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WorksheetsCivics Test
Total questions: 105
Worksheet time: 53mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
After 9/11 President Bush urged Congress to declare war on Iraq. This is an example of which presidential power?
a)
Legislative Leader
b)
Chief Diplomat
c)
Head of State
d)
Commander-in-Chief
2.
President Obama was successful in promoting a bill in the legislative branch, the Affordable Healthcare Act or Obamacare, to pass the bill through Congress. This is an example of which presidential power?
a)
Legislative Leader
b)
Head of State
c)
Commander-in-Chief
d)
Chief Diplomat
3.
During the 1996 presidential election, President Clinton accepted the nomination to be a candidate for president for a second term at the Democratic National Convention. There he outlined the goals’ for the Democrats for the next few years. President Clinton was acting in what capacity?
a)
Party Leader
b)
Legislative Leader
c)
Head of State
d)
Chief Diplomat
4.
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
a)
Democratic & Republican
b)
Democratic & Independent
c)
Republican & Independent
d)
Independent & Liberal
5.
When the president throws out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, the president is performing what role?
a)
Head of State
b)
Chief Executive
c)
Executive Branch
d)
Party Leader
6.
The president directs the foreign policy of the United States, making key decisions about the relations the U.S. has with other counties in the world. In this role, the president is acting as _______________?
a)
Legislative Leader
b)
Head of State
c)
Chief Diplomat
d)
Commander-in-Chief
7.
In order to become the President, you must be how many years old?
a)
20
b)
25
c)
30
d)
35
8.
Which of the following best defines Original Jurisdiction?
a)
When the Court of Appeals hears a case
b)
Whenever someone gets pulled over and receives a traffic ticket
c)
When the Supreme Court hears the case after the Court of Appeals
d)
When the District Court hears the case first
9.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
a)
89
b)
100
c)
134
d)
72
10.
Which statement best represents the meaning of the image below?
a)
The District Courts are more important which is why they are the biggest.
b)
The more important the case, the higher up the system it goes.
c)
The Court of Appeals settles disputes between the Supreme Court and the District Courts which is why it's in the middle.
d)
Our judicial system is based upon equal power among the three types of courts.
11.
What is the name of the President of the United States right now?
a)
Donald Trump
b)
Gerald Ford
c)
Bill Clinton
d)
George Bush
12.
State Populations:
Texas: 23,954,871
Florida:12,543,987
Missouri: 5,000,562
South Dakota: 1,328,098
According to the statistics above, which state has the largest number of representatives in the United States House of Representatives?
a)
Missouri
b)
Florida
c)
South Dakota
d)
Texas
13.
What is the highest court in the United States?
a)
The District Courts
b)
The Supreme Court
c)
The Appellate Courts
d)
The County Court
14.
In order for a bill to become law, what happens after both houses of Congress pass it?
a)
The president signs it
b)
The Supreme Court reviews it
c)
The president vetoes it
d)
The Supreme Court interprets it
15.
“It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others….Were the executive magistrate (president), or the judges (Supreme Court), not independent of the legislature (Congress) in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal.” —Federal No. 51 Which constitutional principle is described in the quotation?
a)
Federalism
b)
Due Process
c)
Judicial Review
d)
Separation of Powers
16.
According to the chart above, which party won the Presidential election?
a)
The Democratic Party candidate
b)
The Green Party candidate
c)
The Reform Party candidate
d)
The Republican Party candidate
17.
Who is the current leader of the United States House of Representatives?
a)
Tip O'Neil
b)
Newt Gingrich
c)
Mike Johnson
d)
Kevin McConnel
18.
Who is the leader of the United States Senate?
a)
Vice President of the United States
b)
Speaker of the House
c)
Senate Majority Leader
d)
Senate Minority Leader
19.
When the Vice President is unable to perform their duties as President of the Senate, who then assumes that role?
a)
President of the United States
b)
Speaker of the House
c)
President Pro-Tempore of the Senate
d)
Minority Leader of the Senate
20.
What document describes how the United States Government functions today?
a)
Articles of Confederation
b)
Constitution
c)
Federalist Papers
d)
Declaration of Independence
21.
