WorksheetsAMERICAN GOVERNMENT: FINAL EXAM REVIEW GUIDE
Total questions: 100
Worksheet time: 50mins
What is the job of the Legislative branch?
To make laws
To enforce laws
To interpret laws
To collect taxes
What is the job of the Executive branch?
To enforce laws
To make laws
To interpret laws
To collect taxes
What is the job of the Judicial branch?
To interpret laws
To make laws
To enforce laws
To collect taxes
What position(s) make up the Legislative branch?
Congress (House of Representatives and Senate)
President and Vice President
Supreme Court Justices
Cabinet Members
What position(s) make up the Executive branch?
President, Vice President, Cabinet
Senators, Representatives, Speaker of the House
Chief Justice, Associate Justices, Court Clerks
Governors, Mayors, City Council
What position(s) make up the Judicial branch?
Supreme Court and other federal courts
President and Vice President
Senate and House of Representatives
Cabinet and Executive Departments
What is the 'check' the Legislative branch has on other branches?
Can override vetoes, approve appointments, impeach officials
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Can veto bills passed by Congress
Can appoint Supreme Court justices
What is the 'check' the Executive branch has on other branches?
Can veto legislation, appoint judges
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Can impeach the President
Can override vetoes
What is the 'check' the Judicial branch has on other branches?
Can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional
Can veto bills passed by Congress
Can appoint members of Congress
Can propose new laws
Define the term 'Bicameral'.
A legislature with two houses or chambers
A government with a single leader
A court with two judges
A constitution with two articles
Define the term 'Census'.
An official count or survey of a population
A type of government tax
A method of voting in elections
A form of weather forecasting
Define the term 'Reapportionment'.
Redistribution of representation in a legislative body
The process of passing new laws in parliament
The division of land among citizens
The election of a new government
Define the term 'Redistrict'.
To redraw the boundaries of electoral districts
To increase the number of voters in a district
To change the voting system in a district
To appoint new representatives for a district
Define the term 'Expressed Powers'.
Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution
Powers that are implied but not stated in the Constitution
Powers reserved for the states only
Powers shared between the federal and state governments
Define the term 'Implied Powers'.
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied by the expressed powers
Powers that are only granted to the states by the Constitution
Powers that are explicitly listed in the Constitution
Powers that are reserved for the President alone
Define the term 'Necessary & Proper Clause'.
Gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties
Limits Congress to only the powers explicitly listed in the Constitution
Requires Congress to obtain approval from the Supreme Court before passing any law
Allows the President to veto any law passed by Congress
Define the term 'Bill'.
A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration
A formal agreement between two parties
A type of currency used in transactions
A written request for payment
Define the term 'Veto'.
The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress
The power of Congress to approve a bill
The authority of the Supreme Court to interpret laws
The right of citizens to vote on a bill
Define the term 'Conference Committee'.
A committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
A committee that organizes party conventions
A committee that manages congressional budgets
A committee that oversees foreign affairs
Define the term 'Electoral College'.
A body of electors who formally elect the president and vice president
A group of judges who decide election disputes
A committee that organizes election campaigns
A council that sets election dates
Define the term 'Executive Order'.
A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government
A law passed by Congress and signed by the president
A decision made by the Supreme Court
A treaty negotiated between two countries
Define the term 'Executive Agreement'.
An agreement between the president and another country that does not require Senate approval
A treaty that must be ratified by the Senate
A law passed by Congress and signed by the president
A formal declaration of war
Define the term 'Executive Privilege'.
The president's right to keep certain communications private
The president's power to veto legislation
The president's authority to appoint judges
The president's ability to declare war
What is the definition of Expressed Powers?
Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution
Powers held by state governments only
Powers implied but not stated in the Constitution
Powers shared between federal and state governments
Give an example of Expressed Powers.
The power to tax, to declare war, to regulate commerce
The power to appoint judges, to veto bills, to grant pardons
The power to interpret laws, to conduct elections, to set educational standards
The power to issue executive orders, to negotiate treaties, to manage federal agencies
What is the definition of Implied Powers?
