Civics Chapter 2 Quiz

Questions and Answers

Define the concept of representative government.

Refers to a system in which larger groups are represented in government bodies by one person or a small group of people, commonly used to describe a representative democracy or an indirect democracy.

Why did the barons force King John to sign the Magna Carta?

He imposed heavy taxes on them.

What is the bicameral legislature?

Refers to a government body that consists of two legislative houses or chambers.

How was the lower house of the legislature chosen in the royal colonies?

The lower house legislature was elected by those property owners qualified to vote. Signup and view all the answers

What principles do the Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the English Bill of Rights have in common?

They contain the basic tenets of limited government that influenced the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is a confederation?

An organization that consists of a number of parties or groups united in an alliance or league. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the New England Confederation?

It was a union for 'Mutual safety and welfare' formed by representatives of the colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what 'taxation without representation' means.

A phrase that reflects the grievance of those taxed without having a say in the governing body, specifically attributed to James Otis around 1761. Signup and view all the answers

What major events led to the calling of the First Continental Congress?

It was called in response to the passage of the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) by the British Parliament, which had punished Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Representative Government

Representative government involves larger groups being represented by one individual or a small group in governance.
Often associated with representative democracy or indirect democracy.

Magna Carta

Barons pressured King John to sign the Magna Carta due to his imposition of heavy taxes.

Bicameral Legislature

A bicameral legislature is a governmental body with two separate chambers or houses.
May include two parliamentary chambers in various forms.

Lower House Selection in Royal Colonies

In royal colonies, the lower house of the legislature was elected by property-owning citizens eligible to vote.

Common Principles of Key Documents

The Magna Carta, petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights all embody fundamental principles of limited government.
These documents heavily influenced the formation of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Confederation

A confederation is an alliance of multiple parties or groups united for a common purpose.

New England Confederation

Established for mutual safety and welfare among the colonies—Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven.
The Confederation adopted a constitution creating "The United Colonies of New England" and convened in Boston.

Taxation Without Representation

The phrase denotes a protest against being taxed by a government without having elected representatives in that government.
Attributed to James Otis around 1761 and became a rallying cry against British rule before the American Revolution.

First Continental Congress

Convened in response to the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) enacted by British Parliament.
Aimed to address the punitive measures taken against Massachusetts following the Boston Tea Party.
Comprised 56 delegates from various colonies.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Civics Chapter 2. This quiz explores fundamental ideas such as representative government and historical events like the signing of the Magna Carta. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these important aspects of governance.