1.
Who is the head of the executive branch of government?
Correct Answer
B. The President
Explanation
The head of the executive branch of government is the President. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government. They are the highest-ranking official in the executive branch and hold significant decision-making power. The Secretary of State, Vice-President, and Speaker of the House are all important figures in the government, but they do not hold the same level of authority as the President.
2.
What Amendment to the Constitution protects freedom of speech?
Correct Answer
B. Amendment 1
Explanation
Amendment 1 to the Constitution protects freedom of speech. This amendment guarantees the right to express opinions, beliefs, and ideas without government interference or censorship. It is a fundamental right that allows individuals to freely express themselves, participate in public discourse, and hold the government accountable. The First Amendment also protects other important freedoms such as freedom of religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
3.
What are the first 10 Amendments often called?
Correct Answer
D. The Bill of Rights
Explanation
The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution are often referred to as "The Bill of Rights." These amendments outline the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to address concerns about individual liberties and to ensure that the government would not infringe upon these rights.
4.
What three primary branches of federal government did the Constitution create?
Correct Answer
C. Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Explanation
The correct answer is Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Constitution created these three primary branches of federal government to ensure a system of checks and balances. The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the President, is responsible for enforcing laws. The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality.
5.
What right does Amendment 2 protect?
Correct Answer
C. The right to keep and bear arms
Explanation
Amendment 2 of the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. This means that individuals have the right to own and carry firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes. The amendment is often interpreted as guaranteeing the individual's right to own firearms, while also allowing for reasonable regulations to ensure public safety. This right has been a subject of ongoing debate and controversy in the United States.
6.
In what year was the Constitution created?
Correct Answer
C. 1787
Explanation
The Constitution was created in 1787. This is the correct answer because it is the only option that matches the historically accurate year of the Constitution's creation.
7.
How many Amendments have been made to the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. 27
Explanation
There have been 27 Amendments made to the Constitution. These Amendments are changes or additions to the original Constitution that have been made over time. They address various issues such as individual rights, voting rights, and government processes. The Amendments are an important part of the Constitution as they reflect the changing needs and values of the society and ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and adaptable.
8.
According to the Constitution, who is the commander-in-chief of the US Navy?
Correct Answer
B. The President
Explanation
According to the Constitution, the President is the commander-in-chief of the US Navy. This means that the President has the ultimate authority and responsibility over the Navy's operations and decisions. As the commander-in-chief, the President is responsible for making strategic decisions, appointing top military officials, and ensuring the Navy's readiness and effectiveness in protecting the nation's interests.
9.
How long is the term of a member of the House of Representatives?
Correct Answer
B. 2 years
Explanation
The term of a member of the House of Representatives is 2 years. This allows for more frequent elections and turnover in the lower chamber of Congress, ensuring that representatives remain accountable to their constituents and allowing for potential shifts in political power.
10.
Which Article of the Constitution created the Legislative branch?
Correct Answer
A. Article 1
Explanation
Article 1 of the Constitution created the Legislative branch. This article establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the legislative branch, which consists of the Congress. It outlines the composition and qualifications of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as their respective powers and duties. Article 1 also grants Congress the authority to make laws and exercise various other powers, such as regulating commerce, declaring war, and raising and supporting armies. Therefore, Article 1 is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the creation and functioning of the Legislative branch.
11.
Which Amendment abolished slavery?
Correct Answer
A. Amendment 13
Explanation
Amendment 13 abolished slavery. This amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified by the states on December 6, 1865. It states that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This amendment was a significant milestone in the history of the United States, as it officially ended the institution of slavery and granted freedom to millions of enslaved individuals.
12.
Which Amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex”?
Correct Answer
D. Amendment 19
Explanation
Amendment 19 states: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, ensuring that their right to participate in the democratic process would not be denied or limited based on their gender.
13.
What document governed the United States before the Constitution was written?
