1.
What is the preamble to the constitution all about?
Correct Answer
E. Answers A and B ONLY.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Answers A and B ONLY." The preamble to the constitution is a brief introductory statement that explains the purpose and goals of the constitution. It outlines the intentions of the framers and the principles upon which the constitution is based. It does not specify the conditions under which the constitution applies, so option C is incorrect. Option D is also incorrect as it includes option C, which is not part of the correct answer.
2.
Which article says that the first of the branches of the US government shall be the Legislative branch?
Correct Answer
A. Article 1
Explanation
Article 1 of the US Constitution establishes the Legislative branch as the first branch of the government. This article outlines the powers, structure, and responsibilities of the Congress, which is the main body of the Legislative branch. It grants Congress the authority to make laws, levy taxes, and regulate commerce among other important functions. By placing the Legislative branch as the first branch, the Constitution emphasizes the significance of the Congress in the US government system.
3.
How many branches of the US Government are there?
Correct Answer
B. Three
Explanation
There are three branches of the US Government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, which are outlined in the US Constitution.
4.
What is the name of the Legislature of the United States? (name of both branches together)
Correct Answer
C. The Congress
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Congress" because it is the name of the legislative branch of the United States government. The Congress is composed of two separate bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives, which work together to make laws and govern the country. The term "Parliament" refers to the legislative branch in other countries, not the United States.
5.
How many parts of the Legislative branch of the US Government are there?
Correct Answer
A. Two
Explanation
The correct answer is two because the Legislative branch of the US Government is divided into two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. These two parts work together to make laws and represent the interests of the American people. The Senate is composed of two senators from each state, while the House of Representatives is based on the population of each state. Together, they form the bicameral system of the US Congress.
6.
What is the name of the lower house of Congress, which has two-year terms and is elected by the people (voters)?
Correct Answer
D. The House of Representatives
Explanation
The correct answer is The House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is the lower house of Congress in the United States. It is composed of representatives who are elected by the people for two-year terms. The Senate, on the other hand, is the upper house of Congress. The Congress is the term used to refer to both the Senate and the House of Representatives together. The Parliament is not the correct answer as it refers to the legislative body in other countries, not the United States.
7.
What is the minimum age for someone to serve in the House of Representatives?
Correct Answer
A. 25
Explanation
The minimum age for someone to serve in the House of Representatives is 25. This requirement is stated in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 2. The framers of the Constitution set this age limit to ensure that representatives have enough life experience and maturity to effectively serve in Congress. By setting a minimum age requirement, it is believed that individuals will have gained enough knowledge and understanding of the world to make informed decisions and represent the interests of their constituents.
8.
Which article and section describe the House of Representatives (the lower house)?
Correct Answer
A. Article 1, section 2
Explanation
The correct answer is Article 1, section 2. This section of the United States Constitution specifically describes the House of Representatives, which is the lower house of Congress. It outlines the qualifications for representatives, the process of apportionment, and the power of the House to initiate revenue bills. It also states that representatives serve two-year terms and are elected by the people of each state.
9.
The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives and is chosen from amongst all the serving (elected) members of the House of Representatives.
But once you get elected to the House, how would you become Speaker of the House of Representatives?
In other words, how is the Speaker of the House chosen?
Correct Answer
D. He or she is selected by a vote of the members of the House.
Explanation
The Speaker of the House is chosen by a vote of the members of the House of Representatives. This means that once elected to the House, the members themselves vote to select the Speaker. The Speaker is not elected by the people or appointed by the President, nor is the Senate involved in the selection process. The members of the House have the authority to choose their own leader through a vote.
10.
Which article and section define the Senate, the Upper house of Congress, which has 6-year terms and is selected by the voters? (used to be appointed by state legislatures)
Correct Answer
B. Article 1, Section 3
Explanation
The correct answer is Article 1, Section 3. This section of the Constitution defines the Senate, which is the upper house of Congress. It states that Senators serve 6-year terms and are selected by the voters. This is in contrast to the previous method of appointment by state legislatures, which is mentioned in the question.
11.
What is the minimum age to serve as a member of the Senate?
Correct Answer
B. 30
Explanation
The minimum age to serve as a member of the Senate is 30. This requirement is stated in Article I, Section 3 of the United States Constitution. The framers of the Constitution believed that individuals should have a certain level of maturity and experience before being entrusted with the responsibilities of being a senator. By setting the minimum age at 30, they aimed to ensure that senators would have gained enough life experience and knowledge to effectively represent their constituents and make informed decisions.
12.
How many Senators does each state get?
Correct Answer
B. Two
Explanation
The correct answer is Two. In the United States, each state is represented by two Senators in the Senate, regardless of the state's population. This is a result of the Great Compromise, which was reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise aimed to balance the interests of both small and large states by providing equal representation in the Senate, while representation in the House of Representatives is based on each state's population.
13.
Who is the leader of the Senate?
Correct Answer
C. The Vice President of the United States
Explanation
The Vice President of the United States is the leader of the Senate. According to the U.S. Constitution, the Vice President serves as the President of the Senate and has the power to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. While the Speaker of the House is a prominent position in the legislative branch, they do not hold the leadership role in the Senate. Similarly, although the President of the United States has significant influence over legislation, they are not directly responsible for leading the Senate.
14.
When does the leader of the Senate get to vote on bills that go through the Senate?
Correct Answer
A. Only in the case of a tie.
Explanation
The leader of the Senate only gets to vote on bills that go through the Senate in the case of a tie. This means that if there is an equal number of votes for and against a bill, the leader of the Senate can cast the deciding vote. In all other cases, the leader does not have the authority to vote on bills.
15.
How are members of Congress elected?
Correct Answer
B. It depends, each state gets to make its own rules.
16.
When can Congress meet?
Correct Answer
C. Congress can meet anytime, but it must meet once a year and it must have a minimum number of members.
Explanation
Congress can meet anytime, but it must meet once a year and it must have a minimum number of members. This means that there is no set schedule for when Congress has to meet, but it is required to convene at least once every year. Additionally, there must be a minimum number of members present for a meeting to be considered valid. This answer acknowledges the flexibility in Congress's meeting schedule while also highlighting the necessary requirements for a meeting to take place.
17.
Members of Congress can be fined for showing up, but they can never be expelled (kicked out) since they are elected by the people.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Members of Congress can be fined for not showing up to sessions, but they can be expelled (kicked out) for various reasons, such as serious misconduct or criminal behavior. While they are elected by the people, this does not grant them immunity from expulsion if they violate the rules or engage in unethical behavior. Therefore, the statement that members of Congress can never be expelled is false.
18.
When can a house of Congress adjourn (stop meeting)?
Correct Answer
C. When the OTHER HOUSE gives it permission.
Explanation
A house of Congress can adjourn when the other house gives it permission. This means that one house cannot adjourn without the consent of the other house. It highlights the importance of cooperation and communication between the two houses of Congress in order to effectively manage their meetings and sessions.