Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.2L1
SS.7.C.1.2
L
Which idea is from the Magna Carta?
The people should be completely free from the government.
The people should support a strong central government.
The government should give people a fair and speedy trial.
The government should have unlimited power to tax.
G.C.1.2M1
SS.7.C.1.2
M
The conversation below concerns lawmaking.
---------------------------
Doug: I believe in making laws only when everyone can participate in
public decision making.
Nicole: I disagree with you; it is best for laws to be made by the people
who have been chosen for that purpose.
---------------------------
A
B
C
D
Which colonial principle is being discussed?
limited monarchy
self-government
social contract
natural rights
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.2M2
SS.7.C.1.2
M
Below is a timeline.
Year
1918
1940
1988
August
1991
September
1991
September
1991
A
B
C
D
Event
Latvia declares independence
Soviet Union takes over Latvia
Latvian people push for independence
Latvia declares independence
U.S. president announces full diplomatic recognition of
Latvia
Latvia joins the United Nations
Which writing encourages the action demonstrated in the timeline?
Common Sense
U.S. Constitution
Mayflower Compact
Articles of Confederation
1
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.2M3
SS.7.C.1.2
M
The statements below are from the English Bill of Rights, 1689.
That the pretended power of suspending
laws … without consent of Parliament is
illegal;
That excessive bail ought not to be required,
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and
unusual punishment inflicted;
And that for redress of all grievances, and
for the amending, strengthening and
preserving of the laws, Parliaments ought to
be held frequently.
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
Which purpose of government can be traced to these statements?
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
ensure domestic tranquility
establish justice
G.C.1.2H1
SS.7.C.1.2
H
The passage below was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 pamphlet,
Common Sense.
And as he hath shown himself such an …
enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst
for ... power, is he, or is he not, a proper man
to say to these colonies, "You shall make no
laws but what I please"?
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
Based on this passage, how is the author’s view reflected in the U.S.
political system?
The monarchy creates limited government.
The monarchy supports self-government.
Representatives are appointed.
Representatives are elected.
2
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark
1-2
Question
Benchmark Clarification
BC 1
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
H
The statement below is from a U.S. government
document:
The king of Bhutan…is the head of state, with executive
power vested in the cabinet, headed by …Prime
Minister…In July 2013 the country held its second
general elections, in which the former opposition People’s
Democratic Party gained a majority of the seats in the
National Assembly, resulting in the country’s first
democratic transfer of power to the opposition.
International election observers reported the elections
were generally free and fair.
Source: U.S. Department of State
A.
B.
C.
D.
Based on the statement, how does the nation of Bhutan
uphold the principles expressed in the English Bill of
Rights?
By limiting the power of the monarch
By holding general elections
By sharing election results with voters
By allowing free speech
Benchmark
Benchmark Clarification
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
1.3
BC 1
N/A
L
Question
Which colonial concern led to the writing of the Declaration of
Independence?
A.
The king failed to tax the colonists.
B.
The king required the colonists to elect a monarch.
C.
The king denied the colonists the right to petition.
D.
The king denied the colonists representation in government.
3
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.3.L1
SS.7.C.1.3
L
Which document addressed colonial concerns about English policies?
Declaration of Independence
Mayflower Compact
U.S. Constitution
Bill of Rights
G.C.1.3.M1
SS.7.C.1.3
M
The stamp below is from the front page of a 1765 newspaper.
Source: Library of Congress
A
B
C
D
What was the significance of the stamp on the newspaper?
It demonstrated that Parliament ignored the colonists’ media
communications.
It demonstrated that Parliament controlled the colonists’ press outlets.
It represented the colonists’ opposition to English tax policies.
It represented the colonists’ fulfillment of English tax policies.
4
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.3.M2
SS.7.C.1.3
M
The political cartoon below was created by Benjamin Franklin in1754.
Source: Library of Congress
A
B
C
D
Which action did colonists use this cartoon to support?
Declaring independence from the British monarchy.
Declaring loyalty to the British monarchy.
Dissolving colonial legislatures.
Dissolving colonial charters.
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.3.M3
SS.7.C.1.3
M
The quotes below are from historical documents.
“For imposing Taxes on
us without our Consent”
“All bills for raising Revenue shall originate
in the House of Representatives…”
Source: Declaration of Independence
Source: Article I Section 7 U.S. Constitution
A
B
C
D
What is the relationship between these concepts?
