Political Science, U.S. Constitution Quiz

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Political Science, U.S. Constitution Quiz - Quiz

How good is your political knowledge? How much do you know about the U. S. Constitution? This quiz covers the Articles of Confederation and the U. S. Constitution. The federal system of government, citizenship, and Georgia Constitution. If you are aware of all these topics, it will be a good practice quiz for you. Even if you miss out on something, you will get the correct answer instantly. Go for it, and learn something new too. Also, share the quiz with others who wish to know more about U. S. Politics.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following is not usually a general characteristic of a Constitution?

    • A.

      Orders the government into a specific structure and form.

    • B.

      Provides the fundamental law of the society it is to govern.

    • C.

      Limits the government's power and spells out specific individual powers.

    • D.

      Protects individual rights and removes them from the governmental decision process.

    • E.

      Establishes a set of guidelines that are recommended to be followed by the government

    Correct Answer
    E. Establishes a set of guidelines that are recommended to be followed by the government
    Explanation
    Constitutions are not mere recommendations but are set of strict limits and powers as specifically spelled out in the constitution.

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  • 2. 

    Loosely bound members with no common commander and a failure to take unified action are common historical traits of what kind of organization?

    • A.

      A Dynastic Empire

    • B.

      A Constitutional Republic

    • C.

      A League of Sovereign States

    • D.

      A Parliamentary Monarchy

    • E.

      A Dictatorship

    Correct Answer
    C. A League of Sovereign States
    Explanation
    A League of Sovereign State or a Confederation, is a loosely bound group with very limited or no centralized control.

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  • 3. 

    Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government was:

    • A.

      Too powerful and oppressive to the states.

    • B.

      Too weak in relation to the state governments.

    • C.

      Considered to be too similar to the British form of government.

    • D.

      Virtually unlimited in its ability to control all aspects of government.

    • E.

      Exactly as our federal government is structured today

    Correct Answer
    B. Too weak in relation to the state governments.
    Explanation
    Under the Articles of Confederation, the individual states were sovereign and were not unified under a strong centralized government.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following was not a challenge faced by the framers of the Constitution?

    • A.

      Large states wanted more representation than smaller states based on population.

    • B.

      Smaller states wanted equal representation in Congress without regard to population.

    • C.

      A strong distrust of a powerful and centralized national government.

    • D.

      Creating a centralized government with enough checks and balances to avoid tyranny.

    • E.

      Several states wanted to secede and form their own government.

    Correct Answer
    E. Several states wanted to secede and form their own government.
    Explanation
    Secession was not an issue faced until after the constitution was enacted.

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  • 5. 

    The Preamble to the Constitution established one of the following:

    • A.

      People as the rightful source of the power of the government.

    • B.

      The form and structure of the government.

    • C.

      A Union where none had existed before.

    • D.

      The office of the President and Vice President.

    • E.

      The basic Bill of Rights.

    Correct Answer
    A. People as the rightful source of the power of the government.
    Explanation
    The preamble established that the people formed the government and are thereby its rightful source of authority.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following would not be considered an aim of the Constitution:

    • A.

      War powers and national defense.

    • B.

      Justice and protection of liberty.

    • C.

      Common welfare and well being of citizens.

    • D.

      Limits of personal freedom

    Correct Answer
    D. Limits of personal freedom
    Explanation
    The constitution is concerned with limiting the government's ability to restrict personal freedoms.

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  • 7. 

    Which one of the following is not included in Article 1 of the Constitution

    • A.

      Freedom of Religion and the Press.

    • B.

      The legislative powers of Congress.

    • C.

      Procedural rules were governing speeches on the floor of Congress.

    • D.

      Powers unique to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    • E.

      None of the Above.

    Correct Answer
    A. Freedom of Religion and the Press.
    Explanation
    Freedom of Religion and the Press is established in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.

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  • 8. 

    Which one of the following is laid out in Article 1, Section 1 of the Constitution:

    • A.

      Apportionment of direct taxes and representation based on population.

    • B.

      Elections and Electors.

    • C.

      Term lengths for office.

    • D.

      Qualifications for office.

    • E.

      The establishment of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    Correct Answer
    E. The establishment of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
    Explanation
    A-D are spelled out in sections 2 and 3 of Article one of the Constitution.

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  • 9. 

    Which one of the following is not included in Article II of the Constitution:

    • A.

      Authority to convene both houses of Congress.

    • B.

      The right to keep and bear arms.

    • C.

      Civilian power over the military.

    • D.

      Authority for nominating and appointing judges and other officers.

    • E.

      Authority for granting pardons

    Correct Answer
    B. The right to keep and bear arms.
    Explanation
    The right to keep and bear arms is the 2nd amendment to the Constitution.

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  • 10. 

    Article II of the Constituion which of the following:

    • A.

      The Unitary Office of the President.

