Primary and Secondary Sources: Understanding the Difference
1.1.3
Which item is an example of a primary source?
A diary entry from an American homemaker in 1933
Which item is an example of a primary source?
A transcript of a presidential speech
Which item is an example of a primary source?
A photograph of a civil rights march
Which item is an example of a secondary source?
An online encyclopedia article about Franklin Roosevelt
Which item is an example of a secondary source?
A biography of Abraham Lincoln
Which item is an example of a secondary source?
An analysis of Richard Nixon’s role in the Watergate scandal.
What is one advantage a primary source has over a secondary source?
A primary source offers a firsthand account of an event.
What is one advantage a primary source has over a secondary source?
A primary source is typically free of outside interpretation.
What is one advantage a secondary source has over a primary source?
A secondary source summarizes complex subjects by synthesizing multiple sources.
Read this excerpt from an op-ed in the Daily Times:
What is the main idea of this excerpt?
Citizens should vote against the proposed system
Read this excerpt from a campaign speech:
What is the main idea of this speech?
Voters should be concerned about the character of the speaker’s opponent.
Read this excerpt from a letter to the city council:
What is the main idea of this letter?
The city council should not cut the library hours.
What does corroborating sources allow a political scientist to do?
Determine whether an assertion made by one source is likely to be true
Why would a political scientist wish to consult multiple sources of information on a topic?
To corroborate a given primary source’s claim about an event
What is true about using multiple sources of information on a topic?
The more sources there are to corroborate a conclusion, the more likely that conclusion is to be true.
Which item is the Best example of propaganda?
A commercial making false statements about a political candidate’s opponent
Which item is the best example of propaganda?
A political poster designed to shame citizens into supporting a war
Which quote reveals the author’s point of view and potential for bias?
“As a recent immigrant, I support making permanent residence easier to obtain
Which quote reveals the author’s point of view and potential for bias?
“As a college student, I am opposed to tuition being raised.”
Which quote reveals the author’s point of view and potential for bias?
“As a teacher, I am in favor of opening a new school.”
What makes a source credible?
Its accuracy can be corroborated.
When should you question a source’s credibility?
When you cannot find any other sources that support its arguments
What makes a source credible?
It is consistently reliable.
1.1.6
Imagine you want to convince the local school board that eliminating elective courses for struggling students is a bad idea. Which appeal would most likely move this audience to support your cause?
A poll of the student body shows that 88 percent of struggling students feel more motivated to come to school because of their electives.
Imagine you want to convince your parents that changing the high school start time from 7:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. would make their lives easier. Which appeal would most likely move this audience to support your cause?
I know how much it frustrates you when I sleep through my alarm and have to ask you to drive me to school. I know I would be able to get up on time if I were able to set my alarm a little later.
Imagine you want to convince the local school board that changing the high school start time from 7:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. would benefit all students. Which appeal would most likely move this audience to support your cause?
Studies show that teenagers’ bodies have a biological drive to stay awake fairly late at night, so early start times lead to a constantly overtired student population.
If you convinced your teacher to give you an extension on an assignment, what would this situation be an example of?
Rhetoric
If you convinced your friend to lend you her notes to study for an exam, what would this situation be an example of?
Rhetoric
If you convinced your principal to cancel an assembly because of a political concern, what would this situation be an example of?
Rhetoric
Which argumentative statement is a claim of fact?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was a successful president.
Which argumentative statement is a claim of value?
It is irresponsible to throw away uneaten food.
Which argumentative statement is a claim of definition?
People who do their research before voting are informed citizens.
Which claim is arguable?
Senators should not have term limits.
Which claim is arguable?
Universal health care is a basic human right.
Which claim is arguable?
Voting is the best way to make a difference in politics.
Which claim is not defensible?
We should make owning more than one car illegal.
Which claim is not defensible?
George W. Bush was not as talented a politician as his father, George H. W. Bush.
Which claim is not defensible?
The world would be better off if political boundaries didn’t exist.
Central claim: Genetically modified foods should be illegal because they cause many health problems.
Which reason best supports the central claim?
Several people recently died from Morgellons disease, which is thought to be linked to genetically modified foods.
Central claim: Animal testing is important because it provides valuable scientific breakthroughs.
Which reason best supports the central claim?
A number of lifesaving drugs and surgical procedures are the direct products of animal testing.
Central claim: The death penalty should be abolished because it is too expensive.
Which reason best supports the central claim?
It costs three times as much to put prisoners to death than it does to give them life in prison.
Why is it important to consider your audience’s opinions when making an argument?
So that you know which kinds of information will best persuade your audience
How will you know which information to include in your argument to support your claim?
By considering the opinions of your audience
When developing your argument, why should you consider the opinions of your audience?
To understand what information will best persuade your audience
Which prediction can most likely be made based on this scenario?
Students will vote for presidential candidates who prioritize lowering tuition costs.
Which prediction can most likely be made based on this scenario?
City residents will support mayoral candidates who propose increasing the size of the police force.
Which prediction can most likely be made based on this scenario?
If a candidate ran against Senator Smith, many people would vote for that candidate.
1.2.2
Which statement best describes the relationship between power and authority?
