American Government Quiz

Which is an example of how Congress may use its legislative powers?

• It may interpret the meaning of laws.

• It may override a President’s veto.

• It may settle arguments in court.

• It may veto a President’s legislation

How were the states represented in Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• based on population

• based on property ownership

• one delegate per state

• one delegate per region

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the only legitimate basis for a government’s powers?

• consent of the governed

• divine right

• military strength

• tradition

Which of the following gives more power to local governments than to the central government?

• a confederation

• a unitary government

• a federal government

• an oligarchy

Which is a method by which an amendment to the Constitution can be ratified?

• by the President and Vice President

• by three-fourths of a popular vote

• by two-thirds of Supreme Court justices

• by three-fourths of the state legislatures

On which point did the Virginia and New Jersey plans disagree?

• whether or not delegates should take an oath of loyalty

• how the states should be represented in Congress

• whether or not George Washington should be President

• whether or not Congress should have the power to make treaties

Which of the following is a duty of every American citizen?

• volunteering

• paying taxes

• voting

• donating to charity

The _______ branch of government may decide if a law is unconstitutional.

Which are the four characteristics of the state?

• population, territory, sovereignty, constitution

• population, territory, sovereignty, government

• population, territory, sovereignty, foreign policy

• freedom, liberty, sovereignty, government

Which basic principle of the Constitution means that government can govern only with the consent of the governed?

• federalism

• popular sovereignty

• checks and balances

• judicial review