What was the general problem with the Articles of Confederation which led to a call to replace it?
a)
The federal government had too much power.
b)
It was too easy for the document to be changed.
c)
The federal government was too weak to accomplish much of anything.
d)
The states wanted to stay loyal to the British Monarchy.
22.
What addition did the Anti-Federalists believe was necessary before ratifying (or passing) the Constitution?
a)
A Bill of Rights
b)
A strengthening of the Federal government
c)
A removal of individual rights
d)
To re-establish the British Monarchy in the 13 colonies
23.
How many Electoral College votes are required to win the presidency?
a)
200
b)
250
c)
260
d)
270
24.
Who is the current House Representative in Congress that represents Randolph County, MO?
a)
Roy Blunt
b)
Kamala Harris
c)
Sam Graves
d)
Mike Parson
25.
Which of the following people are a Senator representing the state of MO?
a)
Kamala Harris
b)
Mike Parson
c)
Donald Trump
d)
Josh Hawley
26.
Which of the following correctly identifies the three branches of government?
a)
Federal, State, and Local
b)
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
c)
Legislative, Enforcement, and Judicial
d)
Federal, Executive, Presidential
27.
Federal laws apply to which portions of the United States?
a)
The Midwest
b)
The area encompassing Washington D.C.
c)
The state of Missouri
d)
The entire country
28.
Congress is composed of:
a)
The Supreme Court
b)
House of Representatives and Senate
c)
Parliament and Senate
d)
The President, Vice-President, and Federal Bureaucracy
29.
If the president can no longer serve, who takes over first?
a)
Speaker of the House
b)
First Lady
c)
Vice-President
d)
Congress votes for a new president
30.
How many TOTAL representatives make up the House of Representatives?
a)
100
b)
235
c)
300
d)
435
31.
How long is 1 presidential term?
a)
2 years
b)
4 years
c)
6 years
d)
8 years
32.
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
a)
3
b)
5
c)
7
d)
9
33.
What is the political party of our current president?
a)
Democrat
b)
Republican
c)
Green
d)
Independent
34.
Which of the following is the capital of the United States?
a)
Jefferson City, MO
b)
Philadelphia, PA
c)
New York City, NY
d)
Washington D.C.
35.
Why do some states have more House Representatives than other states?
a)
They have a larger land size
b)
The Constitution gave more representatives to the original 13 colonies
c)
They have a higher population
d)
None, all states have 2 House Representatives
36.
Representation in the Senate is...
a)
4 per state regardless of size
b)
determined by land size
c)
2 per state regardless of the population
d)
determined by the population
37.
Which type of government is defined as "rule by a King or Queen with unlimited power"?
a)
Dictatorship
b)
Absolute Monarchy
c)
Oligarchy
d)
Democracy
38.
Which type of government does the U.S. have?
a)
Democratic Republic/Representative Democracy
b)
Dictatorship/Autocracy
c)
Monarchy
d)
Theocracy
39.
Mason thinks he has a great idea for a law. What is the best action for Mason to take to get the law passed?
a)
Post his opinions on a website
b)
Talk with his best friend about his idea
c)
Write a letter to the editor of the local paper
d)
Contact his representative in Congress about his idea
40.
Some people believe that the Supreme Court has too much power because justices
a)
Accumulate great sums of campaign contributions
b)
Can ignore the outcome of confirmation hearings
c)
Issue decisions in cases brought to them
d)
Serve until they die or choose to retire
41.
Which headline best illustrates an example of checks and balances?
a)
“President to Seek Second Term”
b)
“House Passes Tax Legislation”
c)
“Senate Confirms New Chief Justice”
d)
“Supreme Court Rejects Case”
42.
Who is the current Vice-President of the United States?
a)
Joe Biden
b)
Mike Pence
c)
JD Vance
d)
Donald Trump
43.
The United States was founded on the idea of self-government. Which of the following best describes this term?
a)
A government that restricts the rights of its citizens.
b)
A government led by one authoritarian leader.
c)
A government ran by the people.
d)
A government ran by a family.