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied by the expressed powers
Powers that are directly stated in the Constitution
Powers reserved only for the states
Powers given to the President by Congress
Give an example of Implied Powers.
Establishing a national bank, creating the IRS
Declaring war on another country
Setting up public schools
Regulating marriage laws
What is the definition of the Elastic Clause?
Gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties
Limits Congress to only the powers explicitly listed in the Constitution
Allows the President to veto any law passed by Congress
Requires all laws to be approved by the Supreme Court before implementation
Give an example of the Elastic Clause in action.
Creating the Air Force, establishing federal minimum wage laws
Declaring war without Congressional approval
Electing the President directly by popular vote
Passing state laws on education
7 PRINCIPLES: Complete the chart. FEDERALISM: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (such as states). Example: The United States government divides powers between the federal government and the states.
Definition: A system where all power is held by a single central authority. Example: The United Kingdom government holds all power centrally.
Definition: A system in which local governments have complete independence from any central authority. Example: City governments operate without oversight from a national government.
Definition: A system where only the central government makes laws and local governments have no power. Example: France's government structure.
SEPARATION OF POWERS: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. Example: The U.S. government is divided into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Definition: The merging of all government responsibilities into a single branch to increase efficiency. Example: The U.S. government is controlled by one central authority.
Definition: The delegation of government responsibilities to private companies. Example: The U.S. government outsources all its functions to corporations.
Definition: The elimination of government branches to reduce bureaucracy. Example: The U.S. government operates without separate branches.
CHECKS AND BALANCE: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: A system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power. Example: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.
Definition: A system where only the legislative branch has the power to make laws and the executive branch enforces them without oversight. Example: Congress passes laws and the President must sign them without objection.
Definition: A process by which the judiciary can create laws and the executive can interpret them. Example: The Supreme Court writes new laws and the President decides their meaning.
Definition: A system that allows the executive branch to control all decisions made by the government. Example: The President can override any decision made by Congress or the courts.
REPUBLICANISM: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: A form of government in which people elect representatives to create and enforce laws. Example: Citizens elect members of Congress to represent them.
Definition: A system where a monarch holds absolute power over the government. Example: The king makes all decisions without input from citizens.
Definition: A government ruled by a single dictator who controls all aspects of life. Example: Citizens have no say in laws or leadership.
Definition: A form of government where laws are made directly by the people through referendums. Example: Citizens vote on every law themselves.
7 PRINCIPLES: Complete the chart. INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: Rights guaranteed or belonging to each person, often protected by law. Example: Freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.
Definition: Rights only given to government officials. Example: Voting in secret meetings.
Definition: Rights that apply only to groups, not individuals. Example: Group privacy.
Definition: Rights that are not protected by law. Example: Speaking without any legal protection.
7 PRINCIPLES: Complete the chart. POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. Example: Voting in elections to choose leaders.
Definition: The principle that the government is controlled by a single ruler. Example: Monarchs making laws without public input.
Definition: The principle that only the judiciary has power over the government. Example: Judges deciding all government policies.
Definition: The principle that the government is run by military leaders. Example: Military officials making all decisions.
7 PRINCIPLES: Complete the chart. LIMITED GOVERNMENT: Provide the definition and an example.
Definition: A political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers. Example: The Constitution limits the powers of the federal government.
Definition: A government where all power is held by a single ruler. Example: The king has absolute authority.
Definition: Citizens have no rights and the government controls all aspects of life. Example: Totalitarian regime.
Definition: The government can make any law it wants without restriction. Example: Unlimited legislative power.
What is the role of each chamber in the impeachment process?
The House of Representatives has the power to impeach (bring charges against) federal officials.
The Senate has the power to impeach (bring charges against) federal officials.
Both chambers jointly bring charges against federal officials.
The Supreme Court has the power to impeach (bring charges against) federal officials.
What is the role of each chamber in the impeachment process?
The Senate conducts the trial and votes to convict or acquit the impeached official.
The House of Representatives conducts the trial and votes to convict or acquit the impeached official.
The Supreme Court conducts the trial and votes to convict or acquit the impeached official.
The President conducts the trial and votes to convict or acquit the impeached official.
