Constitution Quiz

What are the three branches of government?

Judicial, Executive, and Legislative (Articles III, II, and I).

How is the President chosen?

Separately from the Vice President; electors cast two votes through the Electoral College (Article II, Section 1).

How is the Vice President chosen?

Separately from the President; the runner-up in the Electoral College becomes Vice President (Article II, Section 1).

How are Senators chosen?

Chosen by state legislatures; two Senators from each state (Article I, Section 3).

How are Representatives chosen?

Chosen every two years by the people of their respective states (Article I, Section 2).

How are Supreme Court justices chosen?

Chosen by the President and approved by the Senate (Article II, Section 2).

How long is the President's term?

Four years (Article II, Section 1).

How long is the Vice President's term?

Four years (Article II, Section 1).

How long is a Supreme Court justice's term?

During good behavior (Article III, Section 1).

How long is a Senator's term?

Six years (Article I, Section 3).

How long is a House Representative's term?

Two years (Article I, Section 2).

How is representation in the House of Representatives determined?

The House chooses its Speaker (Article I, Section 2).

How is representation in the Senate determined?

The Vice President presides over the Senate (Article I, Section 3).

Who are "all other Persons" in the original Constitution?

Enslaved people (Article I, Section 2).

Where can you find a list of specific congressional powers?

Article I, Section 8; these are called enumerated powers.

Is there room for interpretation in the powers given to Congress?

Yes. Congress can create specific laws using the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause say?

Congress can make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers and other powers given by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8).

How are laws created?

A bill must pass both chambers of Congress and be presented to the President (Article I, Section 7).

What are the main roles of the President?

Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy and Chief Executive (Article II).

What important thing can't the President do?

Declare war (Article II, Section 1, according to the worksheet).

What is the function of the Vice President?

President of the Senate and a civil officer of the United States.

Can a President be removed from office? If so, how?

Yes, through impeachment.

What is the function of the Supreme Court?

Exercises original jurisdiction in certain cases and serves as the highest judicial authority (Article III, Section 2).

How are new states created?

Congress may admit new states into the Union. A state cannot be formed within another state's jurisdiction or by combining states without the consent of the affected state legislatures and Congress (Article IV, Section 3).

Can states overrule federal laws?

No. The Constitution and federal laws are the supreme Law of the Land (Article VI, Clause 2).

How does the original Constitution deal with slavery?

It refers to enslaved people as "other Persons" and counts them as three-fifths for representation.

What is the only crime defined in the Constitution?

Treason (Article III, Section 3).

How old must someone be to serve in the House of Representatives?

25 years old.

How old must someone be to serve in the Senate?

30 years old.

What two qualifications must a person meet to become President?

Be a natural-born U.S. citizen and at least 35 years old.

What does impeachment mean?

Serious misconduct by a federal official; a two-thirds Senate vote is required to convict.

How many states had to ratify the proposed Constitution for it to go into effect?

Nine out of thirteen states.

Who devised the Virginia Plan?

James Madison.

What states were most likely to support the New Jersey Plan?

Smaller states, such as New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

What was the Great Compromise?

The decision to create a bicameral Congress with two chambers.

Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington.

Who is considered the Father of the Constitution?

James Madison.