GED Social Studies : Bill of Rights

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Social Studies

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Bill Of Rights

Which of these tenets was not part of the English Bill of Rights?

Possible Answers:

The guarantee of free speech in parliament

Limits on the power of the Crown

Regular elections in parliament

The protection from forced quartering of soldiers in the homes of private citizens

The right to petition the Monarch without fear of punishment

Correct answer:

The protection from forced quartering of soldiers in the homes of private citizens

Explanation:

The English Bill of Rights was signed in 1689, shortly after King William ascended to the throne during the Glorious Revolution. It’s primary intention was to ensure that the King could no longer act without impunity and to ensure the continued liberty and supremacy of the English Parliament. Among its basic tenets were placing limits on the power of the English royalty, the right to petition the Monarch without fear of punishment, the promise of regular elections in parliament, and the guarantee of freedom of speech in parliament. The English Bill of Rights is considered to be the forebear of the later American Bill of Rights. One right that is not included in the English Bill of Rights, but is included in the American, is the protection from the forced quarter of soldiers in the homes of private citizens. This was included in the American Bill of Rights in response to the British colonial policy of quartering soldiers in American houses during and after the French-Indian Wars.

Example Question #2 : Bill Of Rights

Which Amendment to the Constitution is related to “the right to remain silent”?

Possible Answers:

The Fifth Amendment

The Ninth Amendment

The Seventh Amendment

The Sixth Amendment

The Eighth Amendment

Correct answer:

The Fifth Amendment

Explanation:

The right to remain silent effectively states that every accused individual has the right not to speak if they choose to do so. This is related to the Fifth Amendment which says that a defendant cannot be forced to be a witness against themselves. 

Example Question #3 : Bill Of Rights

The right to a public trial is guaranteed in which Amendment to the Constitution?

Possible Answers:

The Sixth Amendment

The Eighth Amendment

The Seventh Amendment

The Fifth Amendment

The Ninth Amendment

Correct answer:

The Sixth Amendment

Explanation:

The right to a "speedy and public trial" is guaranteed in the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution. All American citizens have the right to a public trial in order to prevent any corruption or miscarriage of justice that might occur behind closed doors.

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