Gateway to American Government

Front

How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation?

Back

It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.

Front

In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase “We the People”?

Back

Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them

Front

In the modern political system, which issue represents a basic disagreement between Republicans and Democrats? Options: the responsibilities of government, the frequency of national elections, the legality of the U.S. Constitution, the support for the U.S. military soldier

Back

the responsibilities of government

Front

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions? Options: watching political debates on television, discussing political issues at work, collecting opinions for a yearbook, gathering signatures for a petition

Back

gathering signatures for a petition

Front

What lessons did future U.S. leaders learn from the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon? Options: The president is responsible for enforcing the law., The president is accountable for obeying the law., The president is not allowed to hold secret talks with foreign governments., The president is not allowed to have private meetings with cabinet members.

Back

The president is accountable for obeying the law.

Front

What do an absolute monarchy and an autocracy have in common? Options: a written constitution, a national court system, a single ruler, a single legislative house

Back

a single ruler

Front

Which statement describes a similarity between the state and the federal governments under the U.S. Constitution? Both levels of government allow for the election of judges. Both levels of government have the power to ratify treaties. Both levels of government have the power to appoint ambassadors. Both levels of government allow for the collection of taxes.

Back

Both levels of government allow for the collection of taxes.

Front

Which is the last step in amending the U.S. Constitution?

Back

Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment.

Front

Which type of law is used to help solve disputes between people or organizations? Options: civil, constitutional, criminal, military

Back

civil

Front

Which action is an example of a foreign-policy decision? Options: Congress increased providing support to newly arrived immigrants., The president requested a law to regulate pollution near international borders., Congress raised educational standards to make students competitive in a global market., The president signed an executive order restoring relations with a communist government.

Back

The president signed an executive order restoring relations with a communist government.