Institutions of US Government Study Questions

What are checks and balances and be able to describe one check a branch has over the other?

• Checks and balances are a system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power. An example is the President's power to veto legislation passed by Congress.

• Checks and balances are a system that allows the government to control the economy. An example is the Federal Reserve setting interest rates.

• Checks and balances are a system that allows citizens to vote for their leaders. An example is the electoral college.

• Checks and balances are a system that allows states to have equal representation in the Senate. An example is the two senators per state rule.

Answer explanation

Checks and balances ensure no branch of government becomes too powerful.

1. Legislative branch:

   1.  checks the executive branch with the power of impeachment, checks the judicial branch with the power of impeachment

3. Executive branch:

   1. checks the legislative branch by vetoing bills, checks the judicial branch by appointing the judges

5. Judicial branch:

   1. checks the legislative branch by declaring laws unconstitutional, checks the executive branch by declaring presidential acts unconstitutional

The job of the Legislative Branch is to:

• Interpret laws

• Enforce laws

• Make laws

• Oversee the judicial system

Answer explanation

The Legislative Branch is responsible for making laws, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The other options pertain to the roles of the Judicial Branch (interpreting laws) and the Executive Branch (enforcing laws).

Legislation is:

• Proposed laws or bills

• A type of government policy

• A judicial decision

• An economic theory

Answer explanation

Legislation refers to proposed laws or bills that are introduced for consideration and approval by a legislative body. This distinguishes it from government policies, judicial decisions, and economic theories.

What is the difference between Enumerated and Implied powers?

• Enumerated powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution, while Implied powers are not.

• Enumerated powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution, while Implied powers are.

• Both Enumerated and Implied powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution.

• Neither Enumerated nor Implied powers are related to the Constitution.

Answer explanation

Enumerated powers are those specifically listed in the Constitution, such as the power to tax. In contrast, Implied powers are not explicitly stated but are derived from the necessary and proper clause, allowing for broader interpretation.

What is the purpose of the elastic clause?

• To limit the powers of Congress

• To allow Congress to pass necessary and proper laws

• To restrict the President's authority

• To define the powers of the Supreme Court

Answer explanation

1. The elastic clause gives congress the power to do whatever is necessary make our country better and more secure

What are the three qualifications to be in the Senate?

• Being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• Being at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• Being at least 35 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 14 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• Being at least 40 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 10 years, and a resident of the state they represent

Answer explanation

The correct qualifications for a U.S. Senator are being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent, as stated in the U.S. Constitution.

Which of the following are duties of the Senate?

• Serve as jury for impeachment trials & Approve presidential appointments

• Declaring war & Approve presidential appointments

• Gives Congress the power to make our country secure

• Conducting impeachment trials

Answer explanation

The Senate has the duty to serve as a jury in impeachment trials and to approve presidential appointments, making the first answer choice correct. Declaring war is a power of Congress as a whole, not just the Senate.

What are three qualifications to be in the House of Representatives?

• At least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• At least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• At least 35 years old, a U.S. citizen for 14 years, and a resident of the state they represent

• At least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen for 5 years, and a resident of the state they represent

Answer explanation

To serve in the House of Representatives, one must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent. This makes the first answer choice the correct one.

Which of the following are duties of the House of Representatives?

• Write bills involving money and serve on committees

• Appointing Supreme Court justices and declaring war

• Negotiating treaties and approving presidential appointments

• Conducting foreign policy and managing the federal budget

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives is responsible for writing bills involving money and serving on committees. The other options pertain to duties of the Senate or the President.

Committees are:

• Groups in congress that discuss and debate bills

• A type of government organization

• A form of legal entity

• A type of financial institution

Answer explanation

Committees are essential in Congress as they are responsible for discussing and debating bills, allowing for detailed examination and recommendations before a bill is presented to the full chamber.