The U.S. Constitution, Declaration Of Independence And Washington Constitution

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  • 1/25 Questions

    The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called what?

    • The preamble
    • The Establishment Clauses
    • The Bill of Rights
    • The Articles of Confederation
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About This Quiz

This quiz assesses knowledge on key American documents including the Declaration of Independence. It explores themes like governmental power, democratic principles, and the role of the governed, essential for learners understanding the foundations of American democracy.

The U.S. Constitution, Declaration Of Independence And Washington Constitution - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    According to the Declaration of Independence, the people have the right to alter or abolish a government if that government:

    • Is a limited monarchy

    • Violates natural rights

    • Becomes involved in entangling alliances

    • Favors one religion over another

    Correct Answer
    A. Violates natural rights
    Explanation
    According to the Declaration of Independence, the people have the right to alter or abolish a government if that government violates natural rights. This means that if a government infringes upon the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the people have the right to take action to change or remove that government. This principle reflects the belief that governments should exist to protect and uphold the rights of the people, and when they fail to do so, the people have the right to seek alternative forms of governance.

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  • 3. 

    Separation of powers refers to what?

    • Separation of church and state

    • Separation of military and civilian authority

    • Separation of campaign donations from an elected official’s votes

    • Separation of the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches

    Correct Answer
    A. Separation of the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches
    Explanation
    The correct answer is separation of the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This refers to the division of powers and responsibilities among these three branches of government in order to prevent the concentration of power in one entity. Each branch has its own distinct functions and powers, ensuring a system of checks and balances that promotes accountability and protects against abuses of power. This principle is a fundamental aspect of many democratic systems around the world.

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  • 4. 

    The system of “checks and balances” does what?

    • Maintains proper fiscal discipline by controlling spending

    • Keeps any branch from becoming too powerful

    • Requires government jobs be open to all qualified citizens

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Keeps any branch from becoming too powerful
    Explanation
    The system of "checks and balances" ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful. This means that each branch has the ability to limit and control the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from dominating or abusing its power. This system helps to maintain a balance of power and protect against potential tyranny or corruption within the government.

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  • 5. 

    The Declaration of Independence contributed to the development of democracy by:

    • Guaranteeing trial by jury to all men

    • Allowing women to take part in government

    • Indicating that people are the source of power

    • Providing for Presidential elections every four years

    Correct Answer
    A. Indicating that people are the source of power
    Explanation
    The Declaration of Independence contributed to the development of democracy by indicating that people are the source of power. This concept of popular sovereignty is a fundamental principle of democracy, stating that the authority of the government comes from the consent of the governed. By declaring that the power of the government should be derived from the people, the Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for the democratic ideals of self-governance and individual rights.

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  • 6. 

    What does it mean when accused criminals “plead the fifth”?

    • They want their right to an attorney.

    • They refuse to testify against themselves.

    • They agree to testify against someone else if they get immunity.

    • They believe they're wrongly accused.

    Correct Answer
    A. They refuse to testify against themselves.
    Explanation
    When accused criminals "plead the fifth," it means that they refuse to testify against themselves. This is based on the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from self-incrimination. By invoking this right, the accused individuals are asserting that they cannot be compelled to provide evidence or answer questions that may potentially implicate them in a crime.

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  • 7. 

    The government created by the Articles of Confederation lasted only a few years because it:

    • Had no plan to organize the Northwest Territory

    • Lacked the ability to enforce its authority

    • Circulated no paper money

    • Compelled the states to abide by its treaties

    Correct Answer
    A. Lacked the ability to enforce its authority
    Explanation
    The government created by the Articles of Confederation lasted only a few years because it lacked the ability to enforce its authority. Without a strong central government, the states were essentially autonomous and had the power to ignore or disobey the laws and decisions made by the national government. This lack of enforcement power weakened the effectiveness of the government and led to its eventual downfall.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become president?

    • Be a natural born citizen of the United States

    • Be at least 35 years old

    • Vote in at least two previous presidential elections

    • Have resided in the country for at least 14 years

    Correct Answer
    A. Vote in at least two previous presidential elections
    Explanation
    To become president, one does not need to vote in at least two previous presidential elections. The requirements to become president include being a natural born citizen of the United States, being at least 35 years old, and having resided in the country for at least 14 years. Voting in previous presidential elections is not a specific requirement for the presidency.

