Test Your Knowledge Of The Great American Constitution

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Chrisg
C
Chrisg
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 6 | Total Attempts: 120,016
| Attempts: 63,016 | Questions: 34
Please wait...
Question 1 / 34
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. To be eligible to vote in the United States... which of the following is true? 

Explanation

To be eligible to vote in the United States, one must be 18 years old. This is a requirement set by the law in order to ensure that individuals who participate in the democratic process are of a certain age and maturity level. The other options listed, such as speaking English, owning property, or paying a poll tax, are not requirements for voting in the United States.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Test Your Knowledge Of The Great American Constitution - Quiz

Understanding the American constitution is important for every citizen. This helps them to identify and know their rights and how to react when they have been... see moreviolated. Have you read the American Constitution? Take up the fun quiz below and see what you know about it. All the best!
see less

2. What branch interprets and applies  the law?

Explanation

The branch that interprets and applies the law is the judicial branch. This branch is responsible for ensuring that laws are interpreted correctly and applied fairly in legal cases. Judges in the judicial branch have the authority to make decisions, resolve disputes, and uphold the rule of law. They play a crucial role in the legal system by interpreting laws, determining guilt or innocence, and protecting individual rights.

Submit
3. Who is commander in chief? 

Explanation

The commander in chief is the President of a country. They have the ultimate authority and responsibility for the military forces of the nation. As the highest-ranking military officer, the President has the power to make important decisions regarding the defense and security of the country. The Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and Surgeon General do not hold this position and do not have the same level of authority over the military.

Submit
4. To show respect during a time of mourning/national disaster what should you do? 

Explanation

Lowering the flag to half mast is a widely recognized gesture of respect during a time of mourning or national disaster. It is a way to honor and pay tribute to those who have passed away or suffered during a tragic event. This act symbolizes the sadness and mourning that the nation or community is experiencing, and it is a way to show solidarity and empathy. By lowering the flag to half mast, it is a visible sign of respect and remembrance for the affected individuals and their families.

Submit
5. How many terms can the president serve b/c of the 22nd amendment? 

Explanation

The 22nd amendment limits the number of terms a president can serve to two. This amendment was ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected for four terms. It was implemented to prevent any president from serving more than two terms in order to uphold the principle of a peaceful transfer of power and prevent the concentration of power in one individual for an extended period of time. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

Submit
6. What amendments make up the Bill of Rights?

Explanation

The Bill of Rights is made up of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were added to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. They include important rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. By specifying that the correct answer is "the first 10," it indicates that the Bill of Rights consists of these specific amendments and not any others.

Submit
7. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Explanation

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and was chosen by the Continental Congress to draft the document. Jefferson's eloquent writing and strong belief in individual rights and freedoms made him the ideal candidate for this task. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and it laid the foundation for the United States' independence from Great Britain. Jefferson's contributions to American history extend beyond the Declaration of Independence, as he later served as the third President of the United States.

Submit
8. What branch makes the law?

Explanation

The legislative branch makes the law. This branch is responsible for creating, debating, and passing laws. It consists of elected representatives who represent the people and make decisions on their behalf. The legislative branch plays a crucial role in the democratic process by ensuring that laws are fair, just, and representative of the will of the people.

Submit
9. When state and national law conflict, who is Supreme?

Explanation

When state and national laws conflict, the national government is considered supreme. This is because the national government has authority over matters that affect the entire country, while state governments have authority over matters that only affect their respective states. The Supremacy Clause in the United States Constitution establishes that federal law prevails over state law in case of a conflict. Therefore, the national government has the final say in such situations.

Submit
10. How many total amendments are there to the Constitution?

Explanation

There are a total of 27 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments serve as additions or changes to the original text of the Constitution and address various issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and government powers. Each amendment requires a specific process for ratification, involving approval by both the federal government and the states. The 27 amendments reflect the evolving needs and values of the American society since the Constitution was first drafted in 1787.

Submit
11. True or False? Habeas Corpus prevents people from being kept in jail indefinitely. It is a court order to see the judge which allows you to have a trial. 

Explanation

Habeas Corpus is a legal principle that ensures individuals cannot be detained indefinitely without a valid reason. It allows individuals to challenge their detention in court and have a fair trial. Therefore, the statement "Habeas Corpus prevents people from being kept in jail indefinitely" is true.

Submit
12. What level of government does the Bill of Rights apply to?

