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WorksheetsCIVICS Review / Vocabulary
Total questions: 108
Worksheet time: 19mins
What is a Constitution?
A long list of rules
A document explaining why we did not want to be a part of England.
Fundamental laws and principles
by which the United States is governed.
A written plan for government.
What is an Amendment?
A law that is not ratified.
A change or addition to the
Constitution.
A bill that has been repealed.
A change to the Declaration of Independence.
What is a Federalist?
Wanted a STRONG central government and weak state government.
Wanted a WEAK central government and weak state government. Favored the Constitution.
Wanted a STRONG central government and strong state government. Favored the Constitution.
Wanted a central government and state government that were equal in power.
What is an Anti-Federalist?
Wanted a STRONG central government and weak state government. Favored the Constitution.
Wanted POWER in the cities NOT the central government. Favored the Articles of Confederation.
Wanted a weak central government and weak state government. Favored the Constitution.
Wanted POWER in the states NOT the central government. Favored the Articles of Confederation.
What was the Constitutional Convention?
States met to address the problems of a weak central government that existed under the Magna Carta.
States met to address the problems of a weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
States met to address the problems of a weak central government that existed under the Declaration of Independence.
States met to address the problems of a weak central government that existed under the Constitution.
What are Checks and Balances?
Divided the government into a bicameral legislature.
Divided the government into Federalist and Anti - Federalists.
Divided the government into a tricameral legislature.
Divided the government into three branches, legislative, executive, and judicial. Created a separation of powers.
What is Federalism?
A system of government which does not make it possible for states or provinces to SHARE power with a federal government.
A system of government which makes the federal government.
A system of government which makes it possible for states or provinces to SHARE power with a federal government.
A system of government which makes state governments.
What was the Great Compromise?
States would have equal representation in one house of the legislature (Senate) and representation based on population in the other house (House of Representatives.
States would have equal representation in one house of the legislature (House of Representatives) and representation based on population in the other house (Senate).
States would have representation based on population in one house of the legislature (Senate) and in the other house equal representation (House of Representatives).
States would have representation based on households in one house of the legislature (Senate) and in the other house based on state/city area (House of Representatives).
What is Popular Sovereignty?
The people have the right to govern themselves through nobility.
The people have the right to govern themselves through appointed representatives.
The people have the right to govern themselves through elected representatives.
The people have the right to govern themselves through appoints by the king.
What is a Bicameral Legislature?
A legislature with 1 house or chambers - House of Representatives and or Senate.
A legislature with 2 houses or chambers - Upper Chamber and Senate.
A 2 person legislative body.
A legislature with 2 houses or chambers - House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the Senate?
The upper house of Congress based on each state's population.
The upper house of Congress. Two senators from each state regardless of population.
The lower house of Congress based on equal representation.
The lower house of Congress. Two senators from each state regardless of population.
What is the House of Representatives?
The upper house of Congress. Two senators from each state regardless of population.
A legislature with 2 houses or chambers - House of Representatives and the Senate.
A system of government which makes it possible for states or provinces to SHARE power with a federal government.
The lower house of Congress based on each state's population.
What is a Census?
Official counting or survey of the population.
DELIBERATE rearranging of the boundaries of a congressional district to favor one party to influence the outcome of an election.
Express severe disapproval of (someone or something) in a formal statement.
PROLONGED speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly.
What is a Veto?
Power of the Congress to reject a bill proposed by the legislature.
Power of the Judicial branch to reject a bill proposed by the legislature.
Power of the President or governor to reject a bill proposed by the legislature.
Power of the Senate to reject a bill proposed by the legislature.
What is Gerrymandering?
Divide or organize an area into a NEW political or school boundary.
Organizing an area into political / school boundaries based on population.
Official counting or survey of the population to decide what a new district should count as either Democratic of Republican.
DELIBERATE rearranging of the boundaries of a congressional district to favor one party to influence the outcome of an election.
What is Censure?
Constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by the legislature ( the law-making body).
Express severe disapproval of (someone or something) in a formal statement.
Official counting or survey of the population.
Divide or organize an area into a NEW political or school boundary.
What is a Filibuster?
A fast speech speech that does not obstructs progress in a legislative assembly.
Popping balloons in to impeded the progress in a legislative assembly.
A PROLONGED speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly.
To fill a person with false opinions on a bill.
What is an Incumbent?
Current holder of the office or post.
Challenger to the person holding office.
An opponent to the person in office.
The second in line to the holder of the office.
What is a Constituent?
The person who is REPRESENTED politically by a designated government official, represented in a government by officials.
