WorksheetsU.S. Constitution Benchmark Test #1
Total questions: 150
Worksheet time: 3hrs 30mins
What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution? (2)
To establish the federal court system
To outline the structure of the executive branch
To define and protect individual rights
To regulate international trade
To establish the framework for the Federal (U.S.) Government, define its powers and limitations
Which part of the U.S. Constitution outlines the process for amending the Constitution?
Preamble
Article I
Article II
Article V
Article IV
How many amendments are there in the U.S. Constitution as of 2021?
10
27
50
100
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as:
The Bill of Rights
The Preamble
The Articles of Confederation
The Federalist Papers
What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. Senator as specified in the Constitution?
21 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
40 years
Who is responsible for presiding over the Senate, casting tie-breaking votes, and serving as the ceremonial head of the Senate, but otherwise has no vote, can not speak on the floor or introduce bills?
The Vice President
The Speaker of the House
The Senate Majority Leader
The Chief Justice
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Which branch of government has the power to declare war according to the Constitution?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The Military Branch
How often are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Every 2 years
Every 4 years
Every 6 years
Every 8 years
Every year
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees female suffrage (the right to vote)?
19th Amendment
15th Amendment
26th Amendment
14th Amendment
13th Amendment
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees all citizens age 18 and above suffrage (the right to vote)?
19th Amendment
15th Amendment
26th Amendment
14th Amendment
13th Amendment
Which Article of the Constitution establishes the powers and structure of the executive branch, including the presidency?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
Article V
What is the term length for a U.S. Senator, as specified in the Constitution?
2 years
4 years
6 years
8 years
10 years
The system of government where power is divided, shared or limited between the national and state governments is known as:
Monarchy
Federalism
Oligarchy
Totalitarianism
The U.S. Constitution was written in what year?
1776
1787
1791
1800
What is the main function of the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government?
Making and enforcing laws
Interpreting and applying laws
Regulating commerce
Conducting foreign affairs
How many total amendments are included in the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution)?
5
7
10
12
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from self-incrimination and ensures due process of law?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
8th Amendment
7th Amendment
In which city did the Constitutional Convention take place in 1787, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution?
New York City
Philadelphia
Boston
Washington, D.C.
The power to regulate commerce (business & trade) between the states is explicitly granted to which branch of government in the Constitution?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The States
The concept of 'checks and balances' is integral to the U.S. Constitution. Which branch has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress?
The Executive Branch (President)
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
The State Governments
The President's power to issue a pardon is an example of which constitutional principle?
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Due Process
Judicial Review
Checks and Balances
How many total articles are there in the U.S. Constitution?
3
7
10
27
25
What does the 8th Amendment prohibit?
Cruel and unusual punishment
Double jeopardy
Self-incrimination
The quartering of soldiers in private homes
The Great Compromise, reached at the Constitutional Convention, addressed the issue of representation in which branch of government?
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
The States
Which branch of government has the power to declare federal laws unconstitutional?
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
State Governments
The President's Cabinet is capable of declaring the President unfit to perform his duties and devolve his powers to the Vice President. This is an example of what constitutional principle?
Federalism
Checks and Balances
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
What is the purpose of the elastic clause, also known as the 'necessary and proper' clause in the Constitution?
To regulate trade between states
To grant powers to the states
To expand the scope of federal authority
To abolish the Electoral College
To give Congress the power to pass laws that they are not clearly given authority to do under the Constitution
In the event of a presidential impeachment trial, who presides over the proceedings in the Senate?
The Vice President
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Speaker of the House
The President pro tempore of the Senate
What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. President as specified in the Constitution?
30 years
35 years
40 years
45 years
25 years
Which amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases?
