US Government Quiz 1

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the history of income inequality in the US?

Income inequality has remained constant since the 1900s

Income inequality has decreased significantly over the years

In 1976, top 1% accounted for less than 10% of annual national income (correct)

In 2020, top 1% accounted for more than 20% of annual national income

Generally speaking, in order to be a good citizen in the United States, it is most critical to have?

Knowledge of the American political system (correct)

A high income

A college degree

Connections to government officials

What major legal and political changes led to the rise of constitutional government in the West?

Legal limits on government and the right of more people to vote

The bourgeoisie sought to change which institution into an instrument of political participation?

Parliaments Signup and view all the answers

At the time of the founding of the republic, approximately _____ percent of non-Native American inhabitants of the thirteen states were of European ancestry.

80 Signup and view all the answers

Throughout American history, the concept of liberty has been linked to the idea of?

Limited government Signup and view all the answers

The right of each citizen to vote is an example of?

Political equality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the process of direct democracy?

Citizens in a state approving the use of medical marijuana through a popular referendum Signup and view all the answers

A government that is not constrained by legal limits and also seeks to eliminate any challenges to its authority is known as a(n) ________ government.

Totalitarian Signup and view all the answers

The belief that citizens can influence what government does is called?

Political efficacy Signup and view all the answers

The 'digital divide' refers to the fact that?

Some groups are excluded from online participation in society Signup and view all the answers

Approximately ________ percent of the world's population currently lives in a constitutional democracy.

43 Signup and view all the answers

The belief that political authority should rest with the people themselves is called?

Popular sovereignty Signup and view all the answers

A government that is formally limited by laws and rules is called?

Constitutional Signup and view all the answers

The National Origins quota system?

Allowed a large quota of new immigrants from northern European countries but only a small quota from eastern and southern European countries Signup and view all the answers

Native Americans became U.S. citizens in 1924.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements concerning political values in the United States is most accurate?

American values often conflict with each other in practice Signup and view all the answers

Today, the federal government is?

An enormous institution that creates a large number of programs affecting virtually all Americans Signup and view all the answers

The fact that the tax code in the United States is more advantageous to wealthy citizens than that of almost any other Western nation supports the claim that Americans?

Generally tolerate economic inequality Signup and view all the answers

African Americans and Latinos?

Express greater levels of trust in government than whites Signup and view all the answers

The average age of Americans has increased between 1900-2010.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes direct democracy in the United States?

Some state and local governments allow direct democracy; the federal government does not Signup and view all the answers

A representative democracy is a system of government that?

Gives citizens a regular opportunity to elect top government officials Signup and view all the answers

Politics can be defined as?

Conflicts over the character, membership, and politics of an organization to which people belong Signup and view all the answers

About _____ percent of the American adult population identifies with the Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish faiths.

75 Signup and view all the answers

After the Civil War, Republicans attempted to ________ in order to maintain Republican control over the defeated southern states.

Enfranchise newly freed slaves Signup and view all the answers

It is important for Americans to have political knowledge so that they will?

Be better able to assess their own interests when making political choices Signup and view all the answers

The power of the federal government began to expand after 1933 in response to?

The stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, and the run on banks of 1933 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Income Inequality in the US

In 1976, the top 1% of earners accounted for less than 10% of annual national income.

Citizenship and Political Knowledge

A good citizen in the U.S. requires knowledge of the American political system.

Rise of Constitutional Government

Constitutional government in the West resulted from legal limits on government and expanded voting rights.

Role of the Bourgeoisie

The bourgeoisie aimed to transform parliaments into instruments of political participation.

Demographics at Founding of Republic

Approximately 80% of non-Native American inhabitants in the thirteen states were of European ancestry during the republic's founding.

Concept of Liberty

Throughout American history, liberty has been associated with limited government.

Political Equality

The voting rights of citizens exemplify political equality.

Direct Democracy Example

Citizens approving medical marijuana use through a popular referendum showcases direct democracy.

Totalitarian Government

A government seeking to eliminate challenges to its authority without legal constraints is termed totalitarian.

Political Efficacy

Political efficacy represents the belief that citizens can influence government actions.

Digital Divide

The "digital divide" highlights the exclusion of certain groups from online participation in societal matters.

Global Democracy Statistics

About 43% of the world's population resides in a constitutional democracy.

Popular Sovereignty

Popular sovereignty refers to the belief that political authority should reside with the people.

Constitutional Government

A government limited by laws and rules is referred to as constitutional.

National Origins Quota System

The system favored northern European immigrants while imposing smaller quotas on eastern and southern Europeans.

Native American Citizenship

Native Americans gained U.S. citizenship in 1924.

American Political Values

American values often conflict with each other in real-world application.

Federal Government's Role Today

The federal government has evolved into a vast institution with numerous programs impacting nearly all Americans.

Economic Inequality Perspective

U.S. tax code favors wealthy citizens, indicating a general tolerance for economic inequality among Americans.

Trust in Government by Demographics

African Americans and Latinos display higher levels of trust in government compared to whites.

Changes in American Society (1900-2010)

The average age of Americans has increased during this period.

Direct Democracy in the U.S.

Some state and local governments allow for direct democracy, unlike the federal government.

Representative Democracy

A representative democracy allows citizens to regularly elect top government officials.

Definition of Politics

Politics involves conflicts concerning the character, membership, and policies of organizations people belong to.

Religious Identity in America

About 75% of the American adult population identifies with Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish faiths.

Post-Civil War Republican Strategy

Republicans sought to enfranchise newly freed slaves to maintain control over southern states.

Importance of Political Knowledge

Political knowledge enables Americans to better assess their interests when making choices.

Expansion of Federal Power

Federal government power expanded post-1933 in response to the stock market crash and the Great Depression.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the history of income inequality and civic responsibilities in the United States with this quiz. It covers key concepts related to American political systems and significant legal changes. Perfect for students studying government or civics!