Understanding The Constitution

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for citizens to understand the Constitution of the United States?

• Because it helps them know their rights and responsibilities

• Because it is required for voting

• Because it is only important for lawyers

• Because it is a historical document with no relevance today

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are the main parts of the U.S. Constitution?

• The Preamble, 7 Articles, 27 Amendments

• The Bill of Rights, 10 Articles, 15 Amendments

• The Declaration, 5 Articles, 20 Amendments

• The Charter, 8 Articles, 25 Amendments

Open Ended

How do the goals listed in the Preamble of the Constitution reflect the values of the United States?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are principles of the U.S. Constitution?

• Popular sovereignty

• Federalism

• Checks & balances

• Monarchy

Open Ended

Why is it important for Congress to include men and women?

Fill in the Blanks

What phrase from the Preamble demonstrates the principle of popular sovereignty?

Fill in the Blanks

The powers of government are strictly

by the Constitution.

Open Ended

Explain how the 10th Amendment relates to the concept of reserved powers in federalism.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power shared by both the federal and state governments?

• Coining money

• Declaring war

• Levying and collecting taxes

• Conducting foreign relations

Fill in the Blanks

The executive branch has the power to

laws.

Open Ended

Describe one way in which the system of checks and balances maintains a balance of power among the three branches of government.

Fill in the Blanks

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are known as the

of Rights.

Open Ended

Which of these principles restrict government power? (Hint: it’s more than 1)

Multiple Choice

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws, and what are two of its main powers?

• Legislative branch; making laws and regulating trade

• Executive branch; appointing judges and negotiating treaties

• Judicial branch; hearing cases and vetoing laws

• Legislative branch; appointing judges and vetoing laws

Fill in the Blanks

What is the significance of the Speaker of the House in the legislative branch?

Multiple Choice

Which amendment changed the way Senators are chosen, and what is the current method?

• 15th Amendment; chosen by state legislatures

• 17th Amendment; elected by citizens of each state

• 19th Amendment; appointed by the President

• 21st Amendment; chosen by the House of Representatives

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of implied powers of Congress?

• Establishing the Federal Reserve

• Declaring war

• Passing laws protecting the disabled

• Regulating trade

Multiple Choice

Which branch of government is responsible for administering laws passed by Congress and directing foreign policy?

• Executive Branch

• Legislative Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Governments

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the Supreme Court as described in Article III?

• To create laws

• To administer laws

• To interpret laws and serve as the final court of appeals

• To elect the president

Open Ended

Explain how the system of checks and balances prevents any one branch of government from gaining too much power.

Multiple Choice

According to the table, what is one major difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution regarding the executive branch?

• The Articles had a chief executive, the Constitution did not.

• The Constitution established an executive branch with defined powers, the Articles did not have a chief executive.

• Both had a strong executive branch.

• Neither document mentioned an executive branch.

Fill in the Blanks

The Bill of Rights are the first

amendments to the Constitution.

Multiple Select

Which amendments in the Bill of Rights protect the rights of individuals accused of crimes? Select all that apply.

• Amendment 4

• Amendment 5

• Amendment 6

• Amendment 8

Open Ended

What are the powers and duties of each branch of government, as set forth by the Constitution?

Multiple Choice

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

• XIII

• XIV

• XV

• XII

Open Ended

What are the basic goals of the Constitution, as defined in its Preamble?