Authority is the ability to use power legitimately.
Which statement best describes the relationship between power and authority?
Authority gives a state the right to use its power.
Which statement best describes the relationship between power and authority?
Authority justifies a state’s use of power over its citizens.
In a democracy, how is rule of law regarded?
It is important, as it gives the government legitimacy.
In a democracy, how is rule of law regarded?
It is respected, as leaders are accountable to the people.
In a dictatorship, how is rule of law regarded?
It is not respected, as rulers violate laws as they please.
Which statement describes a major advantage of a federal system of government over a unitary system?
It prevents a single national government from holding all of a country’s power.
Which statement describes a major advantage of a unitary system of government over a confederal system?
It ensures that the central government is strong enough to deal with major problems.
Which statement describes a major advantage of a confederal system of government over a unitary system?
It maximizes the political freedoms guaranteed to individual state governments.
Which option Best summarizes what is expected of citizens in a dictatorship?
To obey and support the government without question
Which option best summarizes what is expected of citizens in a democracy?
To play an active role in selecting government leaders
Which option best summarizes what is expected of citizens in a democracy?
To grant the government its basic authority to rule
In which type of dictatorship is power held by a single leader whose demands become law for the entire country?
Autocracy
In which type of dictatorship does a small group of individuals exercise complete control over a country’s government?
Oligarchy
In which type of dictatorship do religious leaders who claim to be guided by a god or divine power rule?
Theocracy
Which speaker is advocating for anarchy in the country?
Speaker 2
Which speaker is advocating for a constitutional government in the country?
Speaker 3
Which speaker is advocating for an authoritarian government in the country?
Speaker 1
Which action occurs in parliamentary governments but not in presidential governments?
The legislative branch selects the head of government.
Which action occurs in presidential governments but not in parliamentary governments?
Voters elect the leader of the executive branch.
Which action occurs in both presidential and parliamentary governments?
Voters elect members of the legislative branch
Absolute monarchy is most similar to which other system of government?
Autocracy
Constitutional monarchy is most similar to which other system of government?
Parliamentary democracy
Absolute monarchy is most similar to which other system of government?
Dictatorship
1.2.5
Which statement Best describes a difference between the political systems in ancient Greece and ancient Rome?
Ancient Greece was more committed to democratic ideals.
Which statement best describes a similarity between the political systems in ancient Greece and the Roman Republic?
Both avoided centralizing political power in the hands of one person.
Which statement Best describes a difference between the political systems in ancient Greece and feudal Europe?
Ancient Greece was more reflective of the philosophy of direct democracy.
Which statement best describes an advantage of direct democracy over indirect democracy?
It can be more responsive to citizens’ interests.
Which statement best describes an advantage of indirect democracy over direct democracy?
It can make decision making more efficient.
Which statement best describes an advantage of direct democracy over indirect democracy?
It can better prevent political leaders from serving their own interests.
Which statement Best describes a difference between presidential and parliamentary democracies?
In a parliamentary democracy, the executive and legislative branches are joined. In a presidential democracy, the two branches are separate.
Which statement BestSummarizes the role citizens play in a democracy?
Citizens are the source of political sovereignty.
Which statement best summarizes the role citizens play in a democracy?
Citizens are expected to actively participate in the political process.
Which statement best summarizes the role citizens play in a democracy?
Citizens select the leaders and policies that best serve their interests.
Which statement BestDescribe a similarity between presidential and parliamentary democracies?
Both allow citizens to vote for members of the legislature.
Which statement best describes a difference between presidential and parliamentary democracies?
In a parliamentary democracy, the head of state is a member of the legislature. In a presidential democracy, the head of state is directly elected by citizens.
The government described in the passage most reflects the features of which type of democracy?
Direct democracy
The government described in the passage most reflects the features of which type of democracy?
Indirect democracy
The government described in the passage most reflects the features of which type of democracy?
Direct democracy
What is one of the basic principles of democracy?
Protecting minority groups against oppression by a majority
What is one of the basic principles of democracy?
Ensuring that all citizens have equality under the law
What is one of the basic principles of democracy?
Recognizing the need for compromise on political issues
Which aspect of U.S. politics is most closely tied to the concept of direct democracy?
Some cities allow citizens to hold town hall meetings to vote on new laws.
Which aspect of U.S. politics is most closely tied to the concept of indirect democracy?
Every four years, elections are held to select the president of the United States.
Which aspect of U.S. politics is most closely tied to the concept of indirect democracy?
Americans have political representation in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Which statement best describes a difference between a democracy and a republic?
A democracy can come in two forms — direct and indirect — while a republic is always indirect.
Which statement best describes a difference between a democracy and a republic?
Citizens in a democracy can either directly or indirectly influence the government, while citizens in a republic can only indirectly influence government through elected officials.
Which statement Best describes a similarity between a democracy and a republic?
Both get their sovereignty from their citizens.
1.3.2
John Locke is most closely associated with which idea?
Governments exist only by the consent of the people.
What idea in the Declaration of Independence reflects the influence of John Locke?
Power comes from the consent of the governed.
