This diagnostic exam assesses students' understanding of U.S. government concepts, including thesis writing, textual analysis, and political cartoon analysis.
Question 1
1.
Construct a thesis statement on whether you believe 16-year-olds should be able to vote in Illinois. Consider the potential implications on civic engagement, political participation, and democracy.
Question 2
2.
Question 3
3.
Question 4
4.
Question 5
5.
Question 6
6.
Question 7
7.
Question 8
8.
Question 9
9.
Question 10
10.
What is the primary focus of the text?
The dominance of Democratic and Republican parties.
The challenges faced by major political parties due to rising independent registrations.
The influence of NBC News analysis on voting trends.
The historical patterns of voter turnout since 2000.
What evidence does the text use to support the growth of independent registrations?
The increase in non-affiliated voters from 23% in 2000 to 32% in 2025.
The decline in registered Democrats' share from 2024 to 2025.
The role of the "No Kings" protests in shaping political movements.
The presence of 33 states reporting voter data.
What is the primary message conveyed by the cartoon?
The Judicial and Legislative branches are naturally weaker than the Executive branch.
The Executive branch is depicted as overly powerful, threatening the separation of powers.
The Executive branch is successfully strengthening the government system.
All branches are equal in strength and function.
What does the chainsaw symbolize in the cartoon?
The ability of the Executive branch to prune unnecessary governmental functions.
The Executive branch's aggressive actions that threaten other government branches.
The natural cycle of growth in government.
The Judicial branch's influence over legislative actions.
How does the cartoon express the cartoonist's perspective on government power balance?
The balance of power is stable and functioning as intended.
Indifference to power distribution.
Concern about Executive overreach risking foundational principles.
Issues are unnecessarily hyped.
What is the core principle of democracy?
Majority rule.
Minority rights.
What does republicanism emphasize?
Citizen representation.
Direct democracy.
What theory influenced the Founding Fathers regarding the social contract?
