Practice Constitution Quiz

The United States government grants certain powers only to the federal government. For example, only Congress can declare war. These powers are called

• denied powers

• delegated powers

• reserved powers

• concurrent powers

A system of checks and balances was included in the United States Constitution because the authors were concerned about

• one branch of government becoming too strong.

• the states having too much power.

• the people having a voice in government

• the military gaining control of the United States.

Which idea had a major influence on the authors of the Articles of Confederation?

• All the people must be granted the right to vote.

• The central (national) government must have the power to levy taxes and to control trade.

• Three branches of government are needed to protect liberty.

• A strong central (national) government threatens the rights of the people and the states.

Which statement best explains why critics have called for a change in the electoral college system?

• The system is a threat to the two-party system.

• A person who did not receive the largest percentage of the popular votes can be elected President.

• Electors often vote for candidates not listed on the ballot.

• States with small populations have greater influence on Presidential elections than more populated states do.

Which action illustrates the President’s power as Chief Executive?

• Ordering American troops into a foreign country.

• Entertaining a foreign leader at the White House.

• Appointing the Secretary of State.

• Presiding over a ceremony to light the White House Christmas Tree.

The President of the United States can influence the judicial branch by

• removing members of the Supreme Court.

• choosing the chairperson of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

• requiring the Supreme Court to declare certain laws unconstitutional.

• nominating federal judges who support his programs.

“There can be no liberty if the same man or the same group has executive, legislative, and judicial control.”

Which political idea would the author of this statement most likely support?

• states’ rights.

• socialism.

• separation of powers.

• federalism.

The phrase "We the people…" in the U.S. Constitution illustrates the fact that the founders believed the power to govern came from

• popular sovereignty.

• divine right.

• the aristocracy.

• unwritten laws & traditions.

What was the primary objection of the Antifederalists to ratification of the Constitution?

• They opposed a bicameral legislature.

• They believed the rights of the people were not protected.

• They feared a weak central government.

• They wanted to give more power to the executive branch.

The authors of the United States Constitution established a bicameral legislature primarily because they

• wished states to retain their absolute sovereignty

• hoped to weaken the power of Congress

• wanted to create an independent judiciary elected by the people

• reached a compromise between the large states and the small states over representation