The idea that governments exist only by the consent of the people was first popularized by which Enlightenment philosopher?
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes is most closely associated with which principle?
The social contract
According to Thomas Hobbes’s concept of the social contract, what do people exchange for protection by the government?
Hobbes believed people exchange many personal freedoms for government protection.
The social contract is a concept first introduced by which Enlightenment philosopher?
Thomas Hobbes
Baron de Montesquieu is most closely associated with which idea?
A government’s powers should be separated among different branches of government.
The federal government of the United States is divided into three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Which Enlightenment philosopher’s idea does this represent?
Baron de Montesquieu
Which Enlightenment philosopher first popularized the concept of separation of powers among government branches?
Baron de Montesquieu
Jean-Jacques Rousseau is most closely associated with which belief?
People are naturally good, and their expressed will is what is best for society.
Which phrase accurately describes Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s concept of a social contract?
An agreement between people in a society to give up some of their rights in order to form a stable government
Which Enlightenment philosopher first popularized the idea that the general will of the people is best for society?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Which statement best describes how the concept of popular sovereignty influenced the creation of the Declaration of Independence?
It inspired the American colonists to move toward self-rule by declaring independence from a government that denied them representation.
Which Enlightenment principle is most clearly reflected in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence?
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Popular sovereignty
Which passage from the Declaration of Independence reflects the Enlightenment principle of popular sovereignty?
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Which idea does this excerpt support?
Citizens must be allowed to overthrow a government that does not protect their rights.
Which Enlightenment principle is most clearly reflected in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence?
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.
The social contract
Which passage from the Declaration of Independence most clearly reflects the Enlightenment principle of addressing a broken social contract?
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.
Which statement best describes how the concept of natural rights influenced the creation of the Declaration of Independence?
It introduced American thinkers to the idea that they needed to protect certain God-given privileges the British were denying them.
Which Enlightenment principle is most clearly reflected in this phrase from the Declaration of Independence
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
Natural rights
Which phrase from the Declaration of Independence reflects the Enlightenment principle of natural rights?
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
Which action caused many American colonists to support independence from the British Empire?
Great Britain increased taxes on many items in the colonies.
Which sentence describes a factor that motivated American colonists to declare their independence from the British?
Great Britain taxed the colonies but did not allow them to participate in politics.
Which British policy convinced many American colonists that they should form their own country?
Great Britain did not allow the colonists to participate in government.
1.3.5
Which statement best describes the significance of the Magna Carta?
It established that no one, not even a king, is above the law.
Which statement Best describes the significance of the Magna Carta?
It set limits on the power of the British monarchy.
Which statement best describes the significance of the Magna Carta?
It established the idea that British citizens had basic rights that could not be taken away.
What is one of the four basic principles of the 1628 Petition of Right?
Citizens cannot be forced to house soldiers.
What is one of the four basic principles of the 1628 Petition of Right?
Protection from arrest without cause
What is one of the four basic principles of the 1628 Petition of Right?
Taxation is not permitted without Parliament’s permission.
Which statement accurately describes the influence of the Petition of Right?
The Petition of Right reflected a trend of reducing the powers of the British monarchy.
Which statement accurately describes the influence of the Petition of Right?
The fight to uphold the Petition of Right led to the king’s execution and the abolishment of the monarchy.
Which statement accurately describes the influence of the Petition of Right?
The rights granted by the Petition of Right were later reflected in the Articles of Confederation
The provisions of the Mayflower Compact would influence later documents like the Articles of Confederation. Which of the following is not a reason the colonists created and signed the Mayflower Compact?
To cut all ties with the British king
Which aspect of the Mayflower Compact had the most significant impact on the Articles of Confederation?
It gave the people the power to make laws and elect leaders.
Which statement best describes why the Mayflower Compact influenced future documents like the Articles of Confederation?
It was the first government framework written and voted on in North America.
Which statement accurately describes the 13 American colonies?
Each colony differed in terms of personal freedom and control over government affairs.
Which statement accurately describes the 13 American colonies?
Each colony had a different population and purpose, and each had a separate charter outlining its government.
Which statement accurately describes the 13 American colonies?
Each colony granted a different level of religious freedom.
Which idea is a fundamental principle of the Articles of Confederation?
Permanent unity between the states
Which idea is a fundamental principle of the Articles of Confederation?
Freedom of speech for individuals and lawmakers
Which idea is a fundamental principle of the Articles of Confederation?
Sovereignty and independence of the states
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the Northwest Ordinance and the Articles of Confederation?
The Northwest Ordinance added to the guidelines for American expansion that were introduced in the Articles of Confederation.
Which statement does not describe a result of the Northwest Ordinance?
The sovereignty of all the states in the union was weakened.
The Northwest Ordinance outlined a plan for the future of the Northwest Territory. Which provision was not part of that plan?
Each new state created from the territory could determine its own level of religious freedom.
Which aspect of English government traditions did not influence leaders in the United States?
Granting unrestricted freedom to all religions
Which aspect of English government traditions did not influence leaders in the United States?
Allowing any new territory to establish a bill of rights
Which aspect of English government traditions did not influence leaders in the United States?
An increase in centrally held power