Free Printable SS Chapter 7: The U.S. Constitution

1.

Decide if the following statement reflects a fact or an opinion. Write F for Fact and O for Opinion. 1. The Articles of Confederation got the new U.S. government off to a good start.

a)

Fact

b)

Opinion

2.

Decide if the following statement reflects a fact or an opinion.

a)

F

b)

O

3.

Decide if the following statement reflects a fact or an opinion. Write F for Fact and O for Opinion. 3. The U.S. Constitution was signed at the end of the Constitutional Convention.

a)

F

b)

O

4.

What is the definition of the word 'constitution'?

a)

a written plan for government

b)

a type of government official

c)

a set of laws for a state

d)

a group of government leaders

5.

How many of the 55 attendees at the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution?

a)

39

b)

42

c)

27

d)

55

6.

Where was the Constitutional Convention held?

a)

Philadelphia

b)

New York

c)

Boston

d)

Richmond

7.

Which delegate arrived 2 weeks early to make plans?

a)

James Madison

b)

George Washington

c)

Benjamin Franklin

d)

Alexander Hamilton

8.

Which statements best describe James Madison?

a)

Madison was the president of the Constitutional Convention.

b)

Madison is known as the 'Father of the Constitution.'

c)

Madison was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

d)

Madison brought many ideas from his experience of writing Virginia’s constitution.

9.

Which statements best describe George Washington?

a)

George Washington attended the meetings of the Convention in his military uniform.

b)

George Washington is known as the 'Father of the Constitution.'

c)

George Washington was elected president of the Constitutional Convention.

d)

George Washington was very unpopular with other delegates of the Convention.

10.

Which statements best describe Benjamin Franklin? (Choose all that apply.)

a)

Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

b)

Franklin was the youngest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

c)

Franklin was the most stubborn delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

d)

Franklin encouraged delegates at the Constitutional Convention to compromise.

11.

What is the definition of 'democracy'?

a)

a country governed by elected representatives and by an elected leader (such as a president)

b)

a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected representatives

c)

a person chosen to speak or make decisions for another person or group of people

d)

freedoms that are protected by law

12.

What is the definition of 'republic'?

a)

a country governed by elected representatives and by an elected leader (such as a president)

b)

a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected representatives

c)

a person chosen to speak or make decisions for another person or group of people

d)

freedoms that are protected by law

13.

What is the definition of 'representative'?

a)

a country governed by elected representatives and by an elected leader (such as a president)

b)

a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected representatives

c)

a person chosen to speak or make decisions for another person or group of people

d)

freedoms that are protected by law

14.

What is the definition of 'rights'?

a)

a country governed by elected representatives and by an elected leader (such as a president)

b)

a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected representatives

c)

a person chosen to speak or make decisions for another person or group of people

d)

freedoms that are protected by law

15.

Use the word bank to complete the sentence: A constitution is a ______ plan for government. It describes how the government is ______ and what ______ are divided. The U.S. Constitution establishes our government as a ______ and ______ the power of the government.

a)

written, organized, powers, democracy, limits

b)

oral, scattered, rights, monarchy, increases

c)

verbal, disorganized, laws, dictatorship, expands

d)

unwritten, chaotic, duties, oligarchy, ignores

16.

Complete the graphic organizer: Whose problem is it?

a)

Americans'

b)

Canadians'

c)

Europeans'

d)

Asians'

17.

Complete the graphic organizer: What is the problem?

a)

Articles of Confederation

b)

Bill of Rights

c)

Declaration of Independence

d)

Federalist Papers

18.

Complete the graphic organizer: Why is it a problem?

a)

it established a weak, ineffective central government

b)

it created a powerful monarchy

c)

it allowed for unlimited taxation

d)

it banned all forms of trade

19.

Complete the graphic organizer: What is the solution?

a)

create a more effective government with a constitution

b)

increase taxes without representation

c)

abolish all forms of government

d)

return to colonial rule

20.

Write T for True and F for False. Correct any false statements to make them true. 1. After the Revolutionary War, Americans were worried a weak government would take away their rights.

a)

True

b)

False

21.

