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Civics practice test unit 5 and 6

Total questions: 27

Worksheet time: 14mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

How does the Constitution enable the President to check the actions of Congress?

a)

by overriding a veto

b)

by holding a law to be unconstitutional

c)

by refusing to provide funding for the military

d)

by vetoing a bill approved by both chambers of Congress

2.

Which is an example of a power delegated to Congress in the Constitution?

a)

the power to coin money

b)

the power to grant pardons

c)

the power to issue driving licenses

d)

the power to register voters for elections

3.

When comparing the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, which of the following is FALSE?

a)

each has articles

b)

each has a preamble

c)

each has amendments

d)

each has declarations of supremacy

4.

How can the judicial branch check the actions of the legislative branch?

a)

by vetoing a proposed bill

b)

by refusing to ratify a treaty

c)

by holding a law to be unconstitutional

d)

by adjourning a congressional session

5.

Which shows a correct sequence for amending the U.S. Constitution?

a)

A majority of the state legislatures propose it – Three-fourths of both houses of Congress ratify it.

b)

Two-thirds of both houses of Congress propose it – Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify it.

c)

Three-fourths of the state legislatures propose it – Two-thirds of both houses of Congress ratify it.

d)

A majority of both houses of Congress propose it – Two-thirds of both houses of Congress ratify it.

6.

What was the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

a)

to help the national government raise taxes

b)

to identify the goals of the national government

c)

to overcome the threat posed by Shays’ Rebellion

d)

to explain the colonists’ reasons for separating from England

7.

The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves power to which of the following groups?

a)

state and federal legislatures

b)

state governors and federal court systems

c)

state governments and local governments

d)

state court systems and the U.S. Supreme Court

8.

The quote below was made by a member of the U.S. Senate. “President Reagan is still our President. But he should not be able to …impose his …vision of the Constitution on the Supreme Court and on the next generation of Americans. No justice would be better than this injustice.” Senator Edward Kennedy, 1987 Source: Public Domain Which governmental action was being addressed by Senator Kennedy?

a)

Senate confirmation of presidential vetoes

b)

Senate confirmation of presidential treaties

c)

Senate confirmation of presidential policies

d)

Senate confirmation of presidential appointments

9.

What is the meaning of the principle of "federalism"?

a)

a form of government where citizens elect representatives

b)

a sharing of power between the national and state governments

c)

a separation of powers between different branches of the government

d)

a system of government in which officials are subject to the rule of law

10.

Between 1870 and 1913, only one amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution. Based on this information, what can be inferred about the constitutional amendment process?

a)

Ratification of an amendment requires a majority of Congress’s approval.

b)

Ratification of an amendment requires a majority of state governors’ approval.

c)

Amending the U.S. Constitution is a long and difficult process that does not allow changes to happen easily.

d)

Amending the U.S. Constitution is a relatively quick and simple process that allows change to happen easily.

11.

Examine the following headline. U. S. Declares War on Japan; British ‘In’ Most of Empire Takes; Formal Steps; Single Opposing House Vote Source: Omaha World-Herald, Dec. 8, 1941 What type of governmental power was used in this historic event?

a)

concurrent

b)

delegated

c)

municipal

d)

reserved

12.

The statement below is from a historical document. We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Source: Library of Congress How is this statement reflected in the modern American political system?

a)

The president elects Congress

b)

The president enacts policies

c)

Congress enforces policies

d)

Voters elect Congress

13.

The passage below is from a speech by President George W. Bush, March 19, 2003. On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign. - Source: Office of the White House Press Secretary What constitutional power justified the actions described in the passage?

a)

Commander-in-Chief

b)

Chief Executive

c)

appoint justices

d)

make treaties

14.

The statement below is taken from a speech by a public official on January 4, 2011. While we set about becoming the best place in the Country to create jobs, we’ll also take a fresh look at education and health care. Few things matter as much to us as our health care and the education of our children. Source: Inaugural speech of Governor Rick Scott Based on this passage, what is a purpose of government services in people's lives?

a)

establish justice

b)

promote general welfare

c)

ensure domestic tranquility

d)

provide for the common defense

15.

