Branches of Government Test Review

Use the excerpt below to answer the question

The Congress shall have Power . . . To regulate Commerce with Foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. . . .
—Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution

How did this clause benefit the states?

• They were able to eliminate state taxes for their citizens.
• They were able to trade openly with foreign countries.
• They were allowed to remove Indian tribes from their land.
• They were protected from unfair trade laws passed by other states.

[All public officials, national and state] . . . shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
—Article VI, Section 3, U.S. Constitution 

Which situation was this section of the Constitution intended to prevent?

• a prayer given prior to the start of a legislative session
• new members of Congress being sworn into office with a Bible
• a question about a judicial nominee’s faith during a confirmation hearing
• legislators voting to apply spiritual wording to a state motto

The theory that the best government is one that is separated into national and state governments is known as

• federalism
• confederation
• unitary government
• feudalism

Use the excerpt below to answer the question

The Congress shall have Power . . . To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. . . .
—Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution

What advantage did this clause provide?

• States could avoid paying taxes to support a standing military.
• States could eliminate the need for local banking establishments.
• The federal government could help stabilize the economy through trade.
• The federal government could avoid regulating national currency.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
—Article II, Section 4, U.S. Constitution

Which governmental principle does this section of the U.S. Constitution enforce?

• Checks and balances
• majority rule
• Popular Sovereignty  
• States’ rights

• A system of shared powers between two levels of government
• Authority over the same people and geographical area
• Supreme power is at national level 

This list illustrates which principle of democracy in the United States?

• Checks and Balances
• Federalism
• Popular Sovereignty
• Separation of Powers

If you were a Senator, which branch of the federal government would you be a part of?

• Executive
• Judicial
• Legislative
• Transportation

Direct democracy in the form of town meetings developed in New England more so than in the other regions of colonial America. Which statement best explains why?

• New England had more settlers who were familiar with democratic government.
• The charters issued for the New England colonies required that form of government.
• New England had larger towns where many people could gather together.
• The population in New England was small enough for people to represent themselves.

Which aspect of the U.S. Constitution applies when a federal court overrides a state law?

• necessary and proper clause
• supremacy clause
• First Amendment
• Preamble

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights?

• The Bill of Rights allows the government some control over citizens, but the Constitution limits that control.
• The Bill of Rights limits government power over citizens, while the Constitution defines what powers the government may exercise.
• The Bill of Rights changed the structure of government that the Constitution had put into place its provisions.
• The Bill of Rights defines the specific meaning of the inalienable rights mentioned in the Constitution.