Passing marriage and divorce laws, creating vehicle and traffic regulations, and setting high school graduation requirements are examples of powers traditionally (1) exercised solely by local governments (2) reserved to the state governments (3) delegated entirely to the federal government (4) shared by the national and local governments [48] Which constitutional principle is the focus of the cartoon above? (1) individual liberties (2) separation of powers (3) freedom of speech (4) federalism [49] Which heading best completes the partial outline below? I. A. Villages with town meetings B. Small farms and commercial fishing C. First American college (1) New England Colonies (2) Middle Colonies (3) Southern Colonies (4) Spanish Colonies [50] In the publication Common Sense, Thomas Paine argued that the American colonies should (1) approve the Treaty of Paris (1763) (2) ratify the Constitution of the United States (3) end their political relationship with Great Britain (4) support the policies of King George III [51] The Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution both provided for (1) an executive branch (2) a national legislature (3) a political party system (4) a presidential cabinet [52] During the debate over the ratification of the Constitution, Anti-federalists argued that (1) the new Constitution left too much political power to state governments (2) a strong national government would gain respect from European nations (3) checks and balances were unnecessary in a federal government (4) the new Constitution would threaten the rights of individual citizens
[53] The conflict over representation in Congress was addressed at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 by (1) creating a two-house legislature (2) limiting the terms of lawmakers to four years (3) giving Congress implied powers (4) ending the importation of enslaved persons [54] Which action is an example of judicial review? (1) The president proposes a bill to reduce the powers of the federal courts. (2) A state court finds a defendant guilty of murder. (3) The Supreme Court declares a federal law unconstitutional. (4) The Senate approves a president s nominee for the Supreme Court. [55]...I know too that it is a maxim[rule] with us, and I think it a wise one, not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of Europe.... Thomas Jefferson, December 21, 1787, Library of Congress Which document most clearly reflects the advice given in this statement? (1) Albany Plan of Union (2) Articles of Confederation (3) Bill of Rights (4) Washington s Farewell Address [56] Which presidential role resulted from practice and custom rather than from constitutional authority? (1) commander in chief (2) chief executive (3) head of his political party (4) head of state [57] Extending the right to vote in national elections to formerly enslaved African Americans, women, and all citizens at least eighteen years old was accomplished through (1) constitutional amendments (2) congressional laws (3) presidential executive orders (4) Supreme Court decisions [58] Which fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence? 1. The government should guarantee every citizen economic security. 2. The central government and state governments should have equal power. 3. If the government denies its people certain basic rights, that government can be overthrown. 4. Rulers derive their right to govern from God and are therefore bound to govern in the nation s best interest. [59] The only representatives of the people of these colonies are persons chosen therein by themselves; and that no taxes ever have been, or can be constitutionally imposed on them but by their respective legislatures. -Statement by the Stamp Act Congress, 1765 What is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from this quotation? 1. The colonial legislatures should be appointed by the English King with the consent of Parliament. 2. Only the colonists elected representatives should have the power to levy taxes. 3. The English King should have the right to tax the colonists. 4. The colonists should be opposed to all taxation. [60] The Mayflower Compact is important to the concept of a democratic society because it represents 1. an effort by the colonists to use force to resist the King 2. a clear step toward self-government 3. an early attempt to establish universal suffrage 4. an attempt by the colonists to establish freedom of religion [61] The British system of mercantilism was opposed by many American colonists because it 1. placed quotas on immigration 2. discouraged the export of raw materials to England 3. placed restrictions on trading 4. encouraged colonial manufacturing
[62] The Mayflower Compact, House of Burgesses, and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut are all examples of the efforts of colonial Americans to 1. use democratic practices in government 2. protest British land policies 3. establish religious freedom 4. overthrow British royal governors [63] The Mayflower Compact of 1620 is considered an important step in the development of democracy in America because it 1. expressed the importance of selfgovernment 2. established freedom of religion 3. created the first colonial judiciary 4. granted all males the right to vote [64] During the Revolutionary War period, Thomas Paine s Common Sense was important because it 1. described a military plan for the defeat of England 2. convinced many Americans who had been undecided to support independence 3. contained a detailed outline for a new form of government 4. argued for the addition of a bill of rights to the Constitution [65] The Virginia House of Burgesses was important to the development of democracy in the thirteen colonies because it 1. provided an example of a representative form of government 2. created the first written constitution in America 3. provided for direct election of senators 4. began the practice of legislative override of executive vetoes [66] It is not the cause of one poor printer, nor of New York alone, which you are now trying. No! It may in its consequence affect every free man that lives under a British government on the main [continent] of America. It is the best cause. It is the cause of liberty.... Nature and the laws of our country have given us a right to liberty of both exposing and opposing arbitrary power (in these parts of the world at least) by speaking and writing the truth. Andrew Hamilton, 1735 This courtroom summation helped establish which democratic principle in colonial America? 1. trial by jury 2. equal voting rights 3. protection of private property 4. freedom of the press [67] The pamphlet Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, aided the American cause in the Revolutionary War because it 1. convinced France to join in the fight against England 2. led to the repeal of the Stamp Act 3. created a new system of government for the United States 4. persuaded individuals who were undecided to support independence [68] Which conclusion about the American Revolutionary War is most clearly supported by information in this chart?
