Trivia: Basics Of The U.S. Constitution! Quiz

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    The first ten amendments of the Constitution are called

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About This Quiz

Explore the foundational aspects of the U. S. Constitution in this engaging trivia quiz! Learn about its ratification, the roles of different government branches, and the checks and balances system, enhancing your understanding of American governance.

Trivia: Basics Of The U.S. Constitution! Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    In order to be a Senator, one must be at least __________ years old. 

    Explanation
    To be a Senator, an individual must be at least 30 years old. This requirement ensures that candidates have reached a certain level of maturity and experience before taking on the responsibilities of a Senator. The word "thirty" is simply another way of expressing the numerical value of 30.

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  • 3. 

    The people who OPPOSED the ratification of the Constitution were called? (Federalists or Antifederalists)

    Explanation
    The people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution were called Antifederalists. The Antifederalists were a group of individuals who were against the idea of a strong central government and believed that the Constitution did not provide enough protection for individual liberties. They were concerned that the Constitution would lead to a concentration of power and potentially undermine the rights of the states. The Antifederalists played a significant role in the push for the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution to address their concerns about individual freedoms.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following amendments to the Constitution was NOT part of the Bill of Rights?

    • Freedom of speech, press, and religion.

    • Trial by jury.

    • Protection against illegal search.

    • The right to bear arms.

    • Direct election of senators.

    Correct Answer
    A. Direct election of senators.
    Explanation
    The direct election of senators was not part of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which were added to protect individual rights and liberties. Direct election of senators, on the other hand, was established by the 17th Amendment in 1913, which allowed for the direct election of senators by the people, rather than by state legislatures.

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  • 5. 

    What is the role of the Judicial branch?

    • To interpret the Constitution and apply it to cases.

    • To appoint the Congressmen/women and Senators.

    • To carry out laws.

    • To declare war.

    • To make laws.

    Correct Answer
    A. To interpret the Constitution and apply it to cases.
    Explanation
    The role of the Judicial branch is to interpret the Constitution and apply it to cases. This means that they have the responsibility to interpret the laws and determine if they are constitutional. They also have the power to make decisions on legal disputes and ensure that the laws are being enforced correctly. This helps to maintain the balance of power and ensure that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are upheld.

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  • 6. 

    The U.S. Constitution was a direct result of what war?

    • The Civil War

    • The American Revolution

    • The Spanish-American War

    • World War I

    • The French & Indian War

    Correct Answer
    A. The American Revolution
    Explanation
    The U.S. Constitution was written after the American Revolution ended.

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  • 7. 

    There are __________ amendments (including the Bill of Rights).

    • 21

    • 17

    • 29

    • 32

    • 27

    Correct Answer
    A. 27
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 27. There are a total of 27 amendments to the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added over time to address various issues and expand upon the rights and protections outlined in the original Constitution. Each amendment serves to modify or clarify certain aspects of the Constitution, ensuring that it remains relevant and adaptable to the changing needs of society.

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  • 8. 

    What is the role of Congress?

    • To interpret the Constitution and apply it to cases.

    • To appoint the president.

    • To carry out laws.

    • To appoint the Supreme Court justices.

    • To make laws.

    Correct Answer
    A. To make laws.
    Explanation
    The role of Congress is to make laws. This is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the legislative branch of the United States government. Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing legislation that governs the country. This includes creating new laws, amending existing laws, and repealing outdated laws. Congress plays a crucial role in shaping the legal framework and policies of the nation.

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  • 9. 

    According to the Constitution, the president is chosen by?

    • Both Houses of Congress.

    • The Senate.

    • The House of Representatives.

    • The electoral college.

    • Popular vote of the people.

    Correct Answer
    A. The electoral college.
    Explanation
    The Constitution states that the president is chosen by the electoral college. This means that when citizens vote for the president, they are actually voting for a group of electors who will then cast their votes for the president. The number of electors each state has is determined by the number of representatives and senators it has in Congress. This system was put in place to balance the power between the people and the government, allowing for a more indirect and representative method of selecting the president.

