Gateway to American Government

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

• It avoided the issue of states’ rights.
• It allowed the states to elect representatives.
• It prevented the amendment of federal laws.
• It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.

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

• The people express their will through political parties
• The people express their will by directly creating laws
• Government receives taxes from the people and exists to support them
• Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them

In the modern political system, which issue represents a basic disagreement between Republicans and Democrats?

• the responsibilities of government
• the frequency of national elections
• the legality of the U.S. Constitution
• the support for the U.S. military soldier

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television
• discussing political issues at work
• collecting opinions for a yearbook
• gathering signatures for a petition

What lessons did future U.S. leaders learn from the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon?

• 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.

What do an absolute monarchy and an autocracy have in common?

• a written constitution
• a national court system
• a single ruler
• a single legislative house

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.

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

• The voters approve the amendment in a national election.
• The president signs the amendment in a public ceremony.
• Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment.
• Two-thirds of both houses of Congress ratify the amendment.

Which type of law is used to help solve disputes between people or organizations?

• civil
• constitutional
• criminal
• military

Which action is an example of a foreign-policy decision?

• 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.