Constitution: Branches of Government

The U.S. Constitution uses a system of checks and balances, or balance of power, which ensures that

• one branch of the government will not become more powerful than another

• government debts are paid

• the government will not spend more money than it takes in

• the courts will be very powerful

How old must you be to be elected United States Senator?

• 35

• 30

• 25

• 18

What is the term of office for Supreme Court justices?

• 4 years

• 8 years

• 20 years

• no limit, unless guilty of wrongdoing

In order for a bill to become a law at the federal (national) level, which of these must occur?

• The President must introduce the bill to his cabinet.

• State legislatures submit bills to Congress for consideration.

• The bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate.

• Federal Courts decide what bills are necessary to become a law.

Which of the following is a true requirement of

the Presidency?

• You must be at least 40 years of age.

• You have to have been born a U.S. citizen.

• You must be male.

• You have to have lived in the U.S. your whole life.

The ___________________________________ is the President of the Senate and votes only when there is a tie.

• Speaker of the House

• Vice-President

• Chief Justice

• Secretary of Defense

House of Representatives members are reelected every _____________________ years.

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 8

The commander-in-chief of the United States military is the President.

• True

• False

Someone may be convicted of treason if the person confesses to the crime in court.

• True

• False

The head of this branch is elected by winning the majority of the electoral college vote.

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial