U.S history MCQ

What were the weaknesses and what event ultimately showed the major flaws of the Articles of Confederation?

Weakness → GOV can’t tax/enforce laws, no judicial branch, each state had own currency

What were the main compromises made while writing the Constitution?

electoral college, Great Compromise

Republicanism

Citizens choose their representatives and leaders VIA elections

Federalism

 Power is divided between central and state GOV.

Separation of powers

Power is divided among 3 branches, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial

Checks and balances

Different GOV. branches limit or influence each other to prevent one branch from having too much power

Who “ordains” the Constitution? What does this mean?

We the People

Meaning → people have power

Legislative role

make laws

What are the two houses of Congress called?

Two Houses → Senate and House of REP.

How many representatives are there in the House of Representatives?

# of representatives → 435 + 5 nonvoting

In what US Congressional District is the school in and who is our representative?

Our district → 10th Congressional district, Brad Schneider

What are the qualifications for being a representative?

Qualifications → 25+, US citizen 7+ yrs, live in state you represent

How long is a representative’s term in office?

Term length → 2yrs

What is the title of the leader of the House of Representatives? What is the current speakers name?

Speaker of house → Mike Johnson

How many senators are there in the US Senate?

Senators → 100

Who are the senators from Illinois?

IL senators → Tammy Duckworth, Dick Durbin

What are the qualifications for being a senator?

Qualifications → 30+, US citizen for 9+ yrs, resident of state

Who is the leader of the Senate? Who steps in as the leader when that person is absent? What are the names of each of the people who currently hold those positions?

Leader of senate → JD Vance

Leader when JD is absent → Chuck Grassley

how long is a senator’s term in office?

Term length → 6yrs

How does a bill become a law? Be familiar with the key steps in the process.

Bill to law → introduced to house, pass through committees, debated by chambers, signed into law by PRES. or by congress

What are expressed powers? What are implied powers/What is the Elastic Clause?

Expressed powers → powers explicitly written/listed in the Constitution

Implied powers → powers not explicitly written into Constitution but assumed

 Elastic clause → Congress power to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out other powers. Need to function as a GOV.

Denied powers → Constitution prohibits GOV. from doing

Reserved powers → powers not granted to the GOV. but retained by the states/people

Chief justice

 John Roberts

What is judicial review? How does it work?

Judicial review → power of court to review laws, policies, and GOV. actions

What two positions make up the executive branch? What are the specific names of the people who currently hold those positions?

EXEC. branch 2 positions → President and VP; Trump, JD Vance

What is the role of the executive branch?

Executive branch → enforce and carry out laws

How do Federal judges get their jobs?

Federal judges → appointed by President and Senate