1. England had few advantages in a war with her American colonies. 2. The thirteen colonies had more advantages than disadvantages upon entering the war. 3. England did not believe that the thirteen colonies were worth the expense of a war. 4. The thirteen colonies had few, but important advantages in the war with England. [69] Which important reason for the American victory in the Revolutionary War is missing from the chart above? 1. naval superiority of the thirteen colonies 2. aid from foreign nations 3. control of railroads and canals 4. greater number of Indian allies [70] In its economic relationship with its North American colonies, Great Britain followed the principles of 18th-century mercantilism by 1. outlawing the African slave trade 2. limiting the colonies trade with other nations 3. encouraging the development of manufacturing in the colonies 4. establishing laws against business monopolies [71]... I challenge the warmest advocate [supporter] for reconciliation, to shew [show], a single advantage that this continent can reap [gain], by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived [acquired]. Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for, buy them where we will.... Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776 This speaker is most likely opposed to 1. mercantilism 2. capitalism 3. direct democracy 4. representative government [72] A major argument for American independence found in the Declaration of Independence was that the British 1. stopped participating in the slave trade 2. refused to sell products to Americans 3. deprived Americans of their natural rights 4. censored American representatives in Parliament [73] Which statement is most accurate about the movement for independence in the thirteen colonies? 1. The independence movement began soon after the founding of the Plymouth Colony. 2. Protests against British colonial policies gradually led to demands for independence. 3. The King of England required the colonists to become economically self-sufficient. 4. The movement for independence was equally strong in all of the colonies. [74] According to the Declaration of Independence, the fundamental purpose of government is to 1. protect people s natural rights 2. equalize opportunities for all citizens 3. provide for the defense of the nation 4. establish a system of free public education [75] One of the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence is that government should 1. guarantee economic equality among citizens 2. have unlimited power to rule the people 3. be based upon the consent of the governed 4. be led by educated citizens [76] During the colonial period, the British Parliament used the policy of mercantilism to 1. limit manufacturing in America 2. prevent criticism of royal policies 3. deny representation to the colonists 4. force colonists to worship in the Anglican Church [77] The system shown in the diagram was developed under the Articles of Confederation in order to 1. divide lands seized from the Loyalists 2. provide an orderly system of development for the Northwest Territory 3. remove Native American Indians to areas west of the Appalachian Mountains 4. extend slavery as the nation grew
[78] In which area did good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and a short growing season most influence the colonial economy? 1. Southern colonies 2. Middle Atlantic region 3. Northwest Territory 4. New England colonies [79] The Declaration of Independence (1776) has had a major influence on peoples throughout the world because it 1. guarantees universal suffrage 2. establishes a basic set of laws for every nation 3. provides justification for revolting against unjust governments 4. describes the importance of a strong central government [80] The major role of political parties in the United States is to 1. protect the American public from corrupt public officials 2. insure that free and honest elections are held 3. nominate candidates for public office and conduct campaigns 4. meet constitutional requirements for choosing the President [81] Which factor has made the strongest contribution to the development of religious freedom in the United States? 1. Most citizens have shared the same religious beliefs. 2. Religious groups have remained politically unified. 3. School prayer has been ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court. 4. Guarantees in the Constitution have encouraged religious expression and toleration. [82] Which phrase from the Declaration of Independence most clearly reflects the idea that the people are the source of government? 1.... that all men are created equal,... 2.... all men are... endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights 3.... deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... 