Explanation

The Bill of Rights applies to all three levels of government. It is a set of fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government interference and ensure their basic human rights are respected. These rights are applicable at the local, state, and national levels, ensuring that all levels of government are bound by the same principles and restrictions when it comes to individual rights.

Submit
13. What amendment contains the equal protection clause? 

Explanation

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution contains the equal protection clause. This clause states that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. It is a crucial provision that ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law, regardless of their race, gender, or other protected characteristics. The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 and has been instrumental in many landmark civil rights cases throughout history.

Submit
14. What document broke our ties with mother England?

Explanation

The Declaration of Independence is the document that broke our ties with mother England. It was a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies as independent states and no longer under British rule. The document outlined the reasons for seeking independence and asserted the natural rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It marked a significant turning point in American history and laid the foundation for the formation of the United States of America.

Submit
15. What branch enforces the law?

Explanation

The branch that enforces the law is the executive branch. This branch is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws that are created by the legislative branch. The executive branch is headed by the president or prime minister and includes various departments and agencies that are responsible for enforcing and implementing the laws of the country. They have the power to enforce laws, make regulations, and ensure that individuals and organizations comply with the law.

Submit
16. Which of the following is not in the preamble of the Constitution?

Explanation

The correct answer is "limit states' rights". The preamble of the Constitution outlines the goals and purposes of the Constitution, and it does not mention anything about limiting states' rights. The other options, such as forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and providing for the common defense, are all mentioned in the preamble as important objectives.

Submit
17. What fraction of Congress does it take to override a veto of President?

Explanation

To override a veto of the President, it takes a fraction of Congress that is greater than or equal to two-thirds. This means that at least two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate must vote in favor of overriding the veto. Therefore, the correct answer is 2/3.

Submit
18. What amendment gave women the right to vote?

Explanation

The 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. This amendment, ratified in 1920, prohibited any United States citizen from being denied the right to vote based on their sex. It was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement, which fought for equal voting rights for women. The 15th amendment, on the other hand, granted voting rights to African American men, while the 24th amendment abolished the poll tax, and the 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18.

Submit
19. Which of the following is not in the Bill of Rights?

Explanation

The 18 year olds right to vote is not in the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which protect individual rights and liberties. The right to vote for 18 year olds is actually granted by the 26th Amendment, which was ratified in 1971. While the Bill of Rights guarantees various freedoms such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and freedom from illegal searches and seizure, it does not specifically mention the right to vote for 18 year olds.

Submit
20. Giving aid and comfort to an enemy of the United States is called ____________.

Explanation

Giving aid and comfort to an enemy of the United States is called treason. Treason refers to the act of betraying one's country by providing support or assistance to its enemies. It is considered a serious crime and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment or even death. The act of treason undermines national security and is seen as a direct threat to the integrity and well-being of the United States.

Submit
21. Giving each branch some degree of oversight of the other branches is called ________.

Explanation

Checks and balances refers to the system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system ensures that no single branch can dominate the others and helps to maintain a balance of power within the government.

Submit
22. What plan at the Philadelphia Convention favored the large states b/c it wanted representation based on population?

Explanation

The Virginia Plan at the Philadelphia Convention favored the large states because it proposed representation based on population. This meant that states with larger populations would have more representatives in the legislative branch, giving them a greater voice and influence in decision-making. This plan was supported by states like Virginia, which had a larger population and wanted to ensure that their interests were adequately represented in the new government.

Submit
23. Which of the following is not a check the President has on Congress?

Explanation

The President has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress, which allows them to reject a bill and prevent it from becoming law. The President can also call a special session of Congress, which gives them the ability to convene lawmakers outside of the regular session to address specific issues. However, judicial review is not a check the President has on Congress. Judicial review is the power of the courts to interpret and determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress, not a power held by the President.

Submit
24. Which of the following is NOT a core principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution?

Explanation

The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government based on the principles of separation of powers (dividing authority among different branches), checks and balances (allowing each branch to limit the power of the others), and federalism (dividing power between the national and state governments). Absolute monarchy, where a single ruler holds supreme authority, is antithetical to the American system of limited government and individual liberties.

Submit
25. Due process rights include all of the following except...

Explanation

Due process rights ensure that individuals accused of a crime are treated fairly and have certain protections. These include the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and speedy trial, and freedom from self-incrimination. However, the right to a second trial is not typically included in due process rights. Once an individual has been tried and a verdict has been reached, the opportunity for a second trial is generally not guaranteed under due process.

