Foundations of American Government Quiz

Which principle ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful?

• Federalism

• Checks and Balances

• Judicial Review

• Popular Sovereignty

What does the principle of popular sovereignty mean?

• The government has the right to govern without consent.

• Only the Supreme Court can make federal laws.

• The authority of the government comes from the people.

• States have more power than the federal government.

Which of the following best describes the principle of separation of powers?

• Power is divided among three branches of government.

• The people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

• The federal government shares power with the states.

• The Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution.

What is the main purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• To ensure that one branch of government does not become too powerful.

• To allow the President to make all major decisions.

• To prevent the states from having any power.

• To ensure that only Congress can make laws.

Which principle is demonstrated when the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress?

• Federalism

• Judicial Review

• Checks and Balances

• Limited Government

What does the principle of federalism imply about the structure of government?

• Power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

• All power is concentrated in the national government.

• The states have the power to nullify federal laws.

• The national government has no real power over the states.

Which principle allows the courts to declare a law unconstitutional?

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Judicial Review

• Popular Sovereignty

How does the legislative branch check the power of the executive branch?

• By appointing Supreme Court justices

• By vetoing legislation

• By overriding a presidential veto

• By declaring war

Which of the following is a way the executive branch can check the power of the legislative branch?

• By declaring laws unconstitutional

• By vetoing bills

• By impeaching members of Congress

• By passing laws

What principle is at work when state laws that conflict with federal laws are deemed invalid?

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Supremacy Clause

• Separation of Powers