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WorksheetsT5 The Constitution of the United States of America
Total questions: 98
Worksheet time: 49mins
According to the passage, in what year was the United States Constitution written?
1787
1776
1791
1800
The first three words of the United States Constitution are:
We the People
In God We Trust
United States of America
Liberty and Justice for All
According to the passage, which branch of government is referred to as the 'First Branch'?
Executive
Judicial
Legislative (Congress)
State
The Constitution assigned to Congress responsibility for organizing the executive and _______ branches.
judicial
legislative
military
financial
The president is permitted to veto specific legislative acts, but Congress can override presidential vetoes by two-thirds majorities of both houses.
True
False
For over how many centuries has the Constitution remained in force, according to the passage?
Over two centuries
Over one century
Over three centuries
Less than a century
What is Article I of the U.S. Constitution about?
Legislative Department
Executive Department
Judicial Department
Bill of Rights
Which amendment guarantees the right to bear arms?
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Third Amendment
Fourth Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment deals with _________
Slavery and involuntary servitude
Freedom of speech
Right to bear arms
Voting rights
Which article covers the Executive Department?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
The Nineteenth Amendment is about women's suffrage rights.
True
False
Which amendment abolished poll tax qualification in Federal elections?
Twenty-second Amendment
Twenty-fourth Amendment
Twenty-sixth Amendment
Twenty-seventh Amendment
According to the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States, what are some of the purposes for establishing the Constitution?
To form a more perfect Union
To establish Justice
To promote the general Welfare
To insure domestic Tranquillity
To provide for the common defence
The Constitution divides the federal government into ______ branches, giving legislative powers to a bicameral Congress.
three
four
two
five
The two chambers of Congress established by Article I of the Constitution of the United States are:
The Senate and the House of Representatives
The Supreme Court and the Senate
The House of Representatives and the Cabinet
The Senate and the Executive Office
The House of Representatives was intended to be 'the people's house,' with its members elected directly by the voters in the states.
True
False
According to Section 2 of Article I, members of the House of Representatives are chosen at which interval?
Every two years
Every four years
Every six years
Every year
According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, what are the eligibility requirements to be a Representative in the House?
Must be at least 30 years old, 9 years a citizen, and a resident of the state
Must be at least 25 years old, 7 years a citizen, and an inhabitant of the state
Must be at least 21 years old, 5 years a citizen, and a resident of the state
Must be at least 35 years old, 10 years a citizen, and an inhabitant of the state
Representatives must be at least ______ years old, have been a citizen for ______ years, and be an inhabitant of the state in which they are chosen.
25; 7
30; 9
21; 5
35; 10
The number of Representatives for each state is determined according to Article I of the U.S. Constitution by:
the population of each state
an equal number for every state
the land area of each state
the number of Senators from each state
The amendment that abolished slavery and changed the way representation was determined in the House of Representatives is:
13th Amendment
1st Amendment
15th Amendment
10th Amendment
According to the original Constitution, American Indians were counted for purposes of apportionment.
True
False
According to the Constitution of the United States, when vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, who shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies?
The Executive Authority thereof
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Speaker of the House
The Secretary of State
Who chooses the Speaker and other officers of the House of Representatives?
The House of Representatives
The President
The Supreme Court
The Senate
How many senators does each state have in the United States Senate, regardless of the size of its population?
Two
Four
One
Three
For how many years is a United States Senator elected?
Six years
Four years
Two years
Eight years
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment.
True
False
Senators were always directly elected by the people.
True
False
Who fills vacant House seats according to the Constitution of the United States?
The President
The Executive Authority of the State
The Senate
The Supreme Court
According to Article I, how are senators divided after the first election?
They are divided as equally as may be into three Classes.
They are divided by state population.
They are divided based on age groups.
They are divided according to political party affiliation.
What is the minimum age required to be a senator according to Article I?
25 years
30 years
35 years
40 years
Who is the President of the Senate according to Article I?
The Speaker of the House
The Vice President of the United States
The President pro tempore
The Chief Justice
Does the Vice President of the United States have a vote in the Senate?
No, unless they are equally divided (to break a tie).
Yes, the Vice President always has a vote.
No, the Vice President never has a vote.
Yes, but only during presidential elections.
Who elects the officers of the Senate, except for the Vice President?
The Senate elects its own officers.
The President elects the officers.
The House of Representatives elects the officers.
The Supreme Court elects the officers.
According to the Constitution, who presides over the impeachment trial of the President of the United States?
The Vice President
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Speaker of the House
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
A person convicted in an impeachment trial can be barred from holding future office and may also be subject to criminal trial in the courts.
True
False
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all _________
Impeachments
Elections
Treaties
Bills
What fraction of the Senate must concur to convict a person in an impeachment trial?
