How the U.S. Government Works

What principle of the U.S. Constitution is shown in the diagram?

• federalism

• civic virtues

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

Which phrase replaces the question mark beneath the judicial branch?

• decides the meaning of laws

• runs the federal government

• vetoes laws from the president

• keeps peace between the states

Use the diagram to answer the question. Which statement describes the next step in how a bill becomes a law?

• The bill is written.

• The president signs the bill into law.

• Both houses agree on changes in the final bill.

• Legislators vote on the bill in the House of Representatives.

Based on the diagram, which power does only the national government have?

• going to war

• borrowing money

• passing new laws

• making voting rules

Based on the diagram, which powers do only the states have? Select the two correct answers.

• collecting taxes

• running elections

• creating a military

• setting up public schools

• controlling trade between states

Which statement best describes the relationship between state governments and the federal government under the U.S. Constitution?

• Congress must work with states to pass laws.

• The president shares judicial power with state governors.

• States must follow laws passed by the U.S. Congress.

• A state senator is more powerful than the president.

According to President Obama's speech, how do Americans make change?

• by becoming citizens

• by showing civic virtue

• by using checks and balances

• by using separation of powers

What was President Reagan saying about voting?

• It was more important in the past than it is today.

• It only works if millions of Americans do it.

• It is part of a long American tradition.

• It is not very important.

Which of these activities is the best example of good citizenship?

• paying low prices for goods in a store

• serving on a jury

• saving money

• attending a jazz concert

How can Congress overturn a president's veto?

• Congress can make the bill into a law with a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

• Congress can send the bill to state courts.

• Congress can ask the public to vote on the bill.

• Congress can have the bill made into a law with a three-fourths vote by state legislatures.