Correct Answer
C. The Articles of Confederation
Explanation
The Articles of Confederation were the document that governed the United States before the Constitution was written. The Articles established a weak central government and gave most power to the states. However, it had several flaws and limitations, such as the inability to regulate commerce and collect taxes. These shortcomings eventually led to the drafting of the Constitution in order to create a stronger and more effective government.
14.
In what city was the Constitutional Convention held?
Correct Answer
D. pHiladelpHia
Explanation
The correct answer is Philadelphia because the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. This is where the delegates from the thirteen original states gathered to draft the United States Constitution. Philadelphia was chosen as the location because it was a central and easily accessible city for the delegates to travel to. Additionally, Philadelphia had a history of hosting important political events and had the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the convention.
15.
At minimum, how old is the President required to be?
Correct Answer
A. 35 years old
Explanation
The President is required to be at least 35 years old.
16.
Who brokered the “Great Compromise” between James Madison’s and Edmund Randolph’s Virginia Plan and William Patterson’s New Jersey Plan?
Correct Answer
D. Roger Sherman
Explanation
Roger Sherman brokered the "Great Compromise" between James Madison's Virginia Plan and Edmund Randolph's New Jersey Plan. The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the dispute between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Sherman proposed a bicameral legislature, with representation in the House of Representatives based on population and equal representation in the Senate. This compromise satisfied both the large and small states and played a crucial role in the creation of the United States Constitution.
17.
How many “persons” was a slave counted as in the original Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. 3/5
Explanation
In the original Constitution, a slave was counted as three-fifths of a person. This provision, known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, was included in the Constitution to determine the population of each state for the purposes of representation in the House of Representatives and the allocation of taxes. It was a controversial compromise that acknowledged the existence of slavery while also attempting to balance the power between slaveholding and non-slaveholding states.
18.
What Amendment allows Congress to collect income taxes?
Correct Answer
C. Amendment 16
Explanation
Amendment 16 allows Congress to collect income taxes. This amendment was ratified in 1913 and it grants Congress the power to levy and collect taxes on income, without apportionment among the states. This amendment greatly expanded the federal government's ability to generate revenue and fund its operations through income taxes.
19.
Which states were the first and last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution, respectively?
Correct Answer
D. Delaware, Rhode Island
Explanation
Delaware was the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution, while Rhode Island was the last.
20.
When was the last Amendment to the Constitution ratified?
Correct Answer
C. 1992
Explanation
The last Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1992.
21.
According to the National Archives and Records Administration, how many words are in the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. 4,543
Explanation
The correct answer is 4,543. This is the number of words in the Constitution according to the National Archives and Records Administration.
22.
Who actually engrossed the Constitution (wrote out the final form)?
Correct Answer
A. Jacob Shallus
Explanation
Jacob Shallus is the correct answer because he was the person who engrossed the Constitution by writing out the final form.
23.
In the debate leading up to ratification of the Constitution, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton wrote a series of essays supporting the Constitution known as the “Federalist Papers.” What Latin pseudonym did they use to author the Papers?
Correct Answer
C. Publius
Explanation
James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton wrote the series of essays supporting the Constitution known as the "Federalist Papers" under the pseudonym "Publius".
24.
Who was called the “Expounder of the Constitution”?
Correct Answer
B. Daniel Webster
Explanation
Daniel Webster was called the "Expounder of the Constitution" because of his extensive knowledge and interpretation of the United States Constitution. He was a prominent American statesman and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. Webster was known for his eloquent speeches and legal arguments defending the Constitution and its principles. He played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and interpretation of the Constitution during his time, earning him the title of the "Expounder of the Constitution".
25.
Which of these methods of electing the President was not considered by the Constitutional Convention?
Correct Answer
B. By the previous President, with approval from Congress
Explanation
The method of electing the President by the previous President, with approval from Congress was not considered by the Constitutional Convention. The Constitutional Convention, which took place in 1787, was responsible for drafting the United States Constitution. During this convention, various methods of electing the President were discussed and debated. However, the idea of the previous President having a role in the election process, with approval from Congress, was not considered as a viable option.