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
8th Amendment
4th Amendment
The U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money and regulate its value to which branch of government?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The Federal Reserve
What is the purpose of the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution? (2)
To establish the federal court system
To make the Constitution the highest authority in the country
To give the President the final say in legal matters
To define the role of state governments
To clearly state that Federal Laws override contradictory state laws
Which amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
3rd Amendment
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
The process of judicial review, where the Supreme Court can declare laws or actions unconstitutional, was established by which landmark Supreme Court case?
Marbury v. Madison
Brown v. Board of Education
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Roe v. Wade
What is the main function of the President's role as Commander in Chief, as outlined in the Constitution?
Command the Senate
Command the armed forces of the U.S.
To interpret laws
To enforce federal court rulings
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the United States?
10th Amendment
13th Amendment
15th Amendment
18th Amendment
The process of ratifying a constitutional amendment requires approval by how many of the 50 states? (2)
25 states
38 states
45 states
All 50 states
3/4ths of the states
Which amendment to the Constitution grants the right to bear arms?
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
3rd Amendment
4th Amendment
The process of impeachment, which may lead to the removal of a President, is carried out by:
The Executive Branch
The House of Representatives
The Judicial Branch
The Military
The Senate
What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution?
To establish the Bill of Rights
To reserve powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
To grant the President authority over foreign affairs
To create the federal court system
The process by which the President can reject a bill passed by Congress is known as:
Filibuster
Veto
Cloture
Pocket veto
In which Article of the Constitution is the process for electing the President outlined, including the Electoral College system?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
What is the term length for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives?
2 years
4 years
6 years
8 years
The principle that government is based on the will of the people is known as:
Limited Government
Popular Sovereignty
Federalism
Judicial Review
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
2nd Amendment
4th Amendment
6th Amendment
8th Amendment
The process of confirming presidential appointments, including federal judges, is carried out by which branch of government?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The Cabinet
In the event of a presidential vacancy, who is next in line to assume the presidency according to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947?
The Vice President
The Speaker of the House
The Secretary of State
The Senate Majority Leader
Which amendment grants the right to a speedy and public trial, as well as the right to confront witnesses and have legal counsel?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
The concept that no one is above the law, including government officials, is known as:
Rule of Law
Rule of Tyranny
Rule of Despotism
Rule of Secrecy
What is the purpose of the 17th Amendment the U.S. Constitution?
To establish the federal court system
To guarantee freedom of speech and the press
To allow for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people
To grant women the right to vote
Which branch of government has the authority to interpret the Constitution and decide the constitutionality of laws and government actions?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The State Governments
What is the purpose of the 9th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution?
To establish the Bill of Rights
To limit the powers of the federal government
To protect citizens from self-incrimination
To ensure that unenumerated rights are not disparaged
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a fair and impartial jury trial in criminal cases?
4th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
8th Amendment
What is the main function of the Legislative Branch in the U.S. government?
To enforce laws
To make and pass laws
To interpret the Constitution
To regulate international trade
The concept that the federal government is restricted by the powers specifically granted to it in the Constitution is known as:
Federalism
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Checks and Balances
Who has the authority to nominate federal judges and Supreme Court Justices, subject to confirmation by the Senate?
The President
The Senate
The House of Representatives
The Chief Justice
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to legal counsel in criminal cases?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
What is the main function of the Vice President, as defined in the Constitution?
To serve as an advisor to the President
To break ties in the Senate
To preside over the House of Representatives
To lead the military
Which Article of the Constitution outlines the powers and structure of the judicial branch, including the establishment of the Supreme Court?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
What is the purpose of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?
To guarantee freedom of speech
To protect against self-incrimination
To prevent the government from establishing an official religion
To protect the right to bear arms
What is the main function of the Vice President, as defined by the U.S. Constitution?
To lead the Senate
To serve as an advisor to the President
To preside over the House of Representatives
To lead the military
Which Article of the Constitution outlines the amendment process for the U.S. Constitution?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article V
The 'full faith and credit' clause of the Constitution requires states to do what?