4.... governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes... [83] One way in which the United States Constitution differed from the Articles of Confederation was that the Constitution 1. created a national government having three branches 2. provided for the direct election of the President by the voters 3. made the amendment process more difficult 4. increased the powers of the states [84] At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates from the small states most strongly supported the idea of 1. establishing a strong national executive 2. levying taxes on exports 3. popular election of Senators 4. equal representation for the states in the national legislature [85] Which argument did the authors of the United States Constitution use when they insisted that revenue bills originate in the House of Representatives? 1. Frequent elections would make members of the House more responsive to the wishes of the voters. 2. Members of the House would have a superior understanding of economics. 3. The national budget should be determined solely by the House of Representatives. 4. Political parties would have less influence on Members of the House than on Senators. [86] One way in which the authors of the Constitution tried to create limited government was by providing for 1. a loyal opposition through a two-party system 2. a division of power between the national and state governments 3. the establishment of naturalization laws 4. the popular election of Federal judges
[87] The elastic clause, the amending process, and judicial review are all methods by which 1. Congress may check the power of the executive branch 2. the wording of the original Constitution may be altered 3. state governments may limit the power of the Federal Government 4. the Constitution may be adapted to meet changing conditions [88] The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. -Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Which interpretation of the Bill of Rights does this statement illustrate? 1. The needs of the government are more important than civil liberties. 2. Constitutional protections of liberty are not absolute. 3. The Supreme Court can eliminate freedoms listed in the Bill of Rights. 4. The Bill of Rights does not safeguard individual liberties. [89] Which action was necessary to change from the indirect to the direct election of United States Senators? 1. ratification of a constitutional amendment 2. passage of a Federal law 3. a Supreme Court decision 4. a national referendum [90] 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. This quotation reflects beliefs mainly derived from 1. the Magna Carta 2. the divine right monarchs of Europe 3. John Locke s theory of natural rights 4. Marxist philosophy [91] The United States Government is considered a federal system because 1. the people elect national officials 2. both national and state governments exist within the nation 3. foreign policy is handled by state governments 4. each state has equal represen-tation in the United States Senate [92] The flexibility of the original United States Constitution is due mainly to 1. its provision for the amending process and judicial interpretation 2. its guarantees of freedom and justice for all people 3. the ability to create new branches of government as needed 4. the willingness of the states to accept Federal control [93] Antifederalists criticized the United States Constitution primarily because governing power was concentrated in the 1. State legislatures 2. President s Cabinet 3. delegates to the Constitutional Convention 4. National Government In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this, you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself. [94] This passage from the Federalist Papers refers to the need for 1. a strong executive 2. a system of checks and balances 3. an independent military 4. a national education system [95] A member of the United States Congress must resign from Congress if elected or appointed to a position in the executive or judicial branch. This requirement is an example of 1. limited terms for Federal officials 2. judicial review 3. separation of powers 4. States rights
[96] The two major political parties make their final selection of a Presidential candidate through 1. delegates votes at a national party convention 2. decisions of the electoral college 3. actions of the State legislatures 4. citizens choices in public opinion polls [97] Which document is best described as a statement of democratic principles rather than a framework for government? 1. Albany Plan of Union 2. Articles of Confederation 3. Declaration of Independence 4. United States Constitution [98] The United States Government is considered a federal system because 1. national laws must be passed by both houses of Congress 2. powers are divided between the State and National Governments 3. the States are guaranteed a republican form of government 4. the President is selected by the electoral college [99] The United States Constitution grants certain powers only to the Federal Government. For example, only Congress can declare war. These powers are called 1. police powers 2. reserved powers 3. delegated powers 4. concurrent powers [100] Which action would be necessary before the government could deny a person a public trial by an impartial jury? 1. a national referendum 2. passage of a law by Congress 3. a unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court 4. ratification of a constitutional amendment