People who are not REPRESENTED politically by a designated government official, represented in a government by officials.
A meeting at which members of a political party (Democrat/Republican) register their preference among candidates running for office/select delegates to attend a convention
A person who wanted a STRONG central government and weak state government.
What is the Executive Branch?
Belonging to the branch of government that is charged with trying all cases that involve the government and with the administration of justice within its jurisdiction.
A system of government which makes it possible for states or provinces to SHARE power with a federal government.
The branch of government that makes the laws.
Broadly responsible for implementing, supporting, and enforcing the laws made by another branch of government.
Who is the President?
Head of state/government, Commander and Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
2nd highest officer. President of the Senate.
Serves as an advisory body to the U.S.
Principal for considering national security and foreign policy matters.
Who is the Vice President?
Supreme command of a country's armed forces.
2nd highest officer. Ranks first in the Presidential line of succession. President of the Senate.
Head of state/government, Commander and Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
A federal or municipal law officer.
What is the job of the Cabinet?
A federal or municipal law container, i.e. jail/prison.
Supreme command of a country's armed forces.
A meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or to select delegates to attend a convention.
To serve as an advisory body to the president of the U.S.
What is Impeachment?
A charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office.
A current holder of an office or post.
To express severe disapproval of (someone or something) in a formal statement.
To offer praise for a job well done.
Who is the Commander in Chief?
The President of the Senate.
The Vice President.
The President.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
What is an Executive Order?
A rule or order issued by the vice president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of a law.
A rule or order issued by the President of the Senate to an executive branch of the government and having the force of a law.
A rule or order issued by the Speaker of the House to the executive branch of the government and having the force of a law.
A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of a law.
What is the State of the Union Address?
An bi-annual message presented by the president to a joint session of Congress.
An annual message presented by the President of the Senate to a joint session of Congress.
An annual message presented by the president to a joint session of Congress.
An annual message presented by the president to the United Nations.
What does it mean to have Pardon Power?
Allows a person to be sentenced to twice the determined sentence by a judge.
Power of the President or governor to reject a bill proposed by the legislature. Constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by the legislature ( the law making body).
DELIBERATE rearranging of the boundaries of a congressional district to favor one party to influence the outcome of an election.
Allows a person to be absolved of guilt (to free from guilt or blame or their consequences) for an alleged crime or other legal offense as if it never happened.
What is the Supreme Court?
The highest court in the federal judiciary United States.
State or federal trial courts.
A large city court.
A Civil Court.
What is an example of a Civil Case?
Murder, assault, theft, and drunken driving, etc.
Kidnapping.
Car accident- injury laws. compensation for bodily injuries, damage to their car, lost work wages, and other costs.
Cyber-bulling.
What is the 25th Amendment?
Prevents suits against states - set limits on when a state can be sued. In particular it gave immunity to states from lawsuits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within the state borders.
Lame Duck Period - shortened for Federal officials - A "lame duck" federal official ( President, Senator, Congressman) is just finishing out his/her term, knowing that in a few months somebody else will be taking the position. This is used both for officials that have been voted out of office, and for those who are retiring or are leaving because of term limits.
Limitations on the Presidents terms in office - Adopted in 1951 - Franklin D Roosevelt broke this tradition during his presidency and served four terms, as World War II and the Great Depression convinced him to run for a third and fourth term, since the country was in crisis. After FDR died in 1945, many Americans began to recognize that having a president serve more than eight years was bad for the country.
Related to Presidential succession and disability. It clarifies that the Vice President becomes president (as opposed to acting president) IF the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office, and establishes procedures for filling a vacancy in the office of the vice president and for responding to presidential disabilities.
What are Criminal Cases?
Issues involving housing – such as eviction(being thrown out) , foreclosure (taking your housing due to non payment of mortgage) or to fix bad living conditions.
In a car accident case, a person might file in a civil court of law under personal injury laws. They may be seeking compensation for bodily injuries, damage to their car, lost work wages, and other costs.
Issues dealing with marriage and children – such as divorce, child custody, child support, or guardianship.
Only the government can initiate usually through the U.S. attorney's office, in coordination with a law enforcement agency. Allegations are brought to the local police, the FBI, or another appropriate law enforcement agency. These are usually considered offenses against the state, or society.
What are some examples of Criminal Cases?
A patient goes to the hospital to have his left leg amputated. The surgeon amputates the right leg.
A dispute between a tenant and the landlord regarding repairs to the apartment/house.
In a car accident case, a person might file in a civil court of law under personal injury laws. They may be seeking compensation for bodily injuries, damage to their car, lost work wages, and other costs.
