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MCAP, Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program

This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "1.0 Civics," Indicator "1.2.5"

Select a question from the following list. The content of that question will be shown, and you can interact with it here.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

A person suing another person in a civil case is called the

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

What legal tool is available to prisoners who believe they are being jailed illegally?

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

A homeowner signed a written agreement with a roofing company to have an old roof replaced.

In the United States legal system, this type of written agreement is called a

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

During wartime, the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in some areas allowing the arrest and holding of persons without charging them with a specific crime.

Based on this event, which of these conclusions is accurate?

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these terms is used to describe a party who files a civil lawsuit?

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.

Use your knowledge about government to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE.

  • What is the difference between "preponderance of evidence" in a civil case and "reasonable doubt" in a criminal case?
  • Should there be different standards of proof? Why or why not?
  • Include details to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these legal documents orders a witness to appear in court?

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.

Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.

In a civil case, plaintiffs and defendants often reach out-of-court settlements instead of bringing a case to trial.

  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an out-of-court settlement.
  • Should judges and attorneys encourage out-of-court settlements? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these decides the verdict in a felony trial?

A Plaintiffs file the initial motion in a civil trial.
B Key:
C Grand juries decide the charges in a criminal indictment, prior to the trial.
D Prosecutors argue the case against a criminal defendant.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response item.

In a civil case, plaintiffs and defendants often reach out-of-court settlements instead of bringing a case to trial.

  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an out-of-court settlement.
  • Should judges and attorneys encourage out-of-court settlements? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these legal documents orders a witness to appear in court?

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrested a suspect in a number of bank robberies.

Before bringing charges against this suspect, the government must first

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Read the information.

The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime of which they are accused.

Which concept does this information describe?