Civics 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.

What are the first three words of the Constitution that represent self-government?

We the People.

What is an amendment?

A change (to the Constitution) or 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?

Twenty-seven (27).

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Announced our independence (from Great Britain), declared our independence (from Great Britain), said that the United States is free (from Great Britain).

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, Liberty, 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, legislative, President, executive, the courts, judicial.

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.

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

The Senate and House (of Representatives).

How many U.S. Senators are there?

One hundred (100).

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

Six (6).

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

Answers will vary.

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

Four hundred thirty-five (435).

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

Two (2).

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.

We elect a President for how many years?

Four (4).

In what month do we vote for President?

November.

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

Donald Trump.

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

JD Vance.

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 Agriculture, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, etc.

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?

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices.

What is one power of the federal government?

To print money, to declare war, to create an army, to make treaties.

What is one power of the states?

Provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), give a driver’s license.

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

Democratic and Republican.

What is the political party of the President now?

Republican.

What is the name of the national anthem?

The Star-Spangled Banner.

When do we celebrate Independence Day?

July 4.

What is the capital of your state?

Answers will vary.

Who was the first President?

George Washington.

What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?

Fought for civil rights, worked for equality for all Americans.

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Freed the slaves in the Confederate states.

What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

The Louisiana Territory.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

July 4, 1776.

Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?

Franklin Roosevelt.