US Government Principles and Constitution Quiz

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Which of the following best describes the relationship between the goals outlined in the Preamble and the principles of the Constitution?

The principles provide the framework, and the goals specify the aspirations of the Constitution. (correct)
The goals were created after the principles were established.
The goals are the specific ways that the principles are implemented.
The goals and principles are interchangeable and redundant.

Which of these is NOT one of the fundamental principles forming the basis of the US Constitution?

Limited Government
Direct Democracy (correct)
Individual Rights
Separation of Powers

How does the concept of 'federalism' primarily function within the structure of the government established by the Articles?

By establishing a unicameral legislature with absolute power over the executive and judicial branches.
By dividing powers and responsibilities between the national and state governments. (correct)
By creating a single, centralized authority with control over all governmental functions.
By directly granting all powers to the states, thus limiting the national government.

According to the provided content, what is the primary purpose of 'checks and balances' within the framework of the US Constitution?

To ensure that no single branch of government can exert absolute unilateral control over the other branches of power. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which situation was presented as an example of the overall strength of the Constitutional system?

The 2000 Presidential Election. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment ensures the right to avoid self-incrimination?

Fifth Amendment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Nineteenth Amendment?

It granted women the right to vote. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a major idea about modifying the Constitution?

The framers intended it to be a flexible document, adaptable to future needs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many times has the Constitution been amended since the Bill of Rights was added?

17 times (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum threshold of states necessary for ratification of an amendment to the Constitution?

three-fourths, 75% of states. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a proposed law that is being considered by Congress?

Bill (D) Signup and view all the answers

If the Supreme Court declares a law to not be permitted by the Constitution, what is this law considered?

Unconstitutional (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when Congress sets aside a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in each house?

Override (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of Congress is led by a Speaker?

The House of Representatives (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a responsibility of state governments?

Maintaining a federal highway system (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for when the President rejects a bill passed by Congress?

Veto (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name for the group of people pledged to a candidate who meet after Election Day to cast votes?

Electoral College (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options correctly describes the typical process for amending a state constitution?

The state legislature proposes an amendment, and voters approve or reject it in an election. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the letter 'L' refer to, as defined in the provided matching section?

It is responsible for water, sewers and building inspections (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the action called when Congress removes a President from office?

Impeach (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution?

State constitutions must conform to the U.S. Constitution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of Congress?

To make the nation's laws (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for public education?

The local and state governments. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes a person who is legally residing in a country but is not a citizen?

Resident Alien (C) Signup and view all the answers

What official legal process allows a non-citizen to become a citizen?

Naturalization (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of having loyalty to a nation?

Citizenship (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common method for becoming a US citizen?

Being granted citizenship by the local government (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a democratic value that citizens should uphold?

Responsibility (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action could be taken against a president accused of serious wrongdoing?

Impeach (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT specifically identified as a democratic value?

Freedom of speech (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately completes the phrase 'to ensure __' in the Preamble to the Constitution?

domestic tranquility (C) Signup and view all the answers

Given the diagram's context, what is the most accurate term to describe the central concept connecting the outer ovals?

Principles of the Constitution (C) Signup and view all the answers

If one outer oval lists 'provide for the common defense', what term would logically appear in another?

domestic tranquility (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which officials directly represent all American voters?

The President and Vice President (A) Signup and view all the answers

Besides borrowing money, what is considered th most important function of the United States Congress?

make the nation's laws (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the lists correctly orders the federal court system from the highest to the lowest?

Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District Court (D) Signup and view all the answers

A section titled 'Head 1' discusses the power of Congress to overturn a Presidential veto. Which heading BEST describes the type of power described?

Congressional Checks (B) Signup and view all the answers

What would be an appropriate addition to ‘Head 2’, which currently describes Presidential powers like veto bills and appoint judges?

grant pardons (C) Signup and view all the answers

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution, outlining its goals and purpose.

Federalism

The principle of dividing governmental power between the national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The principle that power is divided among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.