Can You Pass Our 10 Question Civics Quiz?

July 4 will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
But what did you gain from that, and why does it matter?
Press OK to start.

Question Title

* 1. What advantages do all American people gain from a regular schedule of free and fair elections? (Check off all the correct answers.)

We gain representation among our lawmakers.

I do not know or do not have an opinion.

We gain opportunities to hold our lawmakers responsible for their actions.

Advertisers can make a lot of money.

Leaders and political parties can gain power without having to use violence.

Our preferred leaders and political parties always have new chances to compete.

Question Title

* 2. What advantages do all American people gain from having our laws decided through by an elected legislature rather than dictated by an absolute monarch or a military junta? (Check off all the correct answers.)

Having lots of legislators provides lobbyists more opportunities to make their case.

It is hard to hold absolute monarchs and army leaders to account. By contrast, we can choose to replace poorly performing legislators through regularly scheduled elections.

I do not know or do not have an opinion.

Absolute monarchs and army leaders have no incentive to care about anyone other than themselves and their friends. By contrast, an elected legislature is more likely to consider, and try to balance, the needs of all Americans.

Question Title

* 3. Why are the state governments and the federal government divided into three branches? (Check off all the correct answers.)

I do not know or do not have an opinion.

The framers thought a third branch could be a tie-breaker if two branches disagreed.

To prevent any one person, group, or branch from gaining tyrannical power.