44.
Which branch is responsible for making laws?
a)
Legislative
b)
Executive
c)
Judicial
d)
Federal
45.
Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court?
a)
John Roberts
b)
Thurgood Marshall
c)
John Marshall
d)
Earl Warren
46.
What is the purpose of the Presidential Cabinet?
a)
To advise the President and help set policy
b)
To run the Judicial Branch
c)
To maintain national security
d)
To keep all Area 51 secrets hidden
47.
The Great Compromise lead to the creation of what document that governs our country?
a)
The Magna Carta
b)
The Articles of Confederation
c)
The Constitution of the United States
d)
The Emancipation Proclamation
48.
Why did the Federalists believe in having a strong central (or federal) government?
a)
They wanted to make sure the government could fix society's problems unlike the Articles of Confederation.
b)
They wanted to make sure the government had more power than the people to force them into obeying.
c)
They wanted to recreate the Monarchy in Great Britain
d)
They did not want a strong central government.
49.
Article 1 of the Constitution allows Congress to keep and maintain an Army and Navy. This is an example of what power granted by the Constitution?
a)
Expressed
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Concurrent
50.
States having the authority over issuing drivers licenses is an example of what type of power granted by the Constitution?
a)
Expressed
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Concurrent
51.
The power to collect and levy taxes by the federal and state government is considered what type of power?
a)
Expressed
b)
Implied
c)
Reserved
d)
Concurrent
52.
Powers not specifically given to the government, but are implied is come from which clause in the Constitution?
a)
Necessary and Proper Clause
b)
Denied Clause
c)
Concurrent Clause
d)
None of the Above
53.
Which of the following is a NOT power given to our Federal Government?
a)
Coin money
b)
Declare war
c)
Manage local schools
d)
Establish international trade laws
54.
If there is a conflict between a state law and a federal law, which law takes priority?
a)
Federal Law
b)
State Law
55.
Nearly all federal court cases start at which court?
a)
U.S. District Court
b)
U.S. Court of Appeals
c)
U.S. Supreme Court
d)
Missouri Supreme Court
56.
If the Supreme Court wants to hear your case they will issue a __________________ .
a)
Writ of Certiorari
b)
Writ of Mandamus
c)
Writ of Denial
d)
Writ of Opinion
57.
During the early 1900's women were pushing to extend voting rights for themselves. Another term for voting is___________?
a)
Suffering
b)
Suffrage
c)
Denial
d)
Acceptance
58.
In order to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, one has to be at least how old?
a)
20
b)
25
c)
30
d)
35
59.
In order to run for a seat in the United States Senate, one has to be at least how old?
a)
20
b)
25
c)
30
d)
35
60.
In order to run for a seat in either the House of Representatives or Senate, you must be a resident of the state in which you are wanting to represent.
a)
True
b)
False
61.
To become a Supreme Court Justice, one must be ___________ by the President and ____________ by the Senate
a)
Appointed and Confirmed
b)
Confirmed and Appointed
c)
Appointed and Denied
d)
Denied and Appointed
62.
A dictatorship and monarchy are ruled by the people.
a)
True
b)
False
63.
A representative democracy and democratic republic are ruled by the people.
a)
True
b)
False
64.
The Supreme Court can hear cases on either appellate or original jurisdiction.
a)
True
b)
False
65.
What type of jurisdiction does the Court of Appeals have?
a)
Original
b)
Appellate
c)
Exclusive
d)
None of the Above
66.
The original 13 colonies were under the rule of what country before declaring independence?
a)
Europe
b)
Great Britain
c)
Canada
d)
United States
67.
Which of the following laws can neither the state nor federal legislatures pass? (CANNOT PASS)
a)
A law establishing citizens can marry whomever they choose
b)
A law establishing citizens can no longer speak their opinion on the current president.
c)
A law allowing citizens to own firearms
d)
A law requiring citizens to pay taxes
68.
Which option best defines "interpreting a law"?
a)
carrying out a law
b)
defining the meaning and how the law applies
c)
writing and passing a law
d)
eliminating unnecessary laws
69.
