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How the U.S. Government Works

Total questions: 13

Worksheet time: 9mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What principle of the U.S. Constitution is shown in the diagram?

a)

federalism

b)

civic virtues

c)

checks and balances

d)

separation of powers

2.

Which phrase replaces the question mark beneath the judicial branch?

a)

decides the meaning of laws

b)

runs the federal government

c)

vetoes laws from the president

d)

keeps peace between the states

3.

Use the diagram to answer the question. Which statement describes the next step in how a bill becomes a law?

a)

The bill is written.

b)

The president signs the bill into law.

c)

Both houses agree on changes in the final bill.

d)

Legislators vote on the bill in the House of Representatives.

4.

Based on the diagram, which power does only the national government have?

a)

going to war

b)

borrowing money

c)

passing new laws

d)

making voting rules

5.

Based on the diagram, which powers do only the states have? Select the two correct answers.

a)

collecting taxes

b)

running elections

c)

creating a military

d)

setting up public schools

e)

controlling trade between states

6.

Which statement best describes the relationship between state governments and the federal government under the U.S. Constitution?

a)

Congress must work with states to pass laws.

b)

The president shares judicial power with state governors.

c)

States must follow laws passed by the U.S. Congress.

d)

A state senator is more powerful than the president.

7.

According to President Obama's speech, how do Americans make change?

a)

by becoming citizens

b)

by showing civic virtue

c)

by using checks and balances

d)

by using separation of powers

8.

What was President Reagan saying about voting?

a)

It was more important in the past than it is today.

b)

It only works if millions of Americans do it.

c)

It is part of a long American tradition.

d)

It is not very important.

9.

Which of these activities is the best example of good citizenship?

a)

paying low prices for goods in a store

b)

serving on a jury

c)

saving money

d)

attending a jazz concert

10.

How can Congress overturn a president's veto?

a)

Congress can make the bill into a law with a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

b)

Congress can send the bill to state courts.

c)

Congress can ask the public to vote on the bill.

d)

Congress can have the bill made into a law with a three-fourths vote by state legislatures.

11.

Which document sets the form of government for the United States?

a)

the Constitution

b)

the Bill of Rights

c)

the Pledge of Allegiance

d)

the Declaration of Independence

12.

Which statement best describes the purpose of voting in elections?

a)

to decide which laws citizens can stop following

b)

to decide who will represent citizens in government

c)

to decide if companies should hire more employees

d)

to decide whether someone can start a new company

13.

The system of checks and balances allows the president of the United States to have unlimited power. Use evidence from the chapter to support or refute this claim.

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