The U.S. Constitution establishes a government with unlimited power.

a)

True

b)

False

22.

The U.S. government gets its authority from the people.

a)

True

b)

False

23.

The U.S. Constitution limits government’s power by describing what it may and may not do.

a)

True

b)

False

24.

Write T for True and F for False. Correct any false statements to make them true. 5. The U.S. Constitution protects the rights of the government.

a)

True

b)

False

25.

Voting is a way for people to exercise their power to participate in government.

a)

True

b)

False

26.

The U.S. Constitution provides a __________ for government.

a)

framework

b)

currency

c)

holiday

d)

anthem

27.

Use the word bank to correctly complete the phrases about the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution __________ the power of government.

a)

limits

b)

increases

c)

ignores

d)

removes

28.

The U.S. Constitution says what the __________ may and may not do.

a)

government

b)

citizens

c)

states

d)

president

29.

Use the word bank to correctly complete the phrases about the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution __________ the rights of citizens.

a)

protects

b)

removes

c)

ignores

d)

limits

30.

The U.S. Constitution establishes __________ as the source of the government’s authority.

a)

people

b)

Congress

c)

the President

d)

the Supreme Court

31.

Use the word bank to correctly complete the phrases about the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution allows citizens to vote to decide __________ and elect __________.

a)

issues, representatives

b)

laws, presidents

c)

judges, senators

d)

amendments, governors

32.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Union: ____________________________

a)

a whole country/ together as one

b)

a type of government with a king

c)

a group of separate states with no connection

d)

a document that lists laws

33.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Justice: ____________________________

a)

fairness

b)

strength

c)

wealth

d)

happiness

34.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Tranquility: ____________________________

a)

peaceful

b)

angry

c)

chaotic

d)

unjust

35.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Defense: ____________________________

a)

protection for everyone

b)

freedom of speech

c)

right to vote

d)

equal taxation

36.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Welfare: ____________________________

a)

care for those in need

b)

a type of government

c)

a form of transportation

d)

a military strategy

37.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Liberty: ____________________________

a)

freedom

b)

law

c)

government

d)

justice

38.

Look up each of these key words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and define them here. Posterity: ____________________________

a)

for generations to come

b)

for the present government

c)

for the founding fathers

d)

for the people living now

39.

Who would say this? (S=State Govt, N=National Govt)

a)

N

b)

S

c)

Local Govt

d)

Private Organization

40.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 1. "States will never stop arguing if Congress can't regulate trade!" Is this a fact or opinion? (F=Fact, O=Opinion)

a)

O

b)

F

c)

N

d)

C

41.

Who would say this? (S=State Govt, N=National Govt)

a)

S

b)

N

c)

Both S and N

d)

None of these

42.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 2. "Each state is different and should be allowed to make its own laws." Is this a fact or opinion? (F=Fact, O=Opinion)

a)

O

b)

F

c)

N

d)

C

43.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 3. "The Articles are weak—it's time to give Congress more authority." Who would say this? (S=State Govt, N=National Govt)

a)

N

b)

S

c)

Both S and N

d)

Neither S nor N

44.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 3. "The Articles are weak—it's time to give Congress more authority." Is this a fact or opinion? (F=Fact, O=Opinion)

a)

O

b)

F

c)

N

d)

C

45.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 4. "I don't want to fight another war to protect my rights and liberties." Who would say this?

a)

S

b)

A

c)

B

d)

C

46.

Read each statement and write the correct letter in each column. 4. "I don't want to fight another war to protect my rights and liberties." Is this a fact or opinion? (F=Fact, O=Opinion)

a)

O

b)

F

c)

N

d)

C

47.

What is a federal system?

a)

A federal system is a system of government in which certain powers are given to the federal government and any powers not reserved for the federal government are given to the states. Some powers are shared powers.

b)

A federal system is a government where all powers are held by a single central authority with no division of powers.

c)

A federal system is a system where only the states have power and the federal government has no authority.

d)

A federal system is a government in which the president has absolute power over all branches of government.

48.

The national government is also known as the ______ government.

a)

federal

b)

state

c)

local

d)

municipal

49.