Gerrymandering refers to which of the following practices, and how does it impact the House of Representatives?
Drawing electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party, affecting representation in the House of Representatives.
Passing laws to increase the number of representatives in the House.
Allowing citizens to vote in multiple districts for House elections.
Changing the term length of House members to influence party control.
The 'Filibuster' is a legislative procedure. How does it impact the law making process?
It allows a minority to delay or block legislative action by extending debate.
It speeds up the passage of laws by limiting debate.
It requires a unanimous vote for any law to pass.
It eliminates the need for debate on proposed laws.
What is the AGE requirement for the House of Representatives?
25 years old
21 years old
30 years old
35 years old
What is the AGE requirement for the Senate?
30 years old
25 years old
35 years old
40 years old
What is the CITIZENSHIP requirement for the House of Representatives?
7 years a citizen
3 years a citizen
10 years a citizen
5 years a citizen
What is the CITIZENSHIP requirement for the Senate?
9 years a citizen
3 years a citizen
5 years a citizen
7 years a citizen
What is the RESIDENCY requirement for the House of Representatives?
Must live in the state they represent
Must live in Washington, D.C.
Must live in any state
No residency requirement
What is the RESIDENCY requirement for the Senate?
Must live in the state they represent
Must live in Washington, D.C.
Must live in any state
Must live in the capital city of their state
What is the MEMBERSHIP of the House of Representatives?
435 members
100 members
250 members
50 members
What is the MEMBERSHIP of the Senate?
100 members
50 members
435 members
200 members
What is the TERM LENGTH for the House of Representatives?
2 years
4 years
6 years
1 year
What is the TERM LENGTH for the Senate?
6 years
2 years
4 years
8 years
Who is the LEADER of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
Majority Whip
President Pro Tempore
Minority Leader
Who is the LEADER of the Senate?
Vice President (President of the Senate)
Speaker of the House
Chief Justice
Majority Whip
How many House of Representatives does Missouri have?
8
12
6
10
How many Senators does Missouri have?
2
4
1
3
BILL TO LAW: Fill in the blank and answer the questions on the lawmaking process. EVERY BILL STARTS AS AN ________________
idea
law
vote
committee
WHO CAN SUGGEST A BILL?
Only members of Parliament
Only the President
Only the Prime Minister
Any citizen
ONCE A BILL HAS BEEN INTRODUCED, THE BILL GOES TO ________________
committee
president
senate
court
WHERE DO MOST BILLS GO TO DIE?
committee
floor
president's desk
Supreme Court
AFTER COMMITTEE, A BILL GOES TO THE _____________?
floor (House or Senate floor for debate and vote)
president for approval
Supreme Court for review
state governor for signature
conference committee
IF A BILL IS APPROVED, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It is sent to the president for approval or veto.
It becomes a law immediately without further action.
It is discarded and not considered further.
It is sent back to the committee for revision.
IF BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE APPROVE THE BILL, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
The bill is sent to the President for approval.
The bill becomes law immediately.
The bill is sent back to the House for revision.
The bill is sent to the Supreme Court for review.
The final draft of the bill goes to the President, who has the power to approve or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
The final draft of the bill goes to the President, who can approve or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
The final draft of the bill goes to the Supreme Court, which can approve or reject it. Congress can override a rejection with a simple majority.
The final draft of the bill goes to the Vice President, who can sign or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a three-fourths majority.
The final draft of the bill goes to the Speaker of the House, who can approve or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a majority vote.
Which Presidential role involves being the head of the nation's armed forces?
Chief Diplomat
Commander in Chief
Chief Administrator
Chief of State
List the 3 Formal Qualifications to become President.
Be a natural-born citizen, be at least 35 years old, have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.
Be a naturalized citizen, be at least 30 years old, have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
Be a natural-born citizen, be at least 40 years old, have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years.
Be a naturalized citizen, be at least 35 years old, have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years.
The president can do which of the following with a bill passed by Congress?
