Purdue Civics Literacy Test

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution

What does the Constitution do?

Sets up the government; defines the government; protects basic rights of Americans

The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

We the People

What is an amendment?

A change (to the Constitution); an addition (to the Constitution)

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights

What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

27

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Announced our independence (from Great Britain); declared our independence (from Great Britain)

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Life and liberty; the pursuit of happiness

What is freedom of religion?

You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion

What is the economic system in the United States?

Capitalist economy; market economy

What is the rule of law?

Everyone must follow the law; leaders must obey the law; government must obey the law; no one is above the law

Name one branch or part of the government.

Congress, president, the courts

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances; separation of powers

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President

Who makes federal laws?

Congress; Senate and House of Representatives; legislature

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

The Senate and House of Representatives

How many U.S. Senators are there?

100

We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

6

Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?

Answers vary (Indiana: Todd Young and Jim Banks)

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

435

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

2

Name your U.S. Representative.

Answers vary by district

Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

All people of the state

Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Because of the state's population; because they have more people

We elect a President for how many years?

4

In what month do we vote for President?

November

What is the name of the President of the United States now?

Answers vary (search if unsure)

What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

Answers vary (search if unsure)

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Vice President

If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Speaker of the House

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President

Who signs bills to become laws?

The President

Who vetoes bills?

The President

What does the President's Cabinet do?

Advises the President

What are two Cabinet-level positions?

Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense (or others like Attorney General, Secretary of Treasury)

What does the judicial branch do?

Reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes; decides if a law goes against the Constitution

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

Nine

Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

John Roberts

Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?

To print money; to declare war; to create an army; to make treaties

Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?

Provide schooling and education; provide protection (police); provide safety (fire departments); give a driver's license; approve zoning and land use

Who is the Governor of your state now?

Indiana: Mike Braun

What is the capital of your state?

Indiana: Indianapolis

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

Democratic and Republican

What is the political party of the President now?

Answers vary (search if unsure)

What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

Answers vary (search if unsure)

There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

Citizens 18 and older can vote; you don't have to pay a poll tax to vote; any citizen can vote (women and men); a male citizen of any race can vote

What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

Vote in a federal election; run for federal office

Name one right only for United States citizens.

Vote in a federal election; run for federal office

What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

Freedom of expression; freedom of speech; freedom of assembly; freedom to petition the government; freedom of religion; the right to bear arms

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The United States; the flag

What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

Give up loyalty to other countries; defend the Constitution and laws of the United States; obey the laws of the United States; serve in the U.S. military (if needed); serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed); be loyal to the United States

How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

18 and older

What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Vote; join a political party; help with a campaign; join a civic group; join a community group; give an elected official your opinion on an issue; call Senators and Representatives; publicly support or oppose an issue or policy; run for office; write to a newspaper

When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?

April 15

When must all men register for the Selective Service?

At age 18, between ages 18 and 26

What is one reason colonists came to America?

Freedom; political liberty; religious freedom; economic opportunity; escape persecution

Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

American Indians; Native Americans

What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

Africans; people from Africa

Why did the colonists fight the British?

Because of high taxes (taxation without representation); because the British army