Civics 101
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In what year was the Constitution written?
- A.
1812
- B.
1776
- C.
1787
- D.
1783
Correct Answer
C. 1787Explanation
The correct answer is 1787. This is the year when the Constitution was written. It is a significant year in American history as it marks the creation of the United States Constitution, which established the framework for the government and the rights of its citizens. The Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and was later ratified by the states in 1788.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How many amendments are contained in the United States Constitution?
- A.
10
- B.
13
- C.
27
- D.
30
Correct Answer
C. 27Explanation
The United States Constitution contains 27 amendments. These amendments are changes or additions to the original Constitution that have been made over time. They address various issues and rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the abolition of slavery. The process of amending the Constitution is intentionally difficult to ensure that changes are carefully considered and reflect the will of the people.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following are the natural rights that John Locke believed government should protect?
- A.
Life, Liberty, and, Property
- B.
Liberty, Health, and Community
- C.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
- D.
Life, Equal Protection, and Federalism
Correct Answer
A. Life, Liberty, and, PropertyExplanation
John Locke believed that government should protect the natural rights of Life, Liberty, and Property. These rights are considered fundamental and inherent to all individuals, and it is the role of the government to ensure their preservation and protection. Life refers to the right to live and be free from harm, Liberty refers to the freedom to act and make choices, and Property refers to the right to own and control one's possessions. These rights are seen as essential for individuals to live a fulfilling and autonomous life, and it is the government's responsibility to safeguard them.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the source of the phrase "Government of the people, by the people, for the people"?
- A.
Bill of Rights
- B.
Declaration of Independence
- C.
The "I Have a Dream" Speech
- D.
Gettysburg Address
Correct Answer
D. Gettysburg AddressExplanation
The phrase "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is sourced from the Gettysburg Address. Given by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Address is a speech that emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and honoring the sacrifice of those who fought in the battle. The phrase highlights the idea that a government should be formed and operated by the people it represents, with its purpose being to serve and benefit the citizens.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following U.S. presidents did NOT serve two terms?
- A.
Andrew Jackson
- B.
James Madison
- C.
John Adams
- D.
George Washington
Correct Answer
C. John AdamsExplanation
John Adams is the correct answer because he did not serve two terms as the U.S. president. He was the second president of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801. He was defeated by Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800 and did not serve a second term.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which branch of the United States government has the power to declare war?
- A.
Congress
- B.
The President
- C.
The Supreme Court
- D.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff
Correct Answer
A. CongressExplanation
Congress is the branch of the United States government that has the power to declare war. This power is granted to Congress by the Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 8, which states that Congress has the authority to "declare War." This separation of powers ensures that the decision to engage in armed conflict is made collectively by elected representatives, rather than being solely in the hands of the President or any other branch of government.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many members are in the United States Congress?
- A.
100
- B.
218
- C.
435
- D.
535
Correct Answer
D. 535Explanation
There are 535 members in the United States Congress. This includes 100 members in the Senate and 435 members in the House of Representatives. The Senate has two members from each state, while the number of representatives in the House is based on the population of each state. Therefore, the total number of members in Congress is 535.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The number of justices sitting on the United States Supreme Court is set by:
- A.
Congress
- B.
The United States Constitution
- C.
The President
- D.
Federal District Court
Correct Answer
A. CongressExplanation
The number of justices sitting on the United States Supreme Court is set by Congress. According to Article III, Section 1 of the United States Constitution, it is Congress that has the power to determine the number of justices on the Supreme Court. This means that Congress can pass a law to increase or decrease the number of justices, although the number has remained at nine since 1869. The President does not have the authority to set the number of justices, and neither does the Federal District Court.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Bill of Rights explicitly prohibits
- A.
Gun ownership by private citizens
- B.
Discrimination based on gender
- C.
The establishment of an official religion
- D.
Prayer in public schools
Correct Answer
C. The establishment of an official religionExplanation
The Bill of Rights explicitly prohibits the establishment of an official religion. This means that the government cannot establish or endorse any specific religion as the official religion of the country. This provision ensures religious freedom and prevents the government from favoring or promoting any particular religious belief over others. It upholds the principle of separation of church and state, allowing individuals to freely practice their own religion without interference or coercion from the government.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who casts the tie-breaking vote if a tie occurs in the Senate?
- A.
The majority leader
- B.
The Vice-President
- C.
The President
- D.
The Speaker of the House
Correct Answer
B. The Vice-PresidentExplanation
The Vice-President casts the tie-breaking vote if a tie occurs in the Senate. This is because the Vice-President serves as the President of the Senate and has the authority to break ties in voting. The Vice-President's tie-breaking vote ensures that a decision can be made even when there is an equal number of votes on both sides of an issue.Rate this question:
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