Sign it into law
Send it back to Congress for revision without explanation
Ignore it and it automatically becomes law after 30 days
Pass it directly to the Supreme Court for approval
The Vice President’s TWO duties (according to the Constitution) are:
Presiding over the Senate and assuming the presidency if the President is unable to serve
Managing the Cabinet and signing bills into law
Leading the House of Representatives and overseeing the Supreme Court
Appointing federal judges and directing foreign policy
Fill in chart what date Americans vote for in the General Election
General Election: The Tuesday after the first Monday in November. President Inaugurated: January 20th.
General Election: The first Tuesday in December. President Inaugurated: February 1st.
General Election: The last Monday in October. President Inaugurated: January 1st.
General Election: The second Wednesday in November. President Inaugurated: March 4th.
List the line of succession to the President as follows: • President • • • President Pro Tempore of Senate • Secretary of _________
Secretary of State
Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Treasury
Secretary of Commerce
Simply explain the meaning of the term 'winner take all.'
It means the candidate with the most votes wins everything.
It means all candidates share the prize equally.
It means the winner gets only a small portion of the prize.
It means the loser gets all the rewards.
Total # of electoral votes _________________. Magic # to become President ______________. What happens if NO candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes?
Total # of electoral votes: 538. Magic #: 270. If no candidate receives a majority, the House of Representatives decides the President.
Total # of electoral votes: 435. Magic #: 218. If no candidate receives a majority, the Senate decides the President.
Total # of electoral votes: 500. Magic #: 250. If no candidate receives a majority, the Supreme Court decides the President.
Total # of electoral votes: 600. Magic #: 300. If no candidate receives a majority, a new election is held.
Which of the following best summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of the Electoral College?
It balances power between states but can result in a winner who did not receive the most popular votes.
It ensures every vote counts equally and always matches the popular vote.
It eliminates the need for campaigning in smaller states and guarantees majority rule.
It allows direct election of the president by popular vote without state influence.
MO has _____ electoral votes.
10 electoral votes. Explanation: Missouri's number of electoral votes is based on its representation in Congress (8 Representatives + 2 Senators).
8 electoral votes. Explanation: Missouri's number of electoral votes is based on its representation in Congress (6 Representatives + 2 Senators).
12 electoral votes. Explanation: Missouri's number of electoral votes is based on its representation in Congress (10 Representatives + 2 Senators).
9 electoral votes. Explanation: Missouri's number of electoral votes is based on its representation in Congress (7 Representatives + 2 Senators).
The ELECTORAL COLLEGE reflects the principles of both FEDERALISM and POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY by:
balancing state and national interests while allowing citizens to influence the outcome through their votes.
giving all power to the national government and ignoring state interests.
allowing only state legislatures to choose the president without citizen input.
ensuring that only popular vote determines the president without regard to states.
Describe the 12th Amendment and what problem did the amendment fix?
The 12th Amendment established separate ballots for President and Vice President. It fixed the problem of ties and confusion in the original electoral process.
The 12th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. It fixed the problem of forced labor.
The 12th Amendment granted women the right to vote. It fixed the problem of gender discrimination in voting.
The 12th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18. It fixed the problem of youth disenfranchisement.
Describe the 20th Amendment and what problem did the amendment fix?
The 20th Amendment changed the dates of presidential and congressional terms. It fixed the problem of long 'lame duck' periods.
The 20th Amendment granted women the right to vote. It fixed the problem of gender inequality in voting.
The 20th Amendment abolished slavery. It fixed the problem of forced labor in the United States.
The 20th Amendment established the income tax. It fixed the problem of government funding.
Describe the 22nd Amendment and what problem did the amendment fix?
The 22nd Amendment limited the President to two terms. It fixed the problem of Presidents serving more than two terms.
The 22nd Amendment lowered the voting age to 18. It fixed the problem of young people not being able to vote.
The 22nd Amendment abolished slavery. It fixed the problem of forced labor in the United States.
The 22nd Amendment gave women the right to vote. It fixed the problem of gender discrimination in voting.
Describe the 23rd Amendment and what problem did the amendment fix?
The 23rd Amendment gave residents of Washington D.C. the right to vote for President. It fixed the problem of D.C. residents having no representation in presidential elections.
The 23rd Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, fixing the problem of young adults not being able to vote.
The 23rd Amendment abolished poll taxes, fixing the problem of economic barriers to voting.
