HiSET Social Studies Domain 2: Civics Welcome to your HiSET Social Studies Domain 2: Civics 1. HiSET Social Studies: Civics In a federal system of government, how is power typically distributed? Power is concentrated within a central authority. Power is divided between a national government and state governments. All power is held by local governments. Power is distributed equally among all citizens. None 2. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which of the following best describes the concept of checks and balances in the United States government? It ensures that all citizens vote in federal elections. It allows each branch of government to amend the Constitution. It prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It provides the government with the ability to check citizens' criminal backgrounds. None 3. HiSET Social Studies: Civics The concept of judicial review allows the Supreme Court to: veto legislation passed by Congress. directly amend the Constitution. declare laws unconstitutional. elect the President. None 4. HiSET Social Studies: Civics In the context of U.S. Civics, "the rule of law" implies that: laws are applied only to citizens, not to government officials. the law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their status. the president can enact laws without Congress during an emergency. laws can be ignored if they are deemed unjust by the majority. None 5. HiSET Social Studies: Civics What is the primary function of the executive branch of the U.S. government? To interpret laws To create laws To enforce laws To fund laws None 6. HiSET Social Studies: Civics What is a key characteristic of a representative democracy? Citizens have the power to govern directly. Representatives are appointed by a monarch. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. All laws are suggested and voted on by the public. None 7. HiSET Social Studies: Civics The concept of popular sovereignty means that: the government has the ultimate authority over the people. only the president can make decisions about foreign policy. all power lies with a select group of representatives. the authority of the government comes from the people. None 8. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment? First Amendment Eighth Amendment Fifth Amendment Tenth Amendment None 9. HiSET Social Studies: Civics What is the main purpose of the Bill of Rights? To outline the structure of the U.S. government To grant powers to the states To protect the rights of individual citizens To establish the federal court system None 10. HiSET Social Studies: Civics The system of federalism in the United States: abolishes state governments in favor of national control. divides power between the national and state governments. allows states to override federal laws at any time. mandates that state laws are uniform across the country. None 11. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which of the following is an example of the legislative branch's check on the executive branch? The president negotiates treaties. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote. The Supreme Court can declare executive actions unconstitutional. The vice president serves as the president of the Senate. None 12. HiSET Social Studies: Civics In the U.S. government, the principle of separation of powers is designed to: concentrate all government powers in one branch. ensure that no branch has more power than another. eliminate the judicial branch. allow for the quick passage of laws. None 13. HiSET Social Studies: Civics The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution addresses: freedom of speech. the rights of states and the people. the abolition of slavery. the right to bear arms. None 14. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which best describes the concept of "dual federalism"? State governments have no power. National and state governments operate independently in their own areas of authority. The federal government has total control over all aspects of governance. State governments have power over the federal government. None 15. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which of the following best represents the concept of civil liberties? The government's power to regulate trade The rights of citizens to freedom of speech and religion The ability of a state to establish a school system The president's right to deploy military forces None 16. HiSET Social Studies: Civics How does the U.S. Constitution embody the principle of limited government? By providing the President with absolute power Through the establishment of a single, centralized government that has all legislative authority By delineating the powers of the government and protecting individual rights By allowing the judicial branch unlimited power None 17. HiSET Social Studies: Civics In the context of U.S. Civics, the term "bicameral" refers to: The division of power between federal and state governments The two-house structure of Congress The process of electing the president The system of checks and balances None 18. HiSET Social Studies: Civics The principle of direct democracy is best exemplified in which of the following scenarios? Citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf. Citizens vote directly on laws or policies. The president enacts a law without consulting Congress. Judges interpret laws without influence from the other branches. None 19. HiSET Social Studies: Civics What role does the Constitution play in the American legal system? It serves as the ultimate source of legal authority. It provides a guideline that states can choose to follow or ignore. It outlines the roles of political parties in the U.S. It serves solely as a historical document without current legal standing. None 20. HiSET Social Studies: Civics Which of the following is a core principle of the American political system? Theocracy Aristocracy Democracy Oligarchy None 1 out of 20 Time is Up! Time's up
