Civics Practice Assessment (Part 2: System of Government)

 All of the following are a branch or part of the government EXCEPT

• Judicial

• New York Stock Exchange

• Legislative

• President

Answer explanation

The New York Stock Exchange is a private entity and not a branch of government. In contrast, the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive (President) branches are all parts of the government.

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• Martial Law

• U.S. Military

• U.S. Supreme Court

• Checks and balances

Answer explanation

Checks and balances prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by ensuring that each branch can limit the powers of the others, promoting a balance of power within the government.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

• The President

• The Chief Justice

• The Attorney General

• The Speaker of the House

Answer explanation

The President is in charge of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws and overseeing the federal administration. The other options, such as the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House, have different roles in government.

Who makes federal laws?

• The Department of Justice

• The State Legislature 

• The Supreme Court

• Congress

Answer explanation

Federal laws are made by Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The other options, such as the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court, do not have the authority to create laws.

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

• The Supreme Court and the President

• The FBI and the CIA

• The Senate and the President

Answer explanation

The U.S. Congress is divided into two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral structure allows for a system of checks and balances within the legislative process.

How many U.S. Senators are there?

• 50

• 100

• 275

• 435

Answer explanation

There are 100 U.S. Senators, with each of the 50 states represented by 2 Senators. This structure ensures equal representation for all states in the Senate.

We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 6

Answer explanation

U.S. Senators serve a term of 6 years. This allows them to focus on long-term issues and provides stability in the Senate, unlike shorter terms which may lead to more frequent changes in representation.

Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?

• Stephanie Bice 

• Kevin Stitt

• James Lankford

• Kevin Hern  

Answer explanation

James Lankford is currently one of Oklahoma's U.S. Senators. The other options listed are not U.S. Senators; Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern are members of the House of Representatives, while Kevin Stitt is the Governor.

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

• 50

• 100

• 275

• 435

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, which is established by law. This number is fixed and reflects the distribution of representatives based on the population of each state.

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 6

Answer explanation

We elect a U.S. Representative for a term of 2 years. This means that every two years, all 435 members of the House of Representatives are up for election.