Murder, assault, theft, and drunken driving, etc.
What are District Courts?
State or federal trial courts.
Court of Appeals.
The highest court in the state.
The highest court in the nation.
What is an example of a civil case?
A car accident case, may be seeking compensation for bodily injuries, damage to their car, lost work wages, and other costs.
Shoplifting.
Murder, assault, theft, and drunken driving, etc.
Cyber bulling.
What is an appeal?
Something you do to an orange.
A denial of a request that a decision from court be looked at again by a higher court.
To reject a bill.
A request that a decision from court be looked at again by a higher court.
What does Unconstitutional mean?
Not consistent with or according to a constitution; against the U.S. Constitution.
Not consistent with or according to the Declaration of Independence.
Not consistent with or according to the Magna Carta.
Not consistent with or according to the Bill of Rights.
What is Libel?
Damaging someones reputation.
False SPOKEN statements.
Current holder of the office or post.
WRITTEN - which is print, writing, pictures, signs, etc.
What is Slander?
WRITTEN - which is print, writing, pictures, signs, etc.
Damaging someones reputation.
False SPOKEN statements.
DELIBERATE rearranging of the boundaries.
A government where people directly or through representatives exercise their rights through elections
Legislative Branch
Democracy
Patriot
Senate
What is someone called who shows a love of one’s country
Bill
Judicial Branch
Civics
Patriot
Lower house of Congress which the number of each state’s representatives is based on its population (A group of people in the Legislative Branch)
Rights
Party
Civics
House of Representatives
“Senior” or “upper” house of representatives in which state has two representatives (A group of people in the Legislative Branch)
House of Representatives
Senate
Judicial Branch
Legislative Branch
Part of the government, headed by the President that carries out laws
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Civics
What is the law-making part of the government
Legislative Branch
Civics
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Part of the government that interprets the laws through legal cases
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Legislative branch
Civics
A _______ is a government in which citizens rule themselves through elected representatives.
Republic
Democracy
Theocracy
Monarchy
The idea that powers of government must clearly be defined and divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches
Separation of powers
Habeas corpus
Natural rights
Enlightenment
A ___________ asserts that the people are the primary source of the government's authority.
Democracy
Popular sovereignty
Separation of powers
Republic
_________: a system in the government to safeguard against abuse of power by a branch or individuals.
Federalism
Checks and Balances
Limited Government
Popular Sovereignty
Who is currently the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
Clarence Thomas
Elena Kagan
John G. Roberts jr.
Orrin Hatch
A _____________________ is a person who is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a particular nation.
candidate
justice
representative
citizen
Who is the current Speaker of the House?
Nancy Pelosi
Chuck Schumer
Mitch McConnell
Paul Ryan
What is an official change or addition to a governmental document?
Amendment
Bill
A rider
Declaration
What is the lawmaking branch of the government
Legislative branch
Judicial branch
Executive branch
The Cabinet
The power of the Supreme Court is to review the actions of the legislative and executive branches to determine if they are constitutional. This is called _____.
Due process
Habeas Corpus
Judicial review
Super Strength
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called_____.
Declaration of Independence
Olive Branch Petition
The Civil War Amendments
Bill of Rights
The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights list basic freedoms of citizens. One is freedom of assembly. Which of the following is an example of freedom of assembly?
Amy can attend a city council meeting.
Wendy can vote in an election.
Joe can place Christmas decorations on his house.
David can write a letter supporting lower taxes.
The right of people to say what they believe is protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Which of the following is an example of freedom of speech?
The government decides which church people can attend.
People can travel freely from one state to another.
The government decides when people can gather to protest.
People can give their opinion on candidates for elected office.
The main job of the legislative branch is to _____________________.
carry out and enforce the laws
veto laws that have been passed
make the laws
decide the meaning of laws
The main job of the judicial branch is to ___________________.
write and file laws
carry out and enforce the laws
make the laws
decide the meaning of laws
The main job of the executive branch is to ___________________.
Write and file laws
carry out and enforce the laws
Make the laws
Decide the meaning of the laws
The President of the United States represents which branch of government?
Judical
legislative
international
executive
The Congress of the United States represents which branch of government?
Judicial
legislative
international
executive
The Supreme Court of the United States represents which branch of government?
Judicial
legislative
international
executive
The president has the power to veto a bill that has passed in Congress. This is an example of ___________________.
The legislative branch checking the executive branch.
The executive branch checking the legislative branch.
The judicial branch checking the legislative branch.
The legislative branch checking the judicial branch.
Congress can override a veto with by having both two-thirds of the Senate and two-thirds of the House of Representatives vote against the the veto. This is an example of ________________.
