Civics Test - Preamble and Principles

Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the purposes of government?

• Bill of Rights

• Preamble

• Article IV

• Article I

In the Constitution's Preamble (below), what's the meaning of: "to form a more perfect Union"?

• to unite the states more fully under one government

• to preserve states' rights

• to guarantee the well-being of every citizen

• to create a separation of powers

What was the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

• to explain reasons for separating from England

• to overcome threat posed by Shays' Rebellion

• to help the government raise more revenue

• to identify the goals of the national government

Which is an example of a check on congressional power?

• the power of the states to collect their own taxes

• the power of Congress to declare war

• the power of the President to veto a bill

• the power of the Supreme Court to try cases between state

Which of the following excerpts from the Constitution supports the intention of the phrase "to form a more perfect Union" in the Preamble?

• From Article I: "The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment."

• From Article IV: "New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union."

• From Article VI: "All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation."

• From Article VII: "The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same."

In the Preamble (stated above), what is the meaning of the phrase "form a more perfect Union"?

• The government would treat all people fairly and equally under the law.

• The government would promote liberty and freedom for all Americans.

• The government would bring the states together to act as a single nation for the good of all.

• The government would protect citizens from conflict in the country and prevent civil war.

Which branch of government is responsible for creating the law?

• bureaucratic

• Executive

• legislative

• Judicial

Which phrase completes the diagram about goals of government in the Preamble of the Constitution?

• To maintain international order

• To establish the best education system

• To promote full employment

• To provide for the common defense

What is the best title for the diagram below on relations between two branches of federal government?

• Federalism

• Checks and Balances

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

Suppose the following sequence of events occurs in our federal government:  Congress passes a bill and sends it to the President.  The President vetoes the bill and returns it to Congress.  Both houses of Congress override the veto.  The bill becomes a law. Which two constitutional principles do these events illustrate?