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Worksheets4.5 Practice Test: Understanding the Constitution
Total questions: 48
Worksheet time: 12hrs 0mins
CHECK ALL that are correct. The Constitution is divided into which parts?
the Preamble
the articles
the amendments
the legislative
the judicial
The three branches of government as described in Articles I - III of the Constitution illustrate the principle of
individual rights.
republicanism.
popular sovereignty.
separation of powers.
What is a constitutional amendment?
an addition to OR a change to the Constitution
a bill of rights
a type of bill proposed in the Senate
a natural right/liberty that cannot be taken away
According to Article VI, the ______________________ is the "supreme law of the land."
Declaration of Independence
Bill of Rights
Constitution
Mayflower Compact
What does the principle of separation of powers make possible in American government?
It makes the power of popular vote by citizens.
It limits the power of state governments.
It maintains the sovereignty of the executive branch.
It provides for a system of checks and balances between branches.
How does the Constitution reflect the principle of federalism?
by establishing a strong executive branch
by implementing a system of checks and balances
by dividing power between federal and state government
by establishing a strong legislative branch
Which of the following ideas define a republic?
People elect representatives to make laws.
People have certain rights guaranteed to them.
People are free to carry on their lives as they choose.
People can rebel against their government and overthrow it.
The Preamble's first three words "We the people" best reflect which of the Constitution's basic principles?
popular sovereignty
limited government
federalism
republicanism
A limited government reflects the idea of the "rule of law." Which best describes this concept?
U.S. government must obey the law.
U.S. leaders must obey the law.
U.S. civilians must obey the law.
Every U.S. citizen must obey the law.
CHECK ALL that are correct. Who are Indiana's current U.S. Senators?
Mike Braun (R)
Todd Young (R)
Joe Donnelly (D)
Jim Banks (R)
Eric Holcomb (R)
What is the path a bill must take to become a law?
The House or Senate introduces a bill, and if both houses approve it and the President signs it, the bill becomes a law.
The President proposes a bill, and if the House approves and signs it, the bill becomes a law.
The President proposes a bill, and if the Senate approves and signs it, the bill becomes a law.
The House introduces a bill, and if the Senate approves it, the bill becomes a law.
Who in Congress believes that the elastic clause should expand the powers of government as often as needed to fit the needs of the citizens?
strict constructionists
loose constructionists
Representatives
Senators
If both the President and Vice President no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Secretary of State
the President's spouse
the Pro Tempore
the Speaker of the House
How do states determine their number of electors in the electoral college?
by the total population in the state
by its number of Senators plus Representatives
by a lottery decided by Congress
by the total number of eligible voters in the state
What is the MINIMUM number of electors that a state may have?
none
one
two
three
Which level of courts in the U.S. makes final decisions on cases, hearing cases that have been tried and appealed in lower courts?
district court
appellate court
federal court
the Supreme Court
How does someone become a member of the Supreme Court?
by popular election and Senate approval
by judicial appointment and presidential approval
by presidential appointment and Senate approval
by senatorial appointment and judicial approval
The term "judicial review" means that the Supreme Court has the ability to determine if
a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional.
a lower court's decision is correct.
the executive branch is enforcing laws properly.
one of the justices should be removed from office.
Upon what basis does the Supreme Court have the power to declare a law unconstitutional?
by majority vote in Congress
under Article III of the Constitution
by the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
with permission of the executive branch
In order to prevent abuse of power, when the President signs a bill into law, that power can be checked by
Congress, which can veto with a 2/3rds vote in both houses.
the Supreme Court, which can conduct judicial review.
Congress, which can impeach the President.
the Senate Judiciary Committee, which can reject the bill.
When a President is impeached, he (or she) is
removed from office by the Senate.
voted out of office by popular vote.
charged with wrongdoing by the House.
found innocent by the Senate of wrongdoing.
Who has the power to veto bills?
the Congress
the President
the Supreme Court
the Senate
Which branch writes new laws?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Which branch can nominate (choose) justices?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Which branch presides over the Cabinet?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Which branch has 9 justices?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
What does a law start out as?
a bill
an amendment
a law
an executive order
What article of the Constitution created the Executive Branch of government?
Arcticle I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
The _______ is the opening paragraph of the Constitution.
Article I
Preamble
Bill of Rights
Prelude
