The Constitution

What is the document that set up the first government of the United States and had limited power?

• Articles of Confederation

• Cabinet

• checks and balances

• Compromise

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation established the first government of the United States in 1781. It created a weak central government with limited powers, which ultimately led to its replacement by the Constitution.

What is a group of advisors to the president, including the heads of important departments in the executive branch?

• Articles of Confederation

• Cabinet

• checks and balances

• Compromise

Answer explanation

The group of advisors to the president, including the heads of important departments in the executive branch, is known as the Cabinet. This body assists the president in making decisions and implementing policies.

What is the system under which each branch of government limits, or checks, the powers of the other branches?

• Articles of Confederation

• Cabinet

• checks and balances

• Compromise

Answer explanation

The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. This is a fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution.

What is an agreement in which each side gives up some of what it wants?

• Articles of Confederation

• Cabinet

• checks and balances

• Compromise

Answer explanation

A compromise is an agreement where each party gives up some of their demands to reach a mutual decision. This definition aligns with the question, making 'Compromise' the correct answer.

What is the document that describes how the U.S. government works?

• Constitution

• Constitutional Convention

• executive branch

• Impeach

Answer explanation

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the structure and functions of the U.S. government, detailing the powers of each branch and the rights of citizens.

What is the meeting called by the states in 1787 to improve the Articles of Confederation that instead wrote a new constitution?

• Constitution

• Constitutional Convention

• executive branch

• Impeach

Answer explanation

The meeting held by the states in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation is known as the Constitutional Convention. Instead of merely improving the Articles, they drafted a new Constitution.

What is the branch that carries out, or executes, laws?

• Constitution

• Constitutional Convention

• executive branch

• Impeach

Answer explanation

The executive branch is responsible for executing and enforcing laws, making it the correct answer. The Constitution outlines the framework of government, while the Constitutional Convention was a gathering to draft the Constitution.

What is to accuse or charge a government official, such as the president, with a crime or misconduct?

• Constitution

• Constitutional Convention

• executive branch

• Impeach

Answer explanation

To accuse or charge a government official, such as the president, with a crime or misconduct is known as 'impeach'. This process is a constitutional mechanism to hold officials accountable for their actions.

What is the branch that interprets laws and settles disagreements about them?

• judicial branch

• legislative branch

• Veto

• Impeach

Answer explanation

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and resolving disputes regarding them, making it the correct answer to the question.

What is the branch that makes laws?

• judicial branch

• legislative branch

• Veto

• Impeach

Answer explanation

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It consists of elected representatives who debate and pass legislation, unlike the judicial branch, which interprets laws, or terms like veto and impeach, which refer to specific actions.