According to the passage, how many levels is the U.S. government organized into?

a)

Two

b)

Three

c)

Four

d)

Five

50.

Which level of government is responsible for establishing and managing foreign policy?

a)

Federal government

b)

State government

c)

Local government

d)

None of the above

51.

Which of the following is a responsibility of state governments?

a)

Declare war

b)

Conduct elections

c)

Admit new states

d)

Coin money

52.

Local governments usually get their authority from the _________.

a)

state constitution

b)

federal government

c)

city charter

d)

county ordinance

53.

The federal government is responsible for managing public health and welfare.

a)

True

b)

False

54.

Which level of government is closest to the people and handles matters affecting just a city, county, or other local community?

a)

Federal government

b)

State government

c)

Local government

d)

None of the above

55.

State governments are responsible for ratifying (approving) amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

a)

True

b)

False

56.

Complete the sentences to describe our country’s system of government. 1. The U.S. Constitution describes how power is distributed to the federal and state governments.

a)

The U.S. Constitution

b)

The Declaration of Independence

c)

The Bill of Rights

d)

The Federalist Papers

57.

Complete the sentences to describe our country’s system of government. 2. The U.S. government is structured as a ________ where certain powers are given to the federal government.

a)

federal system

b)

monarchy

c)

unitary system

d)

dictatorship

58.

Complete the sentences to describe our country’s system of government. 3. The most powerful level of government is the _________.

a)

federal government

b)

state government

c)

local government

d)

municipal government

59.

Complete the sentences to describe our country’s system of government. 4. States ________ make laws that violate or contradict federal laws.

a)

cannot

b)

always

c)

should

d)

might

60.

Complete the sentences to describe our country’s system of government. 5. Shared powers are powers given to ________ levels of government.

a)

both federal and state

b)

only federal

c)

only state

d)

local

61.

Write “state,” “local,” or “federal” to describe the power of each level of government. ________ government: laws that affect the entire country.

a)

federal

b)

state

c)

local

d)

municipal

62.

Write “state,” “local,” or “federal” to describe the power of each level of government. ________ government: laws that only affect Tennessee.

a)

state

b)

local

c)

federal

d)

international

63.

Write “state,” “local,” or “federal” to describe the power of each level of government. ________ government: laws that only affect your community.

a)

local

b)

state

c)

federal

d)

national

64.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power. 1. Develop educational systems _________.

a)

state

b)

federal

c)

shared

d)

local

65.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power.
2. Declare war _________.

a)

federal

b)

state

c)

shared

d)

local

66.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power. 3. Tax citizens _________.

a)

shared

b)

federal

c)

state

d)

local

67.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power.
4. Coin money _________.

a)

federal

b)

state

c)

shared

d)

local

68.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power.
5. Manage public health and safety _________.

a)

shared

b)

federal

c)

state

d)

local

69.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power. 6. Borrow money _________.

a)

shared

b)

federal

c)

state

d)

local

70.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power. 7. Ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution _________.

a)

state

b)

federal

c)

shared

d)

local

71.

Determine which level of government has each of the following powers. Write federal or state if the power belongs to only one level of government, or write shared if the federal and state governments share the power. 8. Establish a court system _________.

a)

shared

b)

federal

c)

state

d)

local

72.

What is the definition of the word 'branch' as used in the context of government?

a)

A part that has a role within a larger organization.

b)

A type of tree limb found in forests.

c)

A financial institution that lends money.

d)

A document used to pass laws.

73.

Draw lines to match the branch with its responsibility: The legislative branch ________.

a)

carries out laws

b)

makes laws

c)

interprets laws

74.

Draw lines to match the branch with its responsibility: The executive branch ________.

a)

carries out laws

b)

makes laws

c)

interprets laws

75.

Draw lines to match the branch with its responsibility: The judicial branch ________.

a)

carries out laws

b)

makes laws

c)

interprets laws

76.

Match each person with the branch of government to which he or she belongs: President ________.

a)

Legislative

b)

Judicial

c)

Executive

77.

