Branches of Government and the U.S. Constitution Quiz

The diagram below shows the most common method of amending (changing) the U.S. Constitution. Which step completes the diagram?

• Two-thirds of the states hold a constitutional convention

• Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify (approve) the amendment

• Three-fourths of each house of Congress ratify (approve) the amendment

• The President of the United States ratifies (approves) the amendment

Which principle of government is illustrated by the statement: "The US government is split into three branches"?

• Rule of law

• Separation of powers

• Checks and Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

Which of the following is an example of a check the legislative branch has over the executive branch?

• The power to declare laws unconstitutional

• The power to veto bills passed by Congress

• The power to impeach the president

• The power to grant pardons

How does the judicial branch check the power of the legislative branch?

• By vetoing laws passed by Congress

• By appointing members of Congress

• By declaring laws unconstitutional if necessary

• By writing new laws when Congress fails to act

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the laws?

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Governments

What is the main function of the Legislative Branch?

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws

• To make laws

• To grant pardons

Which branch of government determines whether laws are constitutional (power of judicial review)?

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Governments

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

• To give all power to the President

• To ensure no branch becomes too powerful

• To allow Congress to make all decisions

• To let the Supreme Court write laws

Which branch of government has the power to veto bills?

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Governments

Powers understood to belong to the states because they are not given to the federal government are called:

• Concurrent

• Reserved

• Enumerated

• Implied