1.
Who has the power to declare war?
Correct Answer
D. Congress
Explanation
Congress has the power to declare war because according to the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to make decisions regarding war. This is outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to declare war, raise and support armies, and provide for the common defense. The President, while being the Commander in Chief of the military, does not have the sole authority to declare war. The Senate, although part of Congress, does not have the exclusive power to declare war either. Therefore, the correct answer is Congress.
2.
Who has the power to print and coin money?
Correct Answer
A. Congress
Explanation
Congress has the power to print and coin money. This power is granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. This authority allows Congress to regulate the nation's currency and control the monetary system. The House of Representatives and the Senate are both part of Congress, but the President does not have the power to print and coin money.
3.
Who is the commander in chief of the U.S. military forces?
Correct Answer
B. The President
Explanation
The President is the commander in chief of the U.S. military forces. As the head of the executive branch of the government, the President has the authority and responsibility to make key decisions regarding the military, including the deployment of troops and the use of military force. This role is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which designates the President as the commander in chief. The President's position as commander in chief ensures civilian control over the military and allows for effective coordination and execution of military operations.
4.
What is the length of a term of office for members of the United States Senate?
Correct Answer
C. Six Years
Explanation
Members of the United States Senate serve a term of office for six years. This longer term is designed to provide stability and continuity in the legislative branch of government. It allows senators to have a longer period of time to work on important issues, build relationships, and gain expertise in their respective fields. The longer terms also help to balance out the shorter terms of the members of the House of Representatives, creating a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch.
5.
What is the length of a term of office for members of the U.S. House of Representatives?
Correct Answer
A. Two Years
Explanation
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve a term of office that lasts for two years. This means that representatives are elected by their constituents every two years to serve in the House. This shorter term length is intended to ensure that representatives remain accountable to their constituents and that the House can more quickly respond to the changing needs and concerns of the American people.
6.
What is the length of a term of office for the president of the United States?
Correct Answer
B. Four Years
Explanation
The correct answer is four years because according to the United States Constitution, the term of office for the president of the United States is four years. This allows for a reasonable amount of time for the president to implement their policies and initiatives, while also allowing for regular elections to ensure accountability and the possibility of change in leadership.
7.
How old must one be to hold the office of president of the United States?
Correct Answer
B. 35 years old
Explanation
To hold the office of president of the United States, one must be at least 35 years old. This age requirement is stated in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 1. The framers of the Constitution believed that individuals who are at least 35 years old would have gained enough life experience and maturity to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the presidency. This requirement ensures that the president has a certain level of wisdom and judgment necessary to lead the country.
8.
How many justices on the Supreme Court are there?
Correct Answer
D. 9
Explanation
There are nine justices on the Supreme Court. This number is set by law and has remained constant since 1869. The nine justices serve lifetime appointments and are responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making decisions that impact the entire country. The number nine allows for a diverse range of perspectives and helps to ensure a balanced and fair decision-making process.
9.
What is the length of the term of office for justices of the U. S. Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
D. Lifetime
Explanation
Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court serve for a lifetime. This means that once appointed to the Supreme Court, they hold their position until they retire, resign, or pass away. Unlike other government positions with set term limits, Supreme Court justices have the opportunity to serve on the court for the remainder of their lives, allowing for consistency and stability in the interpretation of the law. This lifetime appointment is intended to insulate justices from political pressures and ensure their independence in making decisions.
10.
Who has the power to settle disputes between different states?
Correct Answer
C. The Federal Courts
Explanation
The Federal Courts have the power to settle disputes between different states. This is because the Constitution grants federal courts jurisdiction over cases that involve disputes between states. The federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have the authority to interpret and apply the law in these cases, ensuring that disputes between states are resolved fairly and impartially. The Senate, the President, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court do not have the specific power to settle disputes between different states.
11.
Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)?
