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

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

• checks and balances

• majority rule

• popular sovereignty

• states’ rights

Which part of the federal government approves the nomination of Supreme Court justices?

• Senate

• president

• state legislatures

• House of Representatives

If the president of the United States and the prime minister of Japan negotiate a trade treaty, which action makes it law in the United States?

• The U.S. Senate must ratify the treaty by a two-thirds majority vote.

• The treaty becomes effective with approval of the U.S. Supreme Court.

• The treaty must receive the approval of three-fourths of the U.S. House of Representatives.

• The U.S. secretary of state must confirm the provisions of the treaty.

Which is a check the president has on the Supreme Court?

• The power to nominate new appointments to the Supreme Court.

• The power to veto the Supreme Court’s decisions.

• The power to approve the appointment of new Supreme Court justices.

• The power to declare a decision of the Supreme Court unconstitutional.

Which position leads the executive branch of the U.S. government?

• President

• Secretary of Defense

• Senate Majority Leader

• Speaker of the House

Why is the principle of separation of powers important in a democracy?

• It limits the actions of each branch of government.

• It prevents government leaders from serving for life.

• It requires government duties to be completed quickly.

• It requires that laws be written by each branch of government.

Why is it important for the President of the United States to have veto power over laws?

• to check the power of Congress

• to limit the influence of the Supreme Court

• to ensure federal control over state governments

• to allow for the selection of department secretaries

Which activity is done by municipal governments?

• operating public parks

• building highways

• maintaining armies

• issuing driver’s licenses

Which activity is done by both municipal and state governments?

• collecting taxes

• printing currency

• giving driving tests

• issuing hunting licenses

What is a function of a state constitution?

• to set up branches of government

• to set up rules for airline safety

• to set prices for private businesses

• to set a schedule for trash collection