1.
When was the Constitution written?
Correct Answer
C. 1787
Explanation
The Constitution was written in 1787. This date marks the year when the Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia. During this convention, delegates from the thirteen original colonies gathered to draft the United States Constitution, which would establish the framework for the country's government and outline the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The Constitution was then ratified by the states and went into effect in 1789.
2.
What are the first words of the Constitution?
Correct Answer
D. We the People
Explanation
The correct answer is "We the People" because these are the first words of the Constitution. These words signify that the power and authority of the government come from the people, emphasizing the democratic principles upon which the Constitution is based. The phrase "We the People" establishes the idea that the government exists to serve and represent the citizens of the United States.
3.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. The Bill of Rights
Explanation
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. They guarantee important freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights is an essential part of the Constitution and plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and liberties of the American people.
4.
Which of the following is NOT a right outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
C. Right to bear arms
Explanation
The right to bear arms is not outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. The Preamble mentions the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but it does not specifically mention the right to bear arms. This right is instead protected by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.
5.
Which one of these is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment?
Correct Answer
A. Freedom of the press
Explanation
The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of the press. This means that the government cannot censor or control what the media publishes or broadcasts. It allows journalists and news organizations to report on and criticize the government without fear of retaliation. This right is essential for a functioning democracy as it ensures that citizens have access to diverse and independent sources of information, enabling them to make informed decisions and hold those in power accountable.
6.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Correct Answer
D. 27
Explanation
The Constitution has 27 amendments. Amendments are changes or additions made to the original text of the Constitution. These amendments are made to address various issues and concerns that arise over time and reflect the changing needs and values of society. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution and requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states.
7.
Why does the United States flag have 13 stripes?
Correct Answer
C. They represent the 13 original colonies
Explanation
The United States flag has 13 stripes because they represent the 13 original colonies. When the flag was first designed, each stripe was meant to symbolize the unity and connection between these colonies, which eventually became the first states of the Union. The 13 stripes serve as a reminder of the country's history and the foundation on which it was built.
8.
Which of these was NOT among the original states?
Correct Answer
D. Vermont
Explanation
Vermont was not among the original states.
9.
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Correct Answer
D. Louisiana
Explanation
In 1803, the United States bought the territory of Louisiana from France. This purchase, known as the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the United States and gave them control over the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. The acquisition of this territory was a significant event in American history and played a crucial role in westward expansion and the development of the United States as a global power.
10.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three branches of the government?
Correct Answer
D. Federal
Explanation
The question asks for the branch of government that is not one of the three branches. The three branches of government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. "Federal" is not a branch of government, but rather refers to the system of government in which power is divided between a central government and individual states.
11.
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Correct Answer
C. 435
Explanation
The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. This is determined by the Reapportionment Act of 1929, which set the number of representatives at 435 and established the current method of apportioning seats based on population. Each state is allocated a certain number of representatives based on its population, with larger states having more representatives. This ensures that each state is represented fairly in the House of Representatives.
12.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Correct Answer
C. 6
Explanation
A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of 6 years. This longer term is intended to provide stability and continuity in the legislative branch of government. It also allows senators to focus on long-term policy goals and initiatives without the constant pressure of re-election campaigns. Additionally, the longer term helps to balance out the shorter terms of members of the House of Representatives, creating a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch.
13.
In what month do we vote for President?
Correct Answer
D. November
Explanation
In the United States, the presidential election is held on the first Tuesday in November. This is when citizens cast their votes for the President. Therefore, November is the correct answer for the month in which we vote for President.
14.
If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
Correct Answer
B. The Speaker of the House
Explanation
If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House becomes the President. This is because the Speaker of the House is the next in line of succession according to the United States Presidential Line of Succession.
15.
How many justices are there on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
D. 9
Explanation
There are 9 justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. This is because the number of justices is determined by Congress and currently, there are 9 seats on the Supreme Court. Each justice is appointed for life by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making final decisions on important legal issues.
16.
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States?
Correct Answer
B. John G. Roberts, Jr.
Explanation
John G. Roberts, Jr. is the Chief Justice of the United States because he currently holds the position. He was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2005 and confirmed by the Senate. As Chief Justice, Roberts presides over the Supreme Court and is responsible for managing its administrative tasks, as well as leading the Court in its decision-making process.
17.
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
Correct Answer
D. Fought for women’s rights
Explanation
Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and played a crucial role in advocating for women's right to vote. Anthony dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality and was instrumental in the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. Her tireless efforts and activism have made her an iconic figure in the history of women's rights.
18.
Who was president during World War I?
Correct Answer
D. Woodrow Wilson
Explanation
Woodrow Wilson was the president during World War I. He served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Wilson led the country through the tumultuous time of World War I, making key decisions such as declaring war on Germany and leading the nation's war effort. He also played a significant role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war. Wilson's presidency during this time was marked by his efforts to promote peace and establish the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations.
19.
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. Which of the following is NOT a federal power?
Correct Answer
D. To provide education
Explanation
The federal government has the power to declare war, print money, and declare treaties. However, providing education is not listed as one of the powers belonging to the federal government. This power is typically delegated to the state and local governments.
20.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
B. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. As one of the founding fathers of the United States, Jefferson was chosen by the Continental Congress to draft the document, which outlined the colonies' grievances against British rule and declared their independence. Jefferson's eloquent writing and his belief in individual rights and liberty greatly influenced the final version of the Declaration. His contributions to this important historical document solidify his role as one of the most significant figures in American history.