Correct Answer
A. House of Representatives
Explanation
The House of Representatives has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law) because the Constitution grants them the authority to initiate all bills for raising revenue. This power is given to the House of Representatives as a way to ensure that the people, who are directly elected to represent their interests, have the primary role in shaping tax policies and decisions that affect the nation's finances. The Senate, State Legislatures, and the Supreme Court do not have the same power to propose tax laws.
12.
Who must approve judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions?
Correct Answer
D. Senate
Explanation
The Senate must approve judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions. This is a part of the checks and balances system in the United States government, where the Senate acts as a legislative body that reviews and confirms presidential appointments. The Senate's approval ensures that the president's appointments are subject to scrutiny and oversight by a separate branch of government, promoting accountability and preventing any potential abuses of power.
13.
Who has the power to veto laws?
Correct Answer
A. The President
Explanation
The President has the power to veto laws. This means that if the President disagrees with a bill passed by Congress, they can refuse to sign it into law. This is an important power because it allows the President to prevent legislation that they believe is not in the best interest of the country. However, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
14.
How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
Correct Answer
D. 27
Explanation
The correct answer is 27 because the Constitution has been amended 27 times. Amendments are changes or additions made to the original text of the Constitution in order to adapt it to the changing needs and values of society. These amendments are ratified by the states and become a part of the Constitution. The most well-known amendments include the Bill of Rights, which guarantees individual freedoms, and the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
15.
How many members of Congress are there?
Correct Answer
D. 535
Explanation
There are 535 members of Congress. This includes 100 members in the Senate and 435 members in the House of Representatives. The Senate has two members from each state, totaling 100, while the House of Representatives has a varying number of members from each state based on population, totaling 435. Therefore, the total number of members in Congress is 535.
16.
What is the “supreme law of the land”?
Correct Answer
B. The Constitution
Explanation
The "supreme law of the land" refers to the highest legal authority in the United States, which is the Constitution. It is the foundation of the country's legal system and sets out the basic principles and framework for the government. The Constitution outlines the powers and limitations of the federal government, establishes the rights and freedoms of individuals, and provides a system of checks and balances. It is considered the ultimate authority and all other laws must comply with its provisions.
17.
Who has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the United States, such as members of the cabinet?
Correct Answer
D. The President
Explanation
The President has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the United States, such as members of the cabinet. This power is granted to the President by the Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 2, which states that the President "shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States." This means that while the President has the power to nominate these officers, their appointments still require the approval of the Senate.
18.
How old must a person be to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives?
Correct Answer
B. 25
Explanation
A person must be 25 years old to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This age requirement ensures that individuals have enough life experience and maturity to effectively represent their constituents and make important decisions on behalf of the country. It also serves as a barrier to prevent younger individuals from holding such a significant position of power and responsibility.
19.
What fraction of states must ratify an amendment to the Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. 3/4
Explanation
To amend the Constitution, a fraction of states must ratify the amendment. The correct answer is 3/4. This means that at least three-fourths of the states must agree and approve the amendment in order for it to be added to the Constitution. This requirement ensures that any proposed amendments have broad support and consensus among the states before they can become part of the Constitution.
20.
How many branches does the American government have?
Correct Answer
A. 3
Explanation
The American government has three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities, ensuring a system of checks and balances. The executive branch is headed by the president, the legislative branch is composed of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives), and the judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. This division of power helps prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures that decisions are made collectively.
21.
Which amendment guarantees women's sufferage?
Correct Answer
B. 19th Amendment
Explanation
The 19th Amendment guarantees women's suffrage. This amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in the United States. It was a significant milestone in the women's rights movement and a major step towards gender equality in the country.
22.
What description best fits the meaning of the phrase "Checks and Balances"?
Correct Answer
D. Each branch of government can stop or restrain the other branches of government.
Explanation
"Checks and Balances" refers to a system where each branch of government has the power to limit or control the actions of the other branches. This ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and prevents any abuse of power. It allows for a system of mutual accountability and prevents any one branch from becoming dominant. This system promotes a balance of power and protects against tyranny or corruption within the government.