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  • 10. 

    What is the role of the president?

    • To interpret the Constitution and apply it to cases.

    • To appoint the Congressmen/women and Senators.

    • To carry out laws.

    • To declare war.

    • To make laws.

    Correct Answer
    A. To carry out laws.
    Explanation
    The president, who is part of the EXECUTIVE branch, has to the role of EXECUTING laws.

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  • 11. 

    When was the Constitution ratified?

    • June 21st, 1788

    • July 4th, 1776

    • June 6th, 1763

    • October 14th, 1812

    • July 21st, 1798

    Correct Answer
    A. June 21st, 1788
    Explanation
    The Constitution was ratified on June 21st, 1788. This date marks the official acceptance and approval of the United States Constitution by the required number of states. Ratification is an important step in the process of adopting a constitution, as it signifies the agreement and consent of the people and states to be governed by its principles and laws.

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  • 12. 

    What series of essays were written to support the adoption of the Constitution?

    • Common Sense

    • The Articles of Confederation

    • The Declaration of Independence

    • The Federalist Papers

    • The Necessary and Proper Clause

    Correct Answer
    A. The Federalist Papers
    Explanation
    The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support the adoption of the Constitution. These essays were published in newspapers between 1787 and 1788 and argued for the ratification of the Constitution by explaining its principles and addressing concerns raised by opponents. The Federalist Papers played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the ratification process, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Constitution.

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  • 13. 

    Who was technically the main author of the Constitution?

    • Thomas Jefferson

    • George Washington

    • James Madison

    • John Hancock

    • Patrick Henry

    Correct Answer
    A. James Madison
    Explanation
    James Madison is considered the main author of the Constitution because he played a crucial role in drafting and shaping the document. He was one of the key contributors during the Constitutional Convention, where he proposed the Virginia Plan, which formed the basis of the Constitution. Madison also authored many of the Federalist Papers, which were instrumental in promoting the ratification of the Constitution. His extensive knowledge of government and his dedication to creating a strong and balanced system of government make him the most fitting choice as the main author of the Constitution.

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  • 14. 

    A major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that they?

    • Did not include a mechanism for their own amendment.

    • Created a too-powerful chief executive.

    • Required the ratification of only a simple majority of states.

    • Made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties.

    • Denied the federal government the power to mediate disputes between states.

    Correct Answer
    A. Made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties.
    Explanation
    The major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that they made it too difficult for the government to raise money through taxes and duties. This hindered the government's ability to fund its operations and fulfill its responsibilities. Without a reliable source of revenue, the government struggled to maintain a stable economy, pay off debts, and provide for the common defense. This weakness ultimately led to the adoption of the Constitution, which granted the federal government greater powers to collect taxes and regulate commerce.

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  • 15. 

    Why are there checks and balances? 

    • So other countries cannot come in and seize control of the government.

    • So state governments can have more power than federal governments.

    • So not just one branch of government gets too much power.

    • So powers stay balanced and divided equally.

    • So the king of England will be pleased.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. So not just one branch of government gets too much power.
    A. So powers stay balanced and divided equally.
    Explanation
    Checks and balances are put in place to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This ensures that power is distributed equally among the different branches, preventing any potential abuse of power. It also helps maintain a balance between the federal and state governments, ensuring that neither has excessive control over the other. The statement about other countries seizing control of the government is not a reason for checks and balances, and the mention of the king of England being pleased is irrelevant.

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  • 16. 

    How many states are needed to ratify an amendment? 

    • 3/5

    • 3/4

    • 2/3

    • 1/2

    • All

    Correct Answer
    A. 3/4
    Explanation
    To ratify an amendment, 3/4 of the states are needed. This means that at least 38 out of the 50 states must approve the amendment for it to be ratified and become part of the Constitution. The requirement of a supermajority ensures that amendments are not easily passed and reflects the importance of widespread support and consensus among the states.

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  • Mar 19, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 23, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Usconstitutiongu
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