1. Gold discovered in 1848, Chinese immigration increased, etc. most immediately affected which state?
A. Texas
B. Montana
C. Alaska
D. California Correct
Explanation
The 1848 gold strike at Sutter’s Mill triggered the California Gold Rush; tens of thousands of Chinese laborers arrived through San Francisco almost overnight, making California the state most directly and immediately transformed by these two developments. The other choices either had no gold finds in 1848 (Alaska) or experienced only later, smaller rushes (Montana).
2. Which constitutional check exists on a presidential veto?
A. State legislatures can approve the bill by majority vote
B. Congress can request Supreme Court review
C. States can hold a popular vote
D. Congress can override with two-thirds vote of both houses Correct
Explanation
Article I Section 7 gives Congress the last word: if both chambers re-pass the bill with a two-thirds majority it becomes law despite the President’s objection. The Constitution assigns no role to state legislatures, popular referenda, or the Supreme Court in the veto-override process, making D the only procedurally accurate choice.
3. A government is transparent if it ...
A. allows citizens access to government records Correct
B. has high voter turnout
C. emphasizes decisive policy-making
D. participates in youth socialization
Explanation
Transparency is defined by openness and accountabilityâ€â€specifically public access to official documents and proceedings. High turnout, speedy decisions, or civic-education programs are desirable, but they do not themselves constitute transparency, whereas freedom-of-information laws and open-records practices directly satisfy the term’s meaning.
4. According to Jefferson’s 1787 letter, a responsibility of citizenship is ...
A. taking stands on issues
B. donating to campaigns
C. keeping the press free
D. being an informed decision-maker Correct
Explanation
Jefferson argues that the ‘opinion of the people’ must be kept informed through newspapers and that every person should ‘receive those papers and be capable of reading them.’ The passage therefore equates citizenship with the duty to become informed so one can decide wisely, not merely to donate, protest, or protect the press.
5. Which amendment guarantees a speedy and public trial?
A. First
B. Third
C. Sixth Correct
D. Tenth
Explanation
The Sixth Amendment explicitly commands that ‘in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial.’ The First protects speech/religion, the Third bars quartering soldiers, and the Tenth reserves powers to statesâ€â€none addresses trial timing or openness.