Respect the rights of aliens
Respect the rights of Native Americans
Respect the laws and court decisions of other states
Respect the decisions of foreign governments
What is the purpose of the 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
To ensure a fair trial
To limit the jurisdiction of federal courts in cases against states
To grant women the right to vote
To establish a state religion
The concept of federalism in the U.S. Constitution refers to:
The division of powers between the federal and state governments
The separation of powers within the federal government
The balance of power between the President and Congress
The creation of a national bank
What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. citizen to run for the office of the President?
30 years
35 years
40 years
45 years
The process of redrawing congressional district boundaries to favor one political party over another is known as:
Gerrymandering
Filibustering
Cloture
Impeachment
In which Article of the Constitution is the procedure for electing members of the U.S. Senate outlined, including the role of state legislatures and direct elections?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article VI
What is the primary function of the Speaker of the House in the U.S. government?
To preside over the Senate
To lead the Executive Branch
To oversee the Supreme Court
To lead the House of Representatives
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with which famous words?
'We the People...'
'Four score and seven years ago...'
'In the beginning...'
'Once upon a time...'
What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. presidential elections?
To directly elect the President and Vice President
To advise the President on foreign policy
To nominate candidates for the presidency
To indirectly elect the President and Vice President
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that no excessive bail or fines are imposed, and no cruel or unusual punishments inflicted?
4th Amendment
6th Amendment
8th Amendment
10th Amendment
The concept that government should have limited power and that individual rights should be protected is known as:
Rule of Law
Limited Government
Rule of Despotism
Rule of Tyranny
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury of their peers in civil cases involving more than $20?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
The process of allowing an individual charged with a crime to be released from custody until their trial is known as:
Incarceration
Parole
Bail
Probation
Which branch of government has the power to approve or reject treaties negotiated by the President with other nations?
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The United Nations
What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. House of Representatives member as specified in the Constitution?
21 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
The system of government where states retain significant powers while delegating limited authority to a central government is known as:
Totalitarianism
Oligarchy
Confederation
Democracy
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases involving disputes over $20 or more?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
The President's power to grant clemency, which includes pardons and commutations, is an example of which constitutional principle?
Popular Sovereignty
Checks and Balances
Rule of Law
Rule of Secrecy
In which Article of the Constitution is the process for amending the Constitution outlined?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article V
The 'full faith and credit' clause of the Constitution requires states to do what?
Respect the rights of aliens
Respect the rights of Native Americans
Respect the laws and court decisions of other states
Respect the decisions of foreign governments
Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against self-incrimination and guarantees the right to due process of law?
4th Amendment
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
8th Amendment
The process of filling a vacant Senate seat between regular elections is known as:
Recalling
Reapportioning
Reconstituting
Appointing
The concept that the government must follow established laws and procedures and may not act arbitrarily is known as:
Rule of Law
Rule of Tyranny
Rule of Despotism
Rule of Secrecy
What is the purpose of the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
To abolish slavery
To grant women the right to vote
To clarify the process for electing the President and Vice President
To establish the Bill of Rights
The process by which government agencies and officials are held accountable for their actions is known as:
Accountability
Transparency
Checks and Balances
Separation of Powers
Which amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases involving disputes?
5th Amendment
6th Amendment
7th Amendment
8th Amendment
The process by which the President officially signs a bill into law is known as:
Filibuster
Veto
Impeachment
Enactment
What is the purpose of the 'free exercise' clause in the First Amendment?
To protect freedom of speech
To ensure the right to bear arms
To guarantee freedom of religion
To protect against unreasonable searches and seizures
Which Article of the Constitution outlines the amendment process for the U.S. Constitution?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article V
The concept that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all government actions must conform to it, is known as:
Federalism
Rule of Law
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
In the event of the President's temporary incapacity, who assumes the duties of the presidency until the President is able to resume them?
The Vice President
The Speaker of the House
The Secretary of State
The Senate Majority Leader
What is the primary role of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court in the U.S. government?