The legislative branch checking the executive branch.
The executive branch checking the legislative branch.
The judicial branch checking the legislative branch.
The legislative branch checking the judicial branch.
The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional. This means the law does not meet the requirements of the Constitution. This is an example of _______________.
The legislative branch checking the executive branch.
The executive branch checking the legislative branch.
The judicial branch checking the legislative branch.
The legislative branch checking the judicial branch.
Which of the following is not a right guaranteed to you by the Bill of Rights?
Freedom of religion
The right to a fair trial
The freedom to refuse a law
The right to own weapons
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
Some delegates felt that the rights of the citizens needed to be protected in the Constitution
To send a message to Great Britain
To get Americans to believe in the Constitution
What is meant by the opening phrase, "WE THE PEOPLE," in the Preamble to the United States Constitution?
To show that the document was written for all people of the United States and not just the founding fathers.
To show the power of the framers of the constitution
To help convince the delegates to ratify the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States includes the idea of federalism. What does that mean?
The branches of government can check and control each other.
The Constitution can be changed by adding amendments.
The powers are divided between the different branches of government
The powers are divided between the federal government and the state governments.
There are several groups of children who would like to have a playground built near their neighborhood. Which level of government would you contact about building a playground in town?
Local
State
Federal
After serving in the military, the U.S Army provides a G.I Bill-this is a college scholarship provided by the government to military veterans. Which level of government would you contact to get your scholarship?
Local
State
Federal
Your parents are moving to San Francisco, California and need to get a new driver's license. Which level of government would they need to contact to get a new license?
Local
State
Federal
How many judges are on the Supreme Court?
9
13
3
7
How many Senators are in the U.S. Congress?
50
100
35
435
How many members are in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435
100
50
270
What is the Bill of Rights?
benefits of government for all citizens
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution
The senators and the representatives
What rights are protected by the 1st AMENDMENT?
The right to own guns
Freedom of religion, speech, press, & protest
No soldiers in your house!
The authority of a government to make and enforce its own laws is called _____/
Capitalism
Federalism
Democracy
Popular Sovereignty
The ____ called for Congress to have a Bicameral legislature that is based on equal representation and population.
Virginia Plan
Three-Fifths Compromise
Great Compromise
New Jersey Plan
The fundamental function of the executive branch is to ____
make laws.
evaluate laws.
carry out laws.
all of the above
The fundamental function of the judicial branch is to ____
make laws.
evaluate laws.
carry out laws.
all of the above
The fundamental function of the legislative branch is to ____
make laws.
evaluate laws.
carry out laws.
all of the above
Which is NOT one of the ways the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch?
by impeaching the president
by overriding a presidential veto
by declaring presidential actions unconstitutional
by rejecting presidential appointments
A nation’s overall plan for dealing with other nations is called its
Foreign policy.
Domestic policy.
Trade policy.
Tariffs.
The form of government in which power is divided between the national government and the states is called
federalism.
anarcho-syndicalism.
nationalism.
anti-federalism.
What is the term that is used when an official is formally accused of misconduct in office?
Cloture
Impeach
Habeas Corpus
Censure
What is the name of this federal building?
Washington Monument
U.S. Capital Building
Supreme Court
White House
What is the name of this federal building?
Lincoln Monument
White House
Supreme Court
Capital Building
What is the name of this federal building?
White House
Capital Building
Supreme Court
Pentagon
How many terms can a president serve in office?
1
2
3
unlimited
How many senators does each state have in Congress?
35
0
15
2
The number of representatives a state has in Congress is based on the state's _.
population
registered voters
land owners
school aged children
How long is a U.S. representative's term in Congress?
4 years
2 years
6 years
a lifetime
How long is a senator's term in Congress?
2 years
liftetime
4 years
6 years
Who vetoes bills?
The Cabinet
The President
The Vice President
The Senate
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
create an army
print money
provide schooling
What are two Cabinet level positions?
Vice President and Secretary of Road Works
Secretary of State and the Attorney General
Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of International Affairs
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
The president
The vice president
checks and balances
Who does a United States senator represent?
all the people of the state
the whole country
only people from Washington DC
Who is commander-in-chief of the military?
the vice president
Congress
the president
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
50
100
Who is the President of the United States?
Nancy Pelosi
Joe Biden
Mitch McConnell
John Roberts
Who is the Vice - President of the United States?
Mike Pence
Joe Biden
Kamala Harris
John Roberts
Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
Kamala Harris
Chuck Schumer
Mitch McConnell
Nancy Pelosi