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  • 9. 

    Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

    • John Adams

    • Benjamin Franklin

    • Thomas Jefferson

    • James Madison

    Correct Answer
    A. Thomas Jefferson
    Explanation
    Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen by the Continental Congress to draft the document, and he drew upon the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke. Jefferson's eloquent writing and his belief in the natural rights of individuals greatly influenced the final version of the Declaration. His contribution to the document solidified his reputation as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

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  • 10. 

    Which amendment guarantees the right to criticize the U.S. government?

    • First

    • Second

    • Fourth

    • Fifth

    Correct Answer
    A. First
    Explanation
    The First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize the U.S. government. This amendment protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to express opinions, including criticism, without fear of government retaliation or censorship. It is a fundamental right that allows individuals to voice their dissent and hold the government accountable for its actions.

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  • 11. 

    According to the Declaration of Independence, where does government get its power?

    • Its Constitution

    • Its military

    • Its elected officials

    • The consent of the governed

    Correct Answer
    A. The consent of the governed
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The consent of the governed." According to the Declaration of Independence, the government derives its power from the consent of the people it governs. This means that the authority of the government is based on the permission and agreement of the citizens. The idea is rooted in the concept of popular sovereignty, which asserts that the legitimacy of the government comes from the will of the people.

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  • 12. 

    The Constitution says the role of Congress is to:

    • Make laws

    • Enforce laws

    • Interpret laws

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Make laws
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Make laws". According to the Constitution, the primary role of Congress is to create and pass laws. This involves the legislative process, where members of Congress propose, debate, and vote on bills that can become laws. Congress is responsible for representing the interests of the people and ensuring that laws are created in accordance with the Constitution. While Congress does have some oversight and interpretive powers, its main function is to make laws.

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  • 13. 

    What fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

    • Government should guarantee its citizens economic security.

    • The central government and states should share power.

    • A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown.

    • Rulers derive their right from God and are bound to govern in the nation’s best interest.

    Correct Answer
    A. A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that a government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown. This is expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a government becomes destructive to the rights of the people, it is the right and duty of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government that will protect their rights. This idea reflects the concept of popular sovereignty and the belief that governments should serve the interests and protect the rights of the people they govern.

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  • 14. 

    What does the Washington state Constitution say is the supreme law of the land?

    • The Bible

    • The Declaration of Independence

    • The U.S. Constitution

    • All laws of Congress and the Legislature

    Correct Answer
    A. The U.S. Constitution
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the U.S. Constitution. The Washington state Constitution recognizes the U.S. Constitution as the supreme law of the land. This means that any laws or actions taken in Washington state must align with the principles and provisions outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution serves as the foundation for the legal framework in the United States, and it establishes the powers and limitations of the federal government, as well as protects the rights and liberties of individuals.

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  • 15. 

    The Washington State Constitution gives the right to bear arms to:

    • Individual citizens

    • The well-regulated militia

    • Members of law enforcement

    • Those with state permits

    Correct Answer
    A. Individual citizens
    Explanation
    The Washington State Constitution grants the right to bear arms to individual citizens. This means that every person in Washington has the right to possess and carry firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes. This provision ensures that individuals have the ability to protect themselves and their property, as well as participate in activities such as hunting and sport shooting. It emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and self-reliance in the state of Washington.

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  • 16. 

    The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution both provided for:

    • A Congress with legislative powers

    • A president with executive powers

    • A Supreme Court with judiciary powers

    • State governments with veto powers

    Correct Answer
    A. A Congress with legislative powers
    Explanation
    Both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution established a Congress with legislative powers. This means that both documents recognized the need for a governing body that could make laws and decisions on behalf of the nation. The Congress would have the authority to create and pass legislation, regulate commerce, and represent the interests of the states. This provision ensured that there was a central authority responsible for making laws and governing the country.

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  • 17. 

    Who has the power to impeach or bring charges against the president?

    • The vice president

    • The House of Representatives

    • The Senate

    • The Supreme Court

    Correct Answer
    A. The House of Representatives
    Explanation
    The House of Representatives has the power to impeach or bring charges against the president. This is stated in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 2, which grants the House the sole power of impeachment. Impeachment is the first step in the process of removing a president from office, and it involves the House bringing charges against the president for "high crimes and misdemeanors." After the House impeaches the president, the Senate then conducts a trial to determine whether to remove the president from office.

