1.
The power to borrow money on the credit of the United States is a specific enumerated power of the:
Correct Answer
B. Congress
Explanation
Congress has the power to borrow money on the credit of the United States as stated in the U.S. Constitution. This power is specifically enumerated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 2, known as the "borrowing clause." This gives Congress the authority to authorize the borrowing of funds to meet the financial needs of the federal government. The Executive Branch, Federal Reserve System, and First Bank of the United States do not have the explicit power to borrow money on behalf of the United States.
2.
What right does Article 1 of the Constitution say may be suspended only in times of invasion or rebellion?
Correct Answer
C. Habeas Corpus
Explanation
Article 1 of the Constitution states that the right to Habeas Corpus may be suspended only in times of invasion or rebellion. Habeas Corpus is a legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention by ensuring that they have the right to be brought before a court and have the legality of their detention reviewed. Suspending this right in times of invasion or rebellion allows the government to detain individuals without immediately providing them with a legal recourse, in order to address the immediate threat to national security.
3.
Which article of the Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature?
Correct Answer
A. Article I
Explanation
Article I of the Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature. This article, also known as the Legislative Branch, outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the United States Congress. It establishes two separate chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, and defines their composition and roles. The bicameral system ensures checks and balances within the legislative process, allowing for a more thorough examination and consideration of proposed laws.
4.
The only individual right granted under the unamended Constitution (Article 1, Section 8, clause 8) is the right to:
Correct Answer
D. The power to secure for limited times to inventors the exclusive rights to their discoveries.
Explanation
The correct answer is the power to secure for limited times to inventors the exclusive rights to their discoveries. This is supported by Article 1, Section 8, clause 8 of the unamended Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to establish patent and copyright laws to protect the intellectual property of inventors and creators. This provision recognizes the importance of incentivizing innovation and creativity by granting individuals the exclusive rights to their discoveries for a limited period of time.
5.
According to the 10th amendment, who keeps those powers not delegated to the national government?
Correct Answer
C. The States and the People
Explanation
The 10th amendment states that any powers not specifically given to the national government are reserved for the states and the people. This means that if a power is not explicitly granted to the federal government in the Constitution, it is up to the states or the people to exercise that power. This amendment helps to maintain a balance of power between the federal government and the states, ensuring that the national government does not become too powerful and infringe upon the rights of the states and the people.
6.
Which amendment gave 18 year olds the right to vote?
Correct Answer
C. 26th Amendment
Explanation
The 26th Amendment gave 18 year olds the right to vote. This amendment was ratified in 1971 and lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. It was a response to the Vietnam War and the argument that if 18 year olds were old enough to be drafted into the military, they should also have the right to vote. This amendment aimed to ensure equal rights and representation for all citizens, regardless of age.
7.
What is the body that elects the president and the vice president of the United States called?
Correct Answer
B. The Electoral College
Explanation
The body that elects the president and the vice president of the United States is called the Electoral College. This system was established in the Constitution and consists of electors from each state who are responsible for casting their votes for the presidential candidates. The number of electors for each state is based on its representation in Congress. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) becomes the president. This system ensures a balance between the popular vote and the influence of individual states in the election process.
8.
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition are protected by which amendment?
Correct Answer
A. 1st Amendment
Explanation
The correct answer is the 1st Amendment. The 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. This means that individuals have the right to practice any religion they choose, express their opinions freely, publish and disseminate information without government censorship, gather peacefully, and petition the government for redress of grievances. These rights are fundamental to a democratic society and are essential for protecting individual liberties and promoting open and diverse discourse.
9.
What proportion of the states must approve of the amendments to the Constitution for them to be ratified?
Correct Answer
B. 3/4's
Explanation
To ratify amendments to the Constitution, a proportion of 3/4's of the states must approve them. This means that at least 38 out of the 50 states must agree to the proposed amendments in order for them to be ratified and become part of the Constitution.
10.
The Constitution allowed for new states like Kansas to be added to the original 13 states in:
Correct Answer
D. Article IV
Explanation
Article IV of the Constitution allowed for new states like Kansas to be added to the original 13 states. This article, also known as the "Full Faith and Credit Clause," outlines the relationship between the states and ensures that each state must recognize the laws and judicial decisions of other states. It also provides a process for admitting new states into the Union, giving Congress the power to admit new states and establish the terms and conditions of their admission. Therefore, Article IV is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the addition of new states to the original 13.