The Federalists support the passage of the Constitution, because they believed _____________________ would limit the power of the government.
a)
judicial review
b)
a president
c)
a monarchy
d)
checks and balances
70.
Which branch of the government is responsible for interpreting the meaning of laws?
a)
Legislative Branch
b)
Judicial Branch
c)
Executive Branch
d)
Taxation Branch
71.
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
a)
Formed an alliance with South America
b)
Announced our independence from Great Britain
c)
Announced our independence from Germany
d)
Freed the slaves
72.
Which answer below is an example of “federalism”?
a)
Canada’s government has powers that are divided between ten state governments and the federal parliament.
b)
Cuba is governed by a single power in which the central government.
c)
In the United Kingdom, supreme political power is held by the Parliament.
d)
North Korea has a strong central government that maintains strict control over its citizens.
73.
The 15th and 19th amendment expanded suffrage (voting rights) to all males and females. This helped emphasize which principle of the Constitution?
a)
Limited Government
b)
Separation of Powers
c)
Popular Sovereignty
d)
Judicial Review
74.
The Supreme Court determines a law passed by Congress or an action of the President unconstitutional. This is an example of which principle of the Constitution?
a)
Dictatorship
b)
Popular Sovereignty
c)
Limited Government
d)
Judicial Review
75.
Each branch of the government has specific jobs that it must perform. Which principle of the Constitution does this fall under?
a)
Limited Government
b)
Popular Sovereignty
c)
Judicial Review
d)
Separation of Powers
76.
The Senate confirms a federal judge appointed by the President. Which principle of the Constitution does this fall under?
a)
Checks and Balances
b)
Limited Government
c)
Popular Sovereignty
d)
Judicial Review
77.
The national government controls the U.S. currency and state governments get to issue driver's licenses. This is an example of:
a)
Separation of Powers
b)
Checks and Balances
c)
Federalism
d)
Limited Government
78.
Marbury v. Madison was pivotal in the balancing of power among the three branches because it gave more power to which branch of government?
a)
Legislative
b)
Executive
c)
Judicial
d)
President
79.
President Biden wants to sign a peace treaty with North Korea to allow trade in the future. It is required that the Senate approves the treaty after he writes it. This is an example of which principle?
a)
Checks and Balances
b)
Judicial Review
c)
Popular Sovereignty
d)
Elastic Clause
80.
The writers of the Constitution could not predict the future, so they made sure that the Constitution could change with current issues. What clause, in the Constitution, allows the President and Congress to stretch or adapt the Constitution with current issues?
a)
Concurrent Clause
b)
Elastic Clause
c)
Inherent Clause
d)
Expressed Clause
81.
"Congress shall make no law" denying individual freedoms of the 1st Amendment such as taking away the freedom of religion. Which constitutional principle does this represent?
a)
Limited Government
b)
Federalism
c)
Popular Sovereignty
d)
Checks and Balances
82.
Due to the failure of the Articles of Confederation, the Founding Fathers at the Constitutional Convention sought to address these weaknesses by:
a)
Adopting a national currency
b)
Ending slavery in the northern states
c)
Establishing a unicameral legislature was based upon equality for every state
d)
Creating a system of separation of powers to create three branches of government, giving more power to the federal government
83.
The Magna Carta addressed the many complaints that the English barons had with the king. Before this time, the king was thought to hold absolute power; however, the Magna Carta puts restraints on royal power and lists the rights of the barons and of all free men. Which Constitutional principle does the Magna Carta represent?
a)
Federalism
b)
Judicial Review
c)
Separation of Powers
d)
Limited Government
84.
Which statement below about the Mayflower Compact is true?
a)
It created the first self-government in what would become the US.
b)
It gave the right to vote to men and women over the age of 18.
c)
It outlawed slavery in the New World.
d)
It established a working relationship with the Native Americans.
85.
Which of the following parts of the Virginia Plan was kept after the Great Compromise?
a)
All representation in Congress being equal for each state
b)
A bicameral legislature
c)
All representation in Congress being based on population
d)
A unicameral legislature
86.