To lead the Senate
To enforce federal laws
To interpret and apply the Constitution and federal laws
To advise the President on foreign policy
The process by which the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, or approved, by the states is known as:
Amendment
Impeachment
Ratification
Enumeration
How is the Speaker of the House chosen in the U.S. House of Representatives?
Who has the power to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution? (2)
By a convention of 2/3rds of the states
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from quartering (housing) soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during times of peace?
7th Amendment
In the context of the U.S. Constitution, what does the term "habeas corpus", latin for "show me the body" refer to?
The protection against unlawful detention or imprisonment without legal cause or trial by jury
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil (non criminal) lawsuits? Eighth Amendment Sixth Amendment Seventh Amendment Fourth Amendment
9th Amendment
Which principle is underscored by the Ninth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? (2)
That the Constitution should NOT be interpreted that if a right is not listed in the Constitution then it is not protected.
Rights not specifically listed in the Constitution are reserved to the people and the states.
Which statement accurately reflects the Tenth Amendment's meaning?
Grants states the exclusive right to regulate all industries within their borders.
Requires the federal government to defer to states on all regulatory matters.
Powers not granted to the federal government or denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people.
Prohibits states from challenging federal laws in court.
Gives states the authority to overturn federal laws they disagree with.
Who wrote the Constitution
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
Paul Revere
James Madison
English Philosopher who deeply influenced the founding fathers
John Laurens
Benjamin Franklin
John Locke
Hercules Mulligan
What document came before the Constitution?
Articles of Confederation
Olive Branch Petition
Bills of rights
Match the following
The authority of a state is created and sustained by consent of the people.
Popular Sovereignty
Government power is restricted by law, usually in a written constitution.
Limited Government
Government is divided into branches, each with separate and independent powers.
Separation of Powers
Principle of government under which separate branches of government are empowered to prevent actions by other branches.
Checks and Balances
Power and responsibility are divided between a federal government and local or state governments.
Federalism
Judicial Review is the process under which executive or legislative actions are subject to review by the the courts or the Supreme Court.
True
False
All of the following are true about the United States Constitution except?
It provides the framework and organization for the United States Government.
It is the foundation and source of the legal authority of the United States.
It is the supreme law of the United States.
It gives United States citizens their rights.
What was one of the problems with the Articles of Confederation?
Congress did not have the power to regulate commerce between states.
The Articles had a clear separation of powers, with a bicameral legislature.
The Articles gave congress the power to tax.
The Articles had a strong central government.
Several different plans were brought to the constitutional convention, which one suggested a bicameral legislature based on population?
New Jersey Plan
Floor Plan
Franklin Plan
Virginia Plan
Several different plans were brought to the constitutional convention, which one suggested a unicameral legislature based on equal representation?
Virginia Plan
Evacuation Plan
New York Plan
New Jersey Plan
Federalists supported a strong central government, who of the following was a Federalist?
James Monroe
Samuel Adams
Patrick Henry
Alexander Hamilton
Match the following
Statement of Purpose and Goals
Preamble
Legislative Branch
Article I
Executive Branch
Article II
Judicial Branch
Article III
Contains the Bill of Rights
Amendments
15th Amendment - 19th Amendment - 24th Amendment - 26th Amendment
The four amendments mentioned above are similar in that each
expanded the rights of the accused
put limits on Presidential powers
shifted more power to state governments
extended the vote to a disenfranchised group
Identify which group was extended voting rights by the Fifteenth Amendment
18 Year Olds
African Americans
Immigrants
Women
Identify which group was extended voting rights by the Twenty-sixth Amendment
18 Year Olds
African Americans
Immigrants
Women
What challenge was resolved by the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment?
to eliminate the imposition of poll taxes in federal elections
to allow citizens instead of state legislatures to vote for U.S. Senators
to increase United States power throughout the world
to correct political, economic, and social problems in the federal government
The Third Amendment
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures...
