40 Questions
Which document represents the supreme law of the land?
The U.S. Constitution
What is the purpose of the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
To promote democratic participation by providing for the direct election of Senators
Which phrase in the U.S. Constitution addresses the power to seize property?
Eminent domain
Which core theme is expressed in the Federalist Papers?
The proposed Constitution should be ratified
If both the U.S. President and the U.S. Vice President are unable to serve, who acts as president?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
What is an example of a power reserved to the states?
Creating school systems
Which statement from the English Bill of Rights is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment?
"No excessive bail should be required; no unusual punishments inflicted."
According to the authors of the Declaration of Independence, who is responsible for protecting natural rights?
The government
Who signs proposed bills into federal laws?
The President of the United States
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution currently have?
27
Which statement best reflects the principle of 'consent of the governed' expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
The legislature derives its power from the people's consent.
Why does the Constitution require that tax bills originate in the House of Representatives?
To address the colonists' grievance of 'taxation without representation'.
Which constitutional principle was included to address the Declaration of Independence's concern about concentrated power?
The separation of powers
Which Supreme Court case addressed the issue of how states count popular votes for President and Vice President?
Bush v. Gore
What are the two steps required for someone to become the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate
Which of the following statements accurately describes the principle of federalism?
The national and state governments share power and responsibilities.
What is the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which begins with the phrase "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union"?
To establish the principles and objectives of the Constitution.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution established the right to counsel for criminal defendants?
The 6th Amendment
Which of the following is an example of the principle of "consent of the governed" in the U.S. government?
Citizens have the right to vote for their representatives in government.
How does the process of a bill becoming a law demonstrate the principle of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
The President can veto a bill passed by Congress, and Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority.
What U.S. Supreme Court case focused on the concept of executive privilege?
U.S. v. Nixon (1974)
Which right from the Declaration of Independence is considered 'inalienable' by the colonists?
Right to pursue happiness
What is the term length for a U.S. Representative elected to office?
Two years
Which First Amendment right is reflected in the English Bill of Rights?
Right to petition the king
How did the U.S. Constitution resolve the dispute between slave and free states over representation?
By enacting the Three-Fifths Compromise
What document provided a rationale for the Declaration of Independence?
Common Sense
Which phrase from a letter written by Abigail Adams in 1776 is reflected in the Nineteenth Amendment?
"I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them"
What is one branch of the U.S. federal government?
Executive
Which of the following pairs of cases focused on the rights of public school students?
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
What does the principle of 'consent of the governed' represent?
Government authority derived from people's approval
What was the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Engel v. Vitale (1962)?
It prohibited state-sponsored prayer in public schools.
Which of the following statements accurately describes a core principle expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
It asserted the right of the people to abolish an oppressive government.
According to the U.S. Constitution, what is the minimum number of representatives each state must have in the House of Representatives?
1
What is a primary purpose of civil rights movements?
To secure equal rights and legal protections for marginalized groups.
Which of the following best describes the social contract theory of government?
Citizens surrender some individual liberties in exchange for the protection and security provided by the government.
Which of the following is an example of representation in the U.S. government?
The Congress passes a law.
What group do U.S. Senators represent?
Their state's population.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution established the direct election of Senators by popular vote?
The 17th Amendment
What is the process by which a bill becomes a law in the United States?
A bill is proposed and passed by both houses of Congress, then signed by the President.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the principle of consent of the governed?
Governments derive their authority from the people they govern.
Test your knowledge on the US government with questions on the Preamble, landmark Supreme Court decisions, and the process of becoming Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.
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