Both declare to the world why the colonists wanted freedom from England.
Both represent actions taken by the colonists to enforce English policies.
Both are in response to English policies imposed upon the colonists.
Both are responses by England to the actions of the colonists.
5
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
G.C.1.3.H1
SS.7.C.1.3
H
Why did Parliament eventually repeal the Stamp Act, which taxed goods
such as newspapers and playing cards?
The colonists established a blockade against British goods.
The colonists were able to produce their own goods.
The colonists started destroying British goods.
The colonists began boycotting British goods.
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.3
BC 2
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
H
Question The statement below was expressed by colonists in the 1750s and 1760s.
No taxation without representation!
Source: Public Domain/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
How does the modern political system in the United States uphold the principles
expressed in the statement?
A.
B.
C.
D.
by requiring federal tax bills to be proposed by the president
by making local governments responsible for enforcing federal tax laws
by requiring federal tax bills to be introduced in one house of Congress
by requiring federal tax bills to be proposed by the Secretary of the Treasury
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.4
BC 5
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
L
Question Below is a statement from a historical document.
A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act
which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a
free people.
Source: Public Domain/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
In which document is this statement found?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Magna Carta
Mayflower Compact
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence
6
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.4
BC 2
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
M
Question Below is a statement from John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government.
“Government being for the preservation of every man’s right and property, by preserving him
from violence or injury of others, is for the good of the governed.”
Source: Public Domain
A.
Based on this statement, which of the following statements from the Declaration of
Independence would John Locke agree?
“He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for the purpose of obstructing
the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners…”
B.
“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our
legislatures.”
C.
“He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.”
D.
“He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”
Benchmark Item
Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.4L1
SS.7.C.1.4
L
The passage below is from a historical document.
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.
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
Which document contains this passage?
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
English Bill of Rights
U.S. Constitution
7
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark Item
Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.4M1
SS.7.C.1.4
M
The passage below is from a historical document.
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....
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
Benchmark Item
Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
What is the main idea of this passage?
Only citizens can enjoy the rights guaranteed by a government.
People have rights that cannot be denied by any government.
Government must equally distribute power among people.
Government is necessary to promote equality.
G.C.1.4M2
SS.7.C.1.4
M
The passage below is from a historical document.
...That to secure these rights, Governments
are instituted among Men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed, —
That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the
Right of the People to alter or to abolish it....
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
Based on the passage, where should governments get their power?
from the legislative branch
from the executive branch
from elected leaders
from the public
8
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark
Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive
Complexity
Item
G.C.1.4M3
SS.7.C.1.4
M
Below is a diagram.
People are endowed by
their creator with certain
unalienable rights
A
B
C
D
?
Which statement completes the diagram?
It is the role of government to determine natural rights.
It is the role of government to protect natural rights.
People establish natural rights.
People possess natural rights.
Benchmark Item
Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
Governments derive their
just powers from the
consent of the governed
G.C.1.4H1
SS.7.C.1.4
H
What is one way that the ideas stated in the Declaration of Independence
are evident today?
equal employment opportunities
voting rights amendments
selective service
term limits
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
Content Focus Term
1.4
BC 5
Question Below is a statement from a historical document.
Cognitive Complexity
H
A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which
may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Source: Public Domain/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A.
B.
C.
D.
How does the modern political system in the United States uphold the principles expressed in this
statement?
by allowing the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach the president
by allowing federal judges to impeach members of Congress
by allowing the president to impeach members of Congress
by allowing the Senate to impeach the president
9
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.5
BC 1
Content Focus Term
N/A
Cognitive Complexity
L
Question Which branches of government did NOT exist
under the Articles of Confederation?
A.
executive and legislative
B.
executive and judicial
C.
legislative and state
D.
judicial and state
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive
Complexity
Item
G.C.1.5.L1
SS.7.C.1.5
L
The diagram below shows steps leading to a historical event.
Colonial
Independence
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
?
Shays’s
Rebellion
Constitutional
Convention
Which event completes the diagram?
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Annapolis Convention
Whiskey Rebellion
A
B
C
D
G.C.1.5.M1
SS.7.C.1.5
M
Which weakness of the Articles of Confederation led to Shays’s
Rebellion?
The national government lacked the power to regulate trade.
The national government lacked a national court system.
The national government lacked central leadership.