Match each person with the branch of government to which he or she belongs: Senator ________.

a)

Legislative

b)

Judicial

c)

Executive

78.

Match each person with the branch of government to which he or she belongs: Supreme Court Justice ________.

a)

Legislative

b)

Judicial

c)

Executive

79.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 1) ________

a)

Congress

b)

President

c)

Supreme Court

d)

Cabinet

80.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has.

a)

creates laws

b)

enforces laws

c)

interprets laws

d)

collects taxes

81.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has. Which of the following is the correct name of the person who serves in the executive branch at the national level?

a)

president

b)

governor

c)

mayor

d)

chief justice

82.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has. EXECUTIVE BRANCH 2) ________

a)

enforces laws

b)

interprets laws

c)

makes laws

d)

settles disputes

83.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has.

a)

Supreme Court

b)

House of Representatives

c)

President

d)

Senate

84.

This chart shows the structure and powers of government at the national level. Use the words from the word bank to complete it. Write 1) the name of the person or group who serves in each branch and 2) one of the duties each branch has.

JUDICIAL BRANCH
2) ________

a)

interprets laws

b)

enforces laws

c)

makes treaties

d)

vetoes bills

85.

If the Constitutional Convention delegates had not compromised on representation, the result would have been:

a)

A lack of agreement, possibly leading to the failure of forming the Constitution

b)

A stronger central government with no opposition

c)

Immediate ratification by all states

d)

A single house legislature with equal votes for all states

86.

Who do you think 'won'? (This is kind of a trick question, but it’s not meant to be!)

a)

Both sides won! The United States won! We all won!

b)

Only the United States won!

c)

Only the other side won!

d)

No one won!

e)

The war never ended!

87.

A good compromise is characterized by:

a)

Both sides making concessions and reaching a mutually acceptable solution.

b)

One side getting everything they want.

c)

Ignoring the needs of both parties.

d)

Refusing to negotiate or communicate.

88.

Compromise can be about each party winning, rather than each party losing, because:

a)

it allows both parties to achieve some of their goals.

b)

it means one party gets everything they want.

c)

it always results in both parties being unhappy.

d)

it requires both parties to give up all their interests.

89.

How can it be about getting, rather than giving up?

a)

It focuses on receiving benefits instead of making sacrifices.

b)

It emphasizes letting go of desires.

c)

It is about surrendering to circumstances.

d)

It involves giving up personal goals.

90.

It can be about innovative ideas, rather than a contest of wills, by focusing on:

a)

collaborative problem-solving

b)

personal competition

c)

winning at all costs

d)

dominating others

91.

It can be about fairness, rather than selfish interests, when:

a)

decisions are made with consideration for everyone involved

b)

only personal gain is prioritized

c)

rules are ignored for convenience

d)

selfish motives drive every action

92.

At first, states ________________ about representation in Congress.

a)

disagreed

b)

celebrated

c)

ignored

d)

united

93.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases. 2. Small states wanted ________________.

a)

equal representation

b)

more land

c)

higher taxes

d)

a monarchy

94.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases. 3. Large states wanted ________________.

a)

representation based on population

b)

equal representation for all states

c)

no representation in Congress

d)

a monarchy instead of a republic

95.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases. 4. They solved the problem with the 'Great ________________.''

a)

Compromise

b)

Revolution

c)

Treaty

d)

Agreement

96.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases. 5. Their solution was for Congress to have ________________ houses.

a)

two

b)

four

c)

five

d)

ten

97.

In one house, the ________________, representation is based on population.

a)

House of Representatives

b)

Senate

c)

Supreme Court

d)

Cabinet

98.

In the other house, the ________________, states have equal representation.

a)

Senate

b)

House of Representatives

c)

Parliament

d)

Assembly

99.

How many representatives does Tennessee have in the U.S. Senate?

a)

2

b)

4

c)

1

d)

3

100.

How does this compare to other states?

a)

same as other states

b)

completely different from other states

c)

better than all other states

d)

worse than most states

SS Chapter 7: The U.S. Constitution

Total questions: 100

Worksheet time: 50mins

Similar Resources on Wayground