Submit
26. What problem did the Great Compromise settle?

Explanation

The CT. Compromise compromised on the VA/NJ plans which approached representation differently. Big states got the House, small states got the Senate.

Submit
27. What fraction of Congress does it take to "propose an amendment"? (Step 1 of the amendment process)

Explanation

In the amendment process, it takes a two-thirds majority of Congress to propose an amendment. This means that at least two-thirds of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate need to agree on the proposed amendment in order for it to move forward in the process. This requirement ensures that any proposed amendment has significant support and consensus among lawmakers before it can be considered further.

Submit
28. Why did the framers originally meet in Philadelphia in 1787?

Explanation

They later decide that they must rewrite.

Submit
29. Which of the following is NOT true about the Articles of Confederation?

Explanation

The Articles of Confederation were not a very strong government that heavily taxed the people. The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers, as power primarily resided at the state level. It only had a legislative branch and did not have executives or courts. The Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the stronger Constitution.

Submit
30. Which of the following is not a power/responsibility of the president?

Explanation

The president has the power and responsibility to be the commander in chief, prepare a budget for Congress to review, call Congress into special sessions, and pardon individuals for their crimes. However, the power to declare war lies with Congress, not the president. This is to ensure that the decision to go to war is made collectively and not solely by one individual.

Submit
31. Which of the following is not true about the House and Senate?

Explanation

The House of Representatives does not have the authority to approve treaties made by the President. This power lies with the Senate, which is responsible for ratifying treaties through a two-thirds majority vote. The House primarily focuses on initiating revenue and spending bills, while the Senate confirms appointments made by the President. In the event of the death of both the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House is next in line for succession.

Submit
32. According to the _____________ clause, states must recognize the legal documents of other states. 

Explanation

The correct answer is "full faith and credit." According to this clause, states are required to recognize and respect the legal documents (such as marriage licenses, court judgments, and contracts) of other states. This ensures that individuals and businesses can have their rights and obligations recognized and enforced across state lines, promoting consistency and fairness in the legal system.

Submit
33. Dividing power between the states and the national government is called....

Explanation

Dividing power between the states and the national government is referred to as federalism. This system allows for a distribution of authority and responsibilities between the central government and the individual states, ensuring a balance of power. It allows for the states to have some level of autonomy while still being a part of a larger, unified nation. This division of power helps to prevent the concentration of authority in one entity and promotes cooperation and collaboration between the different levels of government.

Submit
34. Which of the following is not a power of Congress?

Explanation

Judicial review is not a power of Congress. Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to review and interpret laws and determine their constitutionality. This power is held by the judicial branch of government, specifically the Supreme Court, and not by Congress. Congress, on the other hand, has the power to grant patents/copyrights, raise the army and navy/declare war, establish a post office, and handle bankruptcy.

Submit
View My Results

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jan 21, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 21, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 04, 2008
    Quiz Created by
    Chrisg
Cancel
  • All
    All (34)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
To be eligible to vote in the United States... which of the following...
What branch interprets and applies  the law?
Who is commander in chief? 
To show respect during a time of mourning/national disaster what...
How many terms can the president serve b/c of the 22nd...
What amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What branch makes the law?
When state and national law conflict, who is Supreme?
How many total amendments are there to the Constitution?
True or False? Habeas Corpus prevents people from being kept in jail...
What level of government does the Bill of Rights apply to?
What amendment contains the equal protection clause? 
What document broke our ties with mother England?
What branch enforces the law?
Which of the following is not in the preamble of the Constitution?
What fraction of Congress does it take to override a veto of...
What amendment gave women the right to vote?
Which of the following is not in the Bill of Rights?
Giving aid and comfort to an enemy of the United States is called...
Giving each branch some degree of oversight of the other branches is...
What plan at the Philadelphia Convention favored the large states b/c...
Which of the following is not a check the President has on Congress?
Which of the following is NOT a core principle enshrined in the U.S....
Due process rights include all of the following except...
What problem did the Great Compromise settle?
What fraction of Congress does it take to "propose an...
Why did the framers originally meet in Philadelphia in 1787?
Which of the following is NOT true about the Articles of...
Which of the following is not a power/responsibility of the president?
Which of the following is not true about the House and Senate?
According to the _____________ clause, states must recognize the legal...
Dividing power between the states and the national government is...
Which of the following is not a power of Congress?
Alert!

Advertisement