The national government lacked the power to tax.
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
G.C.1.5.M2
SS.7.C.1.5
M
What was the state-level response to Shays’s Rebellion?
Judicial protection against taxation without representation.
Taxes were declared unconstitutional.
Executive regulation of farm trade.
Debt relief was enacted.
10
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
G.C.1.5.M3
SS.7.C.1.5
M
Why was the government’s authority to regulate commerce a weakness of
the Articles of Confederation?
The president’s authority to collect taxes unfairly burdened the poor.
The national court system unfairly prosecuted trade laws.
The states’ authority to impose taxes decreased trade.
The legislature gave too much power to larger states.
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.5.H1
SS.7.C.1.5
H
The passage below is from a historical document.
Art. II. Each state retains its sovereignty,
freedom, and independence, and every
power, jurisdiction, and right, which is
not by this confederation expressly
delegated to the United States, in
Congress assembled.
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
A
B
C
D
How does the U.S. Constitution address concerns that resulted from the
government described in this passage?
The new government could enforce treaties between the states.
The new government could settle disputes between the states.
The new government could regulate trade between the states.
The new government could levy taxes between the states.
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.6
BC 1
Content Focus Term
N/A
Cognitive Complexity
L
Question Which part of the U.S. Constitution establishes the
goals and purposes of government?
A.
The Bill of Rights
B.
The First Amendment
C.
The Supremacy Clause
D.
The Preamble
11
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.5
BC 1
Content Focus Term
N/A
Cognitive Complexity
H
Question The document excerpt below illustrates a government action.
JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in
Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following
article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution, which shall be valid to all intents
and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified …
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the
United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation..”
Source: The Center on Congress at Indiana University
A.
B.
C.
D.
How does the constitutional action illustrated in this document address a weakness of the
Articles of Confederation?
Congress has the power to amend the U.S. Constitution.
The President has the power to amend the U.S. Constitution.
State legislatures must unanimously ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
At least three fourths of state legislatures must ratify constitutional amendments.
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.6
BC 1
Question
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
M
Below is the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish
Justice, ensure 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.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Why did the Framers include the Preamble as the introduction to the US Constitution?
To ensure that the rights of the people were guaranteed
To establish the goals and purposes of government
To provide for the wellbeing of all citizens
To ensure that people were free
12
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.6.L1
SS.7.C.1.6
L
Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the six purposes of
government?
Bill of Rights
Article IV
Preamble
Article I
G.C.1.6.M1
SS.7.C.1.6
M
The statement below was made by President Lyndon B. Johnson during
an address to the nation on March 31, 1968.
I shall not seek, and I will not accept,
the nomination of my party for
another term as your President.
Source: Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
A
B
C
D
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
A
B
C
D
Which intention of the Preamble is reflected in the statement?
Government holds frequent elections.
Government exists to serve the people.
Government promotes the general welfare.
Government provides for the common defense.
G.C.1.6.M2
SS.7.C.1.6
M
Why did the Framers require that the U.S. House of Representatives
have the sole power to introduce tax bills?
Laws are easier to debate and pass in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are directly elected by
the people.
Elections are more frequent and expensive for the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are required to have
legal experience.
13
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.6.M3
SS.7.C.1.6
M
This newspaper headline describes an event in U.S. history.
A
B
C
D
Which government purpose identified in the Preamble is reflected in the
headline?
ensure domestic tranquility
promote the general welfare
secure the blessings of liberty
provide for the common defense
Bank Item Number
Benchmark
Cognitive Complexity
Item
G.C.1.6.H1
SS.7.C.1.6
H
The statement below is from a historical document.
We the People of the United States...
do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of
America.
Source: Library of Congress
A
B
C
D
How is this statement reflected in the modern American political
system?
Voters elect Congress members.
The Electoral College elects Congress.
Congress enforces policies.
The president enacts policies.
14
Unit 02 Road to the Constitution Test Study Guide
Benchmark Benchmark Clarification
1.6
BC 3
Content Focus Term
Cognitive Complexity
H
Question The document excerpt below illustrates a government action.
We the People of the United States…do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
Source: Center on Congress Indiana University
A.
B.
C.
D.
Based on the passage, how does the action illustrated in this document
demonstrate that the government depends on the people for its power?
The U.S. Constitution created the Congress.
The U.S. Constitution created the Supreme Court.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of petition.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
15