One half
Two thirds
Three fourths
One third
Federal elections are conducted by the individual states, but which amendment made the treatment of the election of senators and representatives the same?
17th Amendment
20th Amendment
1st Amendment
10th Amendment
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first _______ in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Which amendment changed the provision for the convening of Congress from the first Monday in December to the 3rd of January?
17th Amendment
20th Amendment
10th Amendment
1st Amendment
According to Article I, Section 5, who is the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members?
Each House
The President
The Supreme Court
The Vice President
What is the minimum number of members required to make a quorum to conduct business in either the House or Senate?
A majority (one-half plus one) of each house
One-third of each house
Two-thirds of each house
Ten members
How can a member of the House or Senate be expelled?
By a simple majority vote
By a two-thirds vote
By the President
By the Supreme Court
Each House must keep a journal of its proceedings and publish it from time to time, except for parts that require secrecy.
True
False
According to Article I, Section 5, can either House adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other?
True
False
According to Section 6 of the Constitution of the United States, Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. What are the exceptions to the privilege from arrest?
Treason, Felony, and Breach of the Peace
Tax Evasion, Civil Disputes, and Libel
Misdemeanor, Bankruptcy, and Fraud
Contempt of Court, Perjury, and Slander
What is the purpose of the 'speech or debate' clause as explained in the notes?
It protects members of Congress from criminal or civil liability in the performance of their legislative responsibilities.
It allows the President to veto legislation without explanation.
It grants the Supreme Court authority over Congressional debates.
It requires all Congressional sessions to be open to the public.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States that was created or had its salary increased during their term.
True
False
According to Section 7 of the Constitution of the United States, where must all bills for raising revenue originate?
House of Representatives
Senate
Supreme Court
President
The House of Representatives was given the authority to originate all tax bills because:
it is closer to the people and represents their interests directly.
it has more members than the Senate.
it is responsible for foreign policy.
it is the oldest branch of government.
According to Article I, what must happen before a bill becomes law in the United States?
It must be signed by the president or passed by a two-thirds vote of Congress over the president's veto.
It must be approved by the Supreme Court.
It must be approved by the state governors.
It must be signed by the vice president.
If the president does not sign a bill and Congress is in session, the bill ____________.
automatically becomes law
is automatically vetoed
is sent back to Congress for revision
is declared unconstitutional
Congress can override bills that have been pocket vetoed by the president.
True
False
What is a 'pocket veto'? A 'pocket veto' is when the president does not sign a bill while Congress is adjourned or in recess, effectively vetoing the bill by not returning it or signing it.
A 'pocket veto' is when the president does not sign a bill while Congress is adjourned or in recess, effectively vetoing the bill by not returning it or signing it.
A 'pocket veto' is when Congress overrides the president's veto with a two-thirds majority.
A 'pocket veto' is when the president signs a bill into law immediately after receiving it.
A 'pocket veto' is when the Supreme Court declares a bill unconstitutional.
According to the Constitution of the United States, every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States. Before the same shall take effect, it must be approved by the President, or if disapproved, be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives.
True
False
Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to lay and collect ______, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States.
Taxes
Tariffs
Loans
Fees
Which amendment supplemented Section 8 of the Constitution to permit Congress to levy an income tax?
10th Amendment
16th Amendment
1st Amendment
5th Amendment
When Congress borrows money on the credit of the United States, what does it create?
A binding obligation to repay the debt
A gift to the nation
An increase in taxes
A reduction in defense spending
According to Article I, what power does Congress have regarding commerce?
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes
To establish Post Offices and post Roads
To coin Money
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting
The 'commerce clause' is one of the most far-reaching grants of power to Congress. Interstate commerce covers all movement of people and things across state lines, and every form of ________ and transportation.
communication
agriculture
manufacturing
education
According to Article I, Congress has the power to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of ________ throughout the United States.
Bankruptcies
Taxation
Education
Commerce
Only the federal government, not the states, can determine who becomes a citizen according to Acts of Congress.
True
False
What does Congress have the power to do regarding money, according to Article I?
Coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures
Establish Post Offices and post Roads
Regulate Commerce with foreign Nations
Provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting
According to the Constitution of the United States, what is the purpose of securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries?
To promote the progress of science and useful arts.
To increase government revenue through patents.
To restrict public access to information.
To encourage monopolies in creative industries.
Which body is Congress authorized to constitute that is inferior to the Supreme Court?
Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court.
State Supreme Courts.
Presidential Cabinets.
Federal Agencies.
According to the Constitution, Congress has the power to define and punish which crimes committed on the high seas?
Piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations.
Only theft and robbery committed on the high seas.
Smuggling and tax evasion on the high seas.
Any crime committed by foreign nationals on the high seas.
Congress has the power to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water.