The 23rd Amendment granted women the right to vote, fixing the problem of gender discrimination in elections.
Describe the 25th Amendment and what problem did the amendment fix?
The 25th Amendment established procedures for presidential succession and disability. It fixed the problem of unclear succession if the President is incapacitated or dies.
The 25th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 and fixed the problem of youth disenfranchisement.
The 25th Amendment abolished poll taxes and fixed the problem of unfair voting practices.
The 25th Amendment established term limits for the President and fixed the problem of unlimited presidential terms.
Presidential power has grown over the years because:
the federal government has taken on more responsibilities.
the Constitution has limited presidential authority.
Congress has become more powerful than the President.
the Supreme Court has restricted executive actions.
Circle the correct answers in the following statements: EXECUTIVE ORDERS are AS/NOT AS powerful as laws. EXECUTIVE ORDERS must SOMETIMES/ALWAYS be constitutional. EXECUTIVE ORDERS DO/DO NOT require the approval of Congress.
SOMETIMES
AS
DO NOT
ALWAYS
NOT AS
In US v Nixon, the Supreme Court ruled on the use of EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE as follows:
Executive privilege is absolute and cannot be challenged.
Executive privilege is limited and subject to judicial review.
Executive privilege applies only to military matters.
Executive privilege was not addressed in the case.
What method does the President use to suggest laws to Congress and the American people?
By delivering the State of the Union address
By issuing executive orders
By signing bills into law
By vetoing legislation
The president checks Congress by:
vetoing bills passed by Congress.
declaring laws unconstitutional.
appointing members of Congress.
overruling Supreme Court decisions.
An example of the Supreme Court CHECKING the power of the President is:
declaring a presidential action unconstitutional
vetoing a bill passed by Congress
appointing Cabinet members
negotiating treaties with foreign countries
The president has the power to appoint certain officials within the federal government. Who confirms this appointment, thus displaying CHECKS AND BALANCES?
The Senate
The House of Representatives
The Supreme Court
The Vice President
According to the Constitution, the authority to officially declare war belongs to:
the President
the Supreme Court
Congress
the Secretary of State
The War Powers Act:
limits the President's ability to send troops into combat without Congressional approval
gives the President unlimited power to declare war
requires the Supreme Court to approve military actions
abolishes the need for Congressional involvement in military decisions
How many Cabinet departments are there? What are the heads of these called? Who is the one exception to this and what department do they lead?
There are 15 Cabinet departments, their heads are called Secretaries, except for the Department of Justice which is led by the Attorney General.
There are 12 Cabinet departments, their heads are called Ministers, except for the Department of Defense which is led by the General.
There are 10 Cabinet departments, their heads are called Directors, except for the Department of State which is led by the Ambassador.
There are 20 Cabinet departments, their heads are called Chiefs, except for the Department of Treasury which is led by the Treasurer.
An executive order is when the President creates a '_______.'
law
treaty
budget
amendment
If Presidential power was a balloon, compared to 1789, the balloon would be much _________?
larger
smaller
emptier
lighter
The President’s main job is to _________ the law.
enforce
write
ignore
break
When a Supreme Court Justice retires or dies the President appoints a replacement while the _______ approves the appointment.
Senate
House of Representatives
Supreme Court
Vice President
Only __________ can declare war.
Congress
The President
The Supreme Court
The States
Congress’ primary function is to ___________ the law.
make
enforce
interpret
ignore
The Supreme Court declared Nixon’s use of executive privilege in the Watergate cover-up was ________________ because illegal activity was being concealed.
unconstitutional
justified
irrelevant
necessary
A ________________ veto occurs when the President ignores a bill and allows it to ‘die.’
line-item
override
regular
Only ________________ can override a Presidential veto.
Congress
Supreme Court
President
Cabinet
The court system is expected to _________________ the law.
interpret
violate
ignore
rewrite
The War Powers Act looks good on paper. However, Congress ____________ uses the War Powers Act to restrict the power of the President.
rarely
always
frequently
never
Some call this an example of ____________ and balances when the Supreme Court declares the actions of the President unconstitutional.
checks
laws
rights
duties
