The Executive Branch Quick Check

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Executive Branch?

• A) Enforcing laws

• B) Commanding the military

• C) Interpreting laws

• D) Conducting foreign policy.

Answer explanation

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing laws, commanding the military, and conducting foreign policy. Interpreting laws is the role of the Judicial Branch, making C) the correct answer.

Article II of the Constitution primarily deals with the (a)   .

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Governments

Answer explanation

Article II of the Constitution primarily deals with the Executive Branch, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the President and the executive officers, distinguishing it from the Legislative and Judicial Branches.

The Senate must approve a treaty by (a)   vote.

• a 1/3 vote

• a 2/3 vote

• a unanimous vote.

Answer explanation

The Senate must approve a treaty by a 2/3 vote, as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. This ensures that a significant majority supports the treaty, reflecting a broader consensus.

The President must be a natural born citizen of the US, at least ​ (a)   years old, and a resident for 14 ​ (b)   before taking office.

• 35

• 30

• 25

• years

• Months

Answer explanation

The President must be at least 35 years old and a resident for 14 years. Therefore, the correct answers are 35 for age and years for residency.

The Vice President is responsible for

(a)  

• Leading the military

• Managing foreign relations

• Jobs assigned by the president

• Writing legislation.

Answer explanation

The Vice President's primary role includes carrying out jobs assigned by the president, which can vary widely. While they may also have roles in foreign relations or military matters, these are not their main responsibilities.

The 12th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1804 to solve the problem of a (a)  

• war

• tie

• election

• debate

Answer explanation

The 12th Amendment was added to address the issue of a tie in the Electoral College, which could lead to confusion in presidential elections. This amendment established separate ballots for President and Vice President to prevent such ties.

In the original electoral system, (a)   .

• all votes were counted by the Supreme Court

• all votes were counted by the Congress

• all votes were counted together

• each state counted votes separately

Answer explanation

In the original electoral system, all votes were counted together, meaning that the total votes from all states were aggregated rather than counted separately by each state or by any other body.

The original electoral system required electors to meet in their own states and cast votes for (a)   candidates.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

The original electoral system required electors to cast votes for 2 candidates, reflecting the practice of selecting a president and a vice president from among the electors' choices.

The inauguration of a new president occurs at (a)   on January 20.

• Noon on January 20

• Noon on January 1

• Noon on February 20

• Noon on December 31

Answer explanation

The inauguration of a new president in the United States is held at noon on January 20, as established by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Noon on January 20'.

The Cabinet is made up of ​​ (a)   Secretaries appointed by the ​ (b)   .

• president

• congress

• senate

• 15

• 20

Answer explanation

The Cabinet is composed of 15 Secretaries, who are appointed by the president. This structure is defined in the U.S. government, where the president selects the heads of the executive departments.