2nd Amendment
4th Amendment
13th Amendment
19th Amendment
The 10th Amendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
13th Amendment
10th Amendment
14th Amendment
15th Amendment
This right protects citizens against double jeopardy as well as protecting their private property from being taken for public use, without just compensation.
5th Amendment
1st Amendment
3rd Amendment
6th Amendment
The 6th Amendment...
grants citizens the right to vote
grants citizens the freedom to practice any religion they choose
protects citizens from illegal searches and seizures
grants citizens the right to face their accusers and provide witnesses for their defense in a court of law
Excessive bail shall not be required nor excessive bail imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
Due Process is
The process of creating Mtn. Dew
written into the Constitution to make sure everyone is treated equally under the flag
written into the Constitution to make sure everyone is treated equally under the law/court System
an effort to stop police brutality
How does the system of Checks and Balances protect people?
It limits any of the branches from abusing powers.
It keeps any of the branches from fighting so the people are safe.
It keeps one branch in power and destroys the rights of people.
It keeps all branches in power so as to destroy the rights of people.
In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase “We the People”? (2)
The people express their will through political parties.
The people express their will by directly creating laws.
Government receives taxes from the people and exists to support them.
Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them.
The people have sovereignty
What was the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
To identify the goals of the national government
To overcome the threat posed by Shays’ Rebellion
To help the national government raise more revenue
To explain the colonists’ reasons for separating from England
In a democratic country like the United States, which three branches form the backbone of the government system and demonstrates the principle of separation of powers?
Legislative, Law Enforcement, Executive
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Judicial, Exemplary, Legislative
Judges, lawyers, Law Enforcement
The article of the Constitution that details the Legislative Branch
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 5
Article 6
The article of the Constitution that details the Judicial Branch
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 5
Article 6
The article of the Constitution that details the Amendment process
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 5
Article 6
The article of the Constitution that establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 5
Article 6
The article of the Constitution that details the Executive Branch
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 5
Article 6
Which of the following is not a requirement to become a U.S. senator?
must be at least 30 years of age
Must be a US citizen for at least 9 years
Must live in the state they reside in
Must have a college degree
Which of the following is not a requirement to become a member of the House of Representatives?
Must be at least 25 years of age
Must be a US citizen for at least 7 years
Must live in the state they reside in
Must have military experience
Must have some level of college education
Members of the House of Representatives serve a term of ______ years
4
6
2
8
Members of the Senate serve a term of ______ years
4
6
2
8
Where are the powers of Congress enumerated (listed)?
Article 1, Section 9
Article 1, Section 8
Article 3, Section 8
Article 2, Section 3
Which of the following are true in relation to the powers of Congress? (3)
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Shall not coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
Which of the following pertain to the Preamble? (4)
establish Justice
insure domestic Tranquility
provide for the common defence
promote the general Welfare
The establishment of the Congress, Presidency and Supreme Court
Which of the following are requirements in order to be elected President (P.O.T.U.S.)? (3)
Natural born citizen
college degree
Military service
At least 35 years of age
Lived in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years
Which of the following are powers of the President? (3)
Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States
Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
Make Treaty agreements with foreign nations
To declare War
To pass laws
All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
true
false
What function of government divides power into 3 separate branches?
separation of powers
checks and balances
judicial review
popular sovereignty
Who has the power to organize school systems?
State
Federal
Shared
Counties
Which of the following are examples of checks and balances? (2)
President nominating a supreme court justice
right to freely exercise your religious beliefs
limitations on duplicity
excessive legislation
veto an act of congress
What does it mean when one state must return a fugitive to a state where a crime was committed?
research
extradition
riding dirty
categorical
How many Secretaries are in the Presidential Cabinet? (Secretaries - Heads of the Federal Departments, such as Department of Justice, State, and Treasury)
15
18
27
24
How many of the state legislatures must agree to have an amendment be ratified in the Constitution?
1/4
3/4
2/3
1/2
