AP Gov US Constitution Quiz

1. How often are Representatives elected?

Every 2 years.

2. How old must a Representative be?

25 years old.

3. How long is a Senator's term?

6 years.

4. How were Senators originally chosen, and which amendment changed it?

Originally chosen by state legislatures; the 17th Amendment changed this to direct election by the people.

5. How old must someone be to be a Senator?

30 years old.

6. Who is the President of the Senate, and when may that person vote?

The Vice President; the VP votes when there is a tie.

7. Which body impeaches and which body holds the impeachment trial?

The House of Representatives impeaches (brings the charges); the Senate holds the trial.

8. Who presides when a President is tried for impeachment?

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

9. What vote is required to convict someone who has been impeached?

A 2/3 vote of the Senate.

10. What penalties can result from impeachment?

Removal from office and disqualification from holding future office.

11. Who decides the times, places, and manner of congressional elections?

State legislatures.

12. Where must bills concerning taxes originate?

The House of Representatives.

13. What fraction of both houses is required to override a presidential veto?

2/3 of both houses of Congress.

14. What happens if the President does not return a bill within 10 days?

It becomes law unless Congress adjourns.

15. What are some enumerated powers of Congress?

Lay and collect taxes; borrow money; regulate commerce; establish rules for naturalization; establish post offices; declare war; raise and support an army.

16. What clause gives Congress broad, non-specific powers?

The Necessary and Proper Clause, also called the Elastic Clause.

17. What limitations on Congress are listed in Article I, Section 9?

Congress could not end the slave trade before 1808; it generally cannot suspend habeas corpus; it cannot pass bills of attainder; and it cannot pass ex post facto laws.

22. What are some powers of the President?

Commander in Chief; grant pardons; make treaties; appoint ambassadors; nominate judges; fill vacancies during Senate recesses.

23. Who approves treaties, and what vote is required?

The Senate, with a 2/3 vote.

24. Which body of Congress approves presidential nominations?

The Senate.

27. How long do federal/Supreme Court judges serve, and when can they be removed?

They serve for life during good behavior and can be removed through impeachment for impeachable offenses.

31. What is the topic of Article IV?

The relationship between the states.

32. What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause mean?

States must respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

34. What fraction of Congress is needed to propose an amendment?

2/3 of both houses of Congress.

35. What fraction of the states is needed to ratify an amendment?

3/4 of the states.

38. What law is supreme when federal and state laws conflict?

The Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

39. What qualification for holding public office is forbidden?

A religious test cannot be required.

40. How many states had to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?

9 states.

41. What five basic civil liberties are protected by the First Amendment?

Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition (RAPPS).

45. What does the Ninth Amendment mean?

Rights not specifically listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people.

46. What does the Tenth Amendment mean?

Powers not given to the U.S. government are reserved to the states or the people.

51. What phrase appears in both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments?

Due process.

52. Which amendment defined citizenship?

The 14th Amendment.

54. Which amendment prohibited alcohol, and which repealed Prohibition?

The 18th Amendment prohibited alcohol; the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition.

56. Which amendment limits a President to two elected terms?

The 22nd Amendment.

61. Which amendment explains what happens if the President is incapacitated and cannot perform the duties of office?

The 25th Amendment.