Analyze the excerpts below. From the Judeo-Christian tradition: "Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them...So be careful to do what the Lord your" From the Declaration of Independence: "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." From the U.S. Constitution: "The President… shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." From the Florida Constitution: "The Governor, Administrative officers of the Executive Department, Justices of the Supreme Court, … shall be liable to impeachment for any" Which principle of American government is reflected across these excerpts?

a)

rule of law

b)

popular sovereignty

c)

judicial review

d)

federalism

16.

Which of the following principles can be traced throughout the documents?

a)

rule of law

b)

due process

c)

civic participation

d)

equality of mankind

17.

What is a key difference between the amendment process in the U.S. Constitution and Florida Constitution?

a)

The judicial branch can declare an amendment unconstitutional in U.S. Constitution.

b)

Lawmakers at the municipal level vote on Florida’s constitutional amendments.

c)

The executive branch can veto an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

d)

Voters can have a direct impact by amending the Florida Constitution.

18.

What is an ordinance?

a)

a recommendation passed by Congress

b)

a requirement opposed by a county court

c)

a law passed by a local or city government

d)

a type of executive order issued by the President

19.

The diagram shows the three choices that the President has whenever a bill is passed by Congress: one box labeled "Sign the bill," a center box labeled "?", and a third box labeled "Do nothing" with all three pointing to a banner reading "Choices of the President." Which phrase completes the diagram?

a)

veto the bill

b)

amend the bill

c)

pocket-veto the bill

d)

refer the bill to a public vote

20.

The diagram shows some of the steps in enacting a federal law: a box stating "The bill is introduced in the House of Representatives." followed by a box stating "The House of Representatives approves the bill." then a box labeled "?" and finally a box stating "The bill goes to the president for signature." What is the next step in the lawmaking process?

a)

The bill dies in committee.

b)

The bill goes to the people for a vote.

c)

The bill moves to the Senate for debate, and vote.

d)

The bill moves to the states for debate, and ratification.

21.

What is an important function of the Governor of Florida?

a)

to act as Commander-in-Chief of the United States armed forces

b)

to act as chief executive of Florida’s state government

c)

to review the constitutionality of proposed state laws

d)

to appoint and receive ambassadors

22.

Which official presides over the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives?

a)

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

b)

Vice President of the United States

c)

President Pro Tempore

d)

Speaker of the House

23.

The diagram shows the powers of a government official: boxes read "Holds executive power," "Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," "Appoints and receives ambassadors," and "Appoints Justices of the Supreme Court," all pointing to a center box labeled "?" Which official completes the diagram?

a)

Mayor

b)

Governor

c)

President

d)

County Commissioner

24.

How does an executive order differ from a law?

a)

An executive order is not subject to the Constitution.

b)

An executive order does not have the force of law.

c)

An executive order does not apply to the states.

d)

An executive order is not passed by Congress.

25.

Which of the following is a true statement of an executive branch process?

a)

The president issues an order declaring a state of emergency after a hurricane.

b)

The president appoints a new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

c)

The president creates a new constitutional amendment.

d)

The president declares a new law unconstitutional.

26.

A new housing development has increased local traffic. There have been an increase in the number of car accidents and pedestrians hit by cars since it opened. Citizens came forward with a written proposal for an ordinance requesting a traffic light to be installed at a key intersection. Two of the five city council members were present and said the vote would have to wait until the next meeting. What important factor, as outlined in the Florida Statutes, explains why the vote was postponed?

a)

Not enough council members were present.

b)

The issue was not brought up by the mayor.

c)

The citizens did not have a signed petition.

d)

Local businesses were not present.

27.

Cabinet nominee promises to support equal rights. Which action might occur due to this event?

a)

State governors decide to raise the minimum wage

b)

Congress votes to improve employment protections

c)

Two-thirds of the U.S. Senate confirms the appointment

d)

The president issues an executive order to reduce pollution