Which part of the Great Compromise benefits states with smaller populations?
a)
Each state has two representatives in the Senate
b)
The Senate ratifies all treaties with foreign nations
c)
All bills for spending money must originate in the House of Representatives
d)
A state’s population determines how many members it has in the House of Representatives
87.
How are Electoral College votes distributed to each state?
a)
Electoral votes are distributed based on the physical size of each state.
b)
Electoral votes are distributed by state wealth.
c)
Electoral votes are distributed based on the number of House Representatives and Senators within each state.
d)
Electoral votes were given to states by the Virginia Plan.
88.
What was the purpose of the Founding Fathers creating the Electoral College?
a)
To select the Congressmen of the United States
b)
They believed that the American people needed help in making a decision on who should become the President
c)
They believed that the popular vote might be invalid due to voter fraud
d)
Women and black people were not allowed to vote at all
89.
Committees are very important in the lawmaking process. Which of the following agrees with this statement?
a)
Vote to have members arrested
b)
Exercise judicial review on the President
c)
They can amend or change a bill to allow it to be passed by both houses of Congress
d)
They can use judicial review to see if a bill follows the Constitution or not
90.
The Air Force needs money for a new Stealth Bomber (plane) so they ask Congress for the funds. Which chamber of Congress would this appropriation bill start?
a)
House of Representatives
b)
Senate
c)
Supreme Court
d)
President
91.
The President of the United States has committed a crime and Congress wants him impeached. Which answer best describes the impeachment process?
a)
The Supreme Court brings him to trial and determines guilt or innocence.
b)
The Senate starts and finishes the process
c)
The House begins the process and the Senate acts as the jury to determine guilt or innocence.
d)
None of the above
92.
How long is the term of a member of the House of Representatives?
a)
2 years
b)
4 years
c)
6 years
d)
8 years
93.
How old do citizens have to be to vote for the President?
a)
16
b)
21
c)
18
d)
23
94.
Why do we require multiple elected representatives in our Government to be from or live in the U.S. for many years before they enter a political office?
a)
To keep the same laws we have had from the beginning and never change them.
b)
So they are aware of the country's history and how our government functions.
c)
No representatives have to be born in or be residents of the U.S. before running for office.
d)
None of the above.
95.
How long is the term of a member of the Senate?
a)
2 years
b)
4 years
c)
6 years
d)
8 years
96.
Which of the following is a special power of the Senate?
a)
Determine if a law is Constitutional or not.
b)
Approve presidential appointments
c)
Pick a person to fill a vacant seat of a member of the House of Representatives.
d)
Determine Appropriations Bills
97.
How can Congress check a Presidential veto?
a)
By allowing only the Senate to pass a revised version of the bill
b)
2/3rds override vote in both chambers of Congress
c)
Both chambers must agree on a revised version of the bill
d)
With a filibuster
98.
Individual Senators have more power to block the passage of legislation (laws) through what power?
a)
Veto
b)
Earmarking
c)
Filibuster
d)
Pork Barrel
99.
Where do appropriation bills begin?
a)
House of Representatives
b)
Senate
c)
President's desk
d)
Supreme Court
100.
President Trump selected three Supreme Court Judge nominees during his presidency. What role is he acting as by doing this?
a)
He is using his power as Chief Diplomat
b)
He is using his power as Head of State
c)
He is using his power as Chief Executive
d)
He is using his power as Legislative Leader
101.
Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the laws of the United States?
a)
Judicial Branch
b)
Legislative Branch
c)
Federal Branch
d)
Executive Branch
102.
Who has the power to veto bills passed by Congress?
a)
The Senate Majority Leader
b)
The Speaker of the House
c)
The President
d)
The Chief Justice
103.
What is the main responsibility of the Executive Branch?
a)
To make laws
b)
To interpret laws
c)
To enforce laws
d)
To amend the Constitution
104.
Who has the power to veto bills passed by Congress?
a)
The Speaker of the House
b)
The Vice President
c)
The President
d)
The Supreme Court
105.
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?
a)
Tenth Amendment
b)
Fifth Amendment
c)
First Amendment
d)
Nineteenth Amendment
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