1.
“That all government of right originates from the people;...they have...the right to alter, reform, or abolish their form of Government....” – Article 1, Maryland Declaration of Right Which of these constitutional principles is described in Article 1 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights?
Correct Answer
A. Popular Sovereignty
Explanation
The correct answer is Popular Sovereignty. This principle is described in Article 1 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights, which states that all government power comes from the people. It emphasizes that the people have the right to alter, reform, or abolish their government, highlighting the idea of popular sovereignty. This principle asserts that the ultimate authority and power resides with the people and that the government should be based on their consent.
2.
The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure is an example of which of the following concepts?
Correct Answer
D. Individual Rights
Explanation
The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure is an example of the concept of individual rights. This concept refers to the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual possesses, such as the right to privacy and protection from government intrusion. The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure is protected by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which prohibits law enforcement from conducting searches or seizures without a valid warrant or probable cause. This right ensures that individuals are protected from arbitrary government actions and preserves their autonomy and privacy.
3.
“The accumulation of all powers…in the same hands…may be pronounced as the very definition of tyranny.” - James Madison James Madison was arguing on behalf of which of the following Constitutional principles?
Correct Answer
D. Separation of Powers
Explanation
James Madison was arguing on behalf of the principle of Separation of Powers. This principle refers to the division of governmental powers among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Madison believed that if all powers were accumulated in the same hands, it would lead to tyranny. Therefore, he advocated for the separation of powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and potentially oppressive.
4.
Which of the following principles holds that government may do only those things that the people have given it the power to do?
Correct Answer
A. Limited Government
Explanation
Limited government is the principle that holds that the government may do only those things that the people have given it the power to do. This principle emphasizes that the government's power is not unlimited and should be restricted to protect individual rights and prevent abuse of power. It is based on the idea that the government should be limited in its scope and should not interfere excessively in the lives of its citizens. This principle is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance and is aimed at safeguarding individual freedoms and promoting a system of checks and balances.
5.
Which of these is an example of following the Rule of Law?
Correct Answer
C. The governor is impeached for wrongdoing.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The governor is impeached for wrongdoing." This option demonstrates the Rule of Law because it shows that even the highest authority in the state, the governor, is subject to accountability and consequences for their actions. Impeachment is a legal process that ensures that no one is above the law and that those in power can be held responsible for any wrongdoing. This example highlights the principle of equality before the law and the importance of upholding justice and fairness in a democratic society.
6.
The Immigration Act of 1990 insures that entry visas are issued fairly, regardless of race, sex, or nationality. What principle does this illustrate?
Correct Answer
A. Equal protection under the law
Explanation
The Immigration Act of 1990 ensures that entry visas are issued fairly, regardless of race, sex, or nationality. This illustrates the principle of equal protection under the law, which means that all individuals are entitled to the same legal rights and protections without discrimination based on their characteristics or background. This principle is a fundamental aspect of a just and fair legal system, promoting equality and preventing discrimination.
7.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility” –The U.S. Constitution Which concept is the basis of the Constitution?
Correct Answer
A. Popular Sovereignty
Explanation
The concept of popular sovereignty is the basis of the Constitution. This is evident in the opening lines of the Constitution which state that the power and authority of the government comes from the people ("We the People"). Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate power and authority in the government rests with the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This concept ensures that the government is accountable to the people and that their voices and interests are represented in the decision-making process.
8.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution… are reserved to the States… or to the people…” – Article 3, Maryland Declaration of Rights Which of these principles of government is described in the excerpt?
Correct Answer
C. Powers are divided among different levels of government.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Powers are divided among different levels of government." This is because the excerpt states that any powers not specifically given to the United States by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. This implies that there is a division of powers between the federal government and the state governments, indicating that powers are divided among different levels of government.
9.
A law passed by Congress and signed by the President was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Which concept is being highlighted in the actions of the Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
B. Checks and balances
Explanation
The concept being highlighted in the actions of the Supreme Court is checks and balances. This is because the Supreme Court's role is to interpret the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and signed by the President. By declaring a law unconstitutional, the Supreme Court is exercising its power to check and balance the actions of the other branches of government, ensuring that they do not exceed their constitutional authority.
10.
Which of these is an example of federalism?
Correct Answer
B. State and National government share responsibility over the environment.
Explanation
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority (national government) and regional or state governments. In this example, the state and national government sharing responsibility over the environment demonstrates federalism. This means that both levels of government have a role in making decisions and implementing policies related to environmental issues. This arrangement allows for a distribution of power and decision-making authority between the central and regional governments, which is a key characteristic of federalism.