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  • 18. 

    What kind of laws can Congress make?

    • Only those specifically described in the Constitution and amendments.

    • Only laws that support the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.

    • Any laws it can approve by a simple majority that aren’t vetoed.

    • Any laws that are necessary and proper for executing the powers of the federal government.

    Correct Answer
    A. Any laws that are necessary and proper for executing the powers of the federal government.
    Explanation
    Congress can make any laws that are necessary and proper for executing the powers of the federal government. This is outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This is also known as the "Elastic Clause" or the "Necessary and Proper Clause," which allows Congress to adapt and expand its powers as needed to effectively govern the nation.

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  • 19. 

    How were the delegates to the Constitutional Convention chosen?

    • Popular votes in each state

    • The state legislatures

    • Congressional appointments

    • They had signed the Declaration of Independence.

    Correct Answer
    A. The state legislatures
    Explanation
    The delegates to the Constitutional Convention were chosen by the state legislatures. This means that each state's legislature selected and appointed individuals to represent them at the convention. This method was chosen to ensure that each state had a say in the formation of the new constitution. The state legislatures were responsible for selecting delegates who they believed would best represent the interests and views of their respective states.

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  • 20. 

    How many Supreme Court justices are called for in the Constitution?

    • At least five

    • No more than 11

    • Nine

    • The Constitution doesn’t specify.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Constitution doesn’t specify.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The Constitution doesn’t specify." The Constitution does not provide a specific number of Supreme Court justices that should be appointed. It leaves the decision to Congress, which has the authority to determine the number of justices through legislation. Currently, there are nine Supreme Court justices, but this could potentially change in the future if Congress decides to alter the number.

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  • 21. 

    How many constitutions has the United States had?

    • 1

    • 2

    • 3

    • 4

    Correct Answer
    A. 2
    Explanation
    The United States has had two constitutions. The first was the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government and was later replaced by the current constitution, known as the United States Constitution. This constitution, ratified in 1788, created a stronger federal government and has been the supreme law of the land ever since.

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  • 22. 

    Until the 25th Amendment passed, what happened if a vice president died in office?

    • The president appointed a replacement.

    • A special election was held for vice president.

    • The speaker of the House became vice president.

    • There was no vice president until the next presidential election.

    Correct Answer
    A. There was no vice president until the next presidential election.
    Explanation
    Before the 25th Amendment was passed, if a vice president died in office, there was no immediate replacement. The position of vice president remained vacant until the next presidential election, leaving the country without a vice president during that time.

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  • 23. 

    Article 1, Section 1 of the Washington Constitution contains what phrase also found in the Declaration of Independence?

    • “…all men are created equal…”

    • “…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

    • “…governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

    • “…of the people, by the people and for the people…”

    Correct Answer
    A. “…governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "...governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." This phrase is found in both the Washington Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. It emphasizes the idea that the power of the government comes from the consent of the people it governs, highlighting the importance of popular sovereignty and democratic principles.

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  • 24. 

    The Declaration of Independence had many practical effects. Which of the following is NOT one of them:

    • It united the members of the Continental Congress.

    • It announced a new nation to foreign governments.

    • It started the American Revolution.

    • It was used as a propaganda tool to explain the rebellion.

    Correct Answer
    A. It started the American Revolution.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "It started the American Revolution." This statement is not accurate because the American Revolution had already begun before the Declaration of Independence was even drafted. The revolution started with events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Declaration of Independence, instead, served as a formal declaration of the colonies' intention to separate from Britain and establish their own independent nation.

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  • 25. 

    The Washington state Constitution says liberties come from:

    • The Supreme Ruler of the Universe

    • Natural law

    • A righteous people

    • A just government

    Correct Answer
    A. The Supreme Ruler of the Universe
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The Supreme Ruler of the Universe." This answer is based on the Washington state Constitution, which states that liberties come from the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. This implies that the framers of the constitution believed that rights and freedoms are not granted by any human authority but are inherent and derived from a higher power. This aligns with the concept of natural rights, which suggests that individuals are born with certain fundamental rights that cannot be taken away by any government or individual.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 09, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 20, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Spokesmanreview
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