True
False
For how long can money be appropriated to raise and support armies, according to the Constitution?
No longer than two years.
No longer than five years.
No longer than one year.
No longer than ten years.
Which branch of government controls the military, providing a check on the executive branch?
Congress
Supreme Court
President
Department of State
According to Article I, who has the authority to call forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections, and repeal Invasions?
Congress
The President
The Supreme Court
State Governors
What is the purpose of the 'elastic clause' in Article I of the U.S. Constitution?
To limit Congress's powers
To enlarge legislative power by enabling Congress to use any means it thinks reasonable to put these powers into action
To delegate power to the states
To restrict the president's authority
The right of the states to maintain a militia, including the National Guard, is always subordinate to the power of Congress.
True
False
Explain how Congress's power over the District of Columbia has changed according to the explanatory note in the image.
Congress's power over the District of Columbia has shifted from direct control to allowing local self-government.
Congress's power over the District of Columbia has increased, giving it more authority over local matters.
Congress's power over the District of Columbia has remained unchanged since its establishment.
Congress's power over the District of Columbia has been transferred entirely to the President.
According to Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, the Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to what year?
1808
1776
1820
1790
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless in which cases?
Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Cases of Civil Disobedience or Protest.
Cases of Economic Crisis or Inflation.
Cases of Political Instability or Election.
A bill of attainder is a legislative act declaring the guilt of an individual or a group of persons and punishing them without a court trial.
True
False
What does an ex post facto law do?
Declares an act illegal after it has been committed
Increases the punishment for an offense already committed
Both A and B
None of the above
Who has the power to suspend habeas corpus according to the explanation provided?
Only Congress
The President
The Supreme Court
State Governors
According to Article I, can a direct tax be laid unless in proportion to the Census of Enumeration?
True
False
What does Article I say about taxes or duties on articles exported from any state? No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles _______ from any State.
exported
imported
manufactured
sold
According to Article I, can Congress favor one state over another in regulating trade?
True
False
What must be published regularly according to Article I regarding public money? A regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be _______ from time to time.
published
hidden
destroyed
ignored
Article I prohibits granting titles of nobility and accepting presents from foreign states because:
It prevents corruption and foreign influence in government.
It encourages alliances with foreign nations.
It allows for the creation of a monarchy in the U.S.
It promotes the exchange of gifts between countries.
According to Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States, can any state enter into a Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation?
True
False
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any ______ or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection Laws.
Imposts
Taxes
Tariffs
Fees
Which of the following is NOT allowed for states under Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States?
Coin Money
Pass any Bill of Attainder
Grant any Title of Nobility
All of the above
States may come together to work on common problems, such as pollution of a river passing through several states, but the agreements or compacts they reach are subject to whose consent?
Congressional consent
State governor's consent
Supreme Court's consent
President's consent
According to Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, who holds the executive power in the United States?
The President of the United States of America
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
The Secretary of State
How long is the term of office for the President of the United States as stated in Article II, Section 1?
Two years
Four years
Six years
Eight years
Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution originally limited presidents to two terms.
True
False
What is the purpose of the electoral college as described in the explanatory notes?
It was established as a compromise between direct popular election of the president and election by Congress.
It was created to ensure only Congress could choose the president.
It was designed to give more power to smaller states over larger states.
It was intended to allow foreign influence in presidential elections.
Explain how the electors are chosen and what their responsibilities are according to Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
Electors are chosen by each state legislature and are responsible for voting for the President and Vice President.
Electors are appointed by Congress and are responsible for passing federal laws.
Electors are selected by the Supreme Court and are responsible for interpreting the Constitution.
Electors are chosen by popular vote and are responsible for collecting taxes.
Which amendment changed the process described in Article II, Section 1, and why was it changed?
The 12th amendment changed the process after the election of 1800, when Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr received identical votes and both claimed the office, leading to the House of Representatives choosing Jefferson.
The 15th amendment changed the process to grant voting rights regardless of race, after the Civil War.
The 19th amendment changed the process to allow women to vote, following the women's suffrage movement.
The 22nd amendment changed the process by limiting the president to two terms, after Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms.
According to the Constitution, if no candidate for President has a majority of electoral votes, who chooses the President?
The House of Representatives
The Senate
The Supreme Court
The Vice President
How is the Vice President chosen if there are two or more candidates with equal votes after the choice of the President?
The Senate chooses the Vice President by Ballot.
The House of Representatives chooses the Vice President by Ballot.
The Supreme Court chooses the Vice President by Ballot.
The President chooses the Vice President by Ballot.
Congress has enacted legislation requiring that presidential elections (the selection of electors) occur on which day?
The first Monday in November
The Tuesday following the first Monday in November
The second Wednesday in December
January 6
The day on which electors give their votes must be the same throughout the United States.
True
False
