Quiz on the United States Constitution

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of

• state supremacy

• horizontal federalism

• affirmative action

• dual federalism

• a federal mandate

The process shown in the diagram is outlined in which of the following parts of the United States Constitution?

• Article I

• Article II

• Article V

• Article VI

Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation?

• The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue.

• The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature.

• The federal government had too much control over interstate commerce.

• The judicial branch was elected and did not consistently adhere to rule of law.

Which of the following is true of the seniority system of Congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing?

• Members of Congress with the longest continuous service are assured the chairmanship of major congressional committees.

• Members of Congress must be elected from safe seats to accrue committee seniority.

• Members of congressional committees are the most senior members of the body’s majority party.

• The oldest members of Congress have the most seniority.

• The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

The House of Representatives impeaches the president. Which of the following scenarios represents how bicameralism is used as a check on the vote to impeach?

• If the president is removed, the vice president will take office to finish the president’s current term.

• The Senate deliberates the case and votes to determine the president’s guilt or innocence.

• The chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial.

• After the impeachment, House managers will prepare a case to convict and remove the president from office.

Which of the following is the best example of a constitutional concept that supports the vision of the United States as a union of states, rather than a union of individual citizens?

• Supremacy clause

• Judicial review

• The electoral college

• Separation of powers

Which of the following is the best example of a categorical grant?

• Money given to states for special education programs

• Money given to individuals in the form of tax rebates

• Money given to states unconditionally

• Money given to states to spend at their discretion on transportation

• Money given directly to private business for economic development

Which of the following statements best reflects James Madison’s beliefs about political representation as expressed in the passage?

• People would be best served by having a strong leader to make the decisions.

• People will not truly have a voice in government until they can vote on laws directly.

• People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.

• People should elect political representatives who are wealthy enough to avoid corruption.