U.S. Constitution Quiz

Who developed the Virginia Plan, which provides the basic framework and central ideas of the U.S. Constitution?

• Benjamin Franklin

• James Madison

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

Which is the system that maintains a balance of power between the three branches of government because it allows them to exert authority over each other?

• checks and balances

• equilibrium

• separation of powers

• veto and override system

The Constitution is based on how many key principles?

• three

• five

• seven

• nine

What is the name of the decision issued by Justices of the Supreme Court after they listen to legal arguments about a case?

• the Court's Opinion

• the Final Rule

• the Last Decree

• the Supreme Ruling

Which can start the process of changing the Constitution?

• a popular vote

• the Congress

• the President

• the Supreme Court

Which elected officials do not have term limits?

• Senators only

• state representatives only

• the president

• both Senators and state representatives

Based on the information in the flowchart, which power does the executive branch have in passing legislation?

• the power to declare legislation unconstitutional

• the power to impeach legislators

• the power to suspend Congress

• the power to veto laws

According to the flowchart, which branch can declare acts of Congress to be unconstitutional?

• the Executive Branch

• the Judicial Branch

• the Legislative Branch

• no branch has this power

Based on the information in the flowchart, which government officials, once appointed, are free from executive control?

• federal judges

• members of Congress

• senators

• state representatives

Which amendment to the Constitution protects people accused of crimes and was designed to guard against abuses of power like those that occurred under British rule?

• First

• Second

• Fifth

• Ninth