    • B.

      The Electoral College

    • C.

      Qualifications for the Office of President

    • D.

      The Oath of Office of the President

    • E.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    E. All of the above
    Explanation
    All of these items are established in Article II of the Constitution.

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  • 11. 

    According to the Constitution, a bill becomes law once each of the following happens, except:

    • A.

      It is passed by a majority in both houses of Congress.

    • B.

      It is passed by both houses of Congress, and it is signed by the President.

    • C.

      Ten days have elapsed after it is passed by a majority of both houses of Congress, if Congress is in session.

    • D.

      It is vetoed by the President, but is subsequently passed by a super majority of both houses of Congress,

    • E.

      None of the above. They would all become law

    Correct Answer
    A. It is passed by a majority in both houses of Congress.
    Explanation
    Simple passage is not enough to become law if the bill is not signed within ten days after passage and Congress is not in session or if the President vetoes the bill.

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  • 12. 

    Which one of the following is not stated in Article VI of the Constitution:

    • A.

      Laws must be consistent with the Constitution.

    • B.

      Treaties between the United States and other nations, once ratified by a 2/3rds majority of the Senate, hold the same force of law as the Constitution.

    • C.

      All office holders must take an oath on the Holy Bible to uphold and support the Constitution

    • D.

      Expressly forbids a religious test for qualification to any office.

    • E.

      The Constitution is the "Supreme Law of the Land."

    Correct Answer
    C. All office holders must take an oath on the Holy Bible to uphold and support the Constitution
    Explanation
    All office holders must take an oath to support the Constitution, but there is no requirement to swear on a bible.

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  • 13. 

    The 1st amendment to the Constitution:

    • A.

      Forbids an official establishment of religion

    • B.

      Guarantees Freedom of Speech

    • C.

      Guarantees Freedom of the Press

    • D.

      Guarantees Freedom to Assemble and Petition

    • E.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    E. All of the above
    Explanation
    The 1st amendment to the Constitution encompasses all of the statements mentioned. It prohibits the government from establishing an official religion, allows individuals the freedom to express their opinions and beliefs through speech, grants the freedom of the press to report and publish information, and ensures the right to gather peacefully and petition the government for grievances. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

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  • 14. 

    Which one of the following statements about warrants is not true:

    • A.

      Warrants are court orders or commands that must be followed.

    • B.

      The warrant does not need to identify specific items to be seized.

    • C.

      There must be probable cause for a warrant to be issued.

    • D.

      Someone must swear an oath stating there is probable cause.

    • E.

      The Warrant must specifically describe the place to be searched.

    Correct Answer
    B. The warrant does not need to identify specific items to be seized.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the warrant does not need to identify specific items to be seized. Warrants are court orders or commands that must be followed. In order for a warrant to be issued, there must be probable cause, and someone must swear an oath stating there is probable cause. Additionally, the warrant must specifically describe the place to be searched. However, it is not necessary for the warrant to identify specific items to be seized, as the purpose of the warrant is to authorize a search for any relevant evidence or items that may be discovered during the search.

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  • 15. 

    Amendments V and VI are commonly referred to as:

    • A.

      The "Due Process Clause."

    • B.

      The "Miranda Rights."

    • C.

      The "Rights of the Accused."

    • D.

      The "Civil Rights Act."

    • E.

      The "Bill of Rights."

    Correct Answer
    C. The "Rights of the Accused."
    Explanation
    Articles V and VI outline the "Rights of the Accused."

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  • 16. 

    Which one of the following is a right is established in the 5th Amendment to the Constitution:

    • A.

      To be informed of the accusation.

    • B.

      Trial by a jury.

    • C.

      Right to an attorney.

    • D.

      To not be forced to testify against oneself.

    • E.

      To be confronted by the witnesses against themself.

    Correct Answer
    D. To not be forced to testify against oneself.
    Explanation
    All the other rights a listed in Article VI

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  • 17. 

    Which one of the following amendments was not passed within the first five years after the Civil War?

    • A.

      The 12 amendment

    • B.

      The 13th amendment

    • C.

      The 14th amendment

    • D.

      The 15th amendment

    Correct Answer
    A. The 12 amendment
    Explanation
    The 12th amendment, ratified in 1795, changed the way in which the President and Vice President were selected.

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  • 18. 

    The __ ammendment abloished slavery

    Correct Answer
    13
    13th
    thirteenth
    thirteen
    XIII
    Explanation
    The 13th amendment abolished slavery.

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  • 19. 

    The __ ammendment provided the first clear definition of citizenship and the rights therof.

    Correct Answer
    14
    14th
    fourteen
    fourteenth
    XIV
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the 14th amendment. The 14th amendment to the United States Constitution provided the first clear definition of citizenship and the rights thereof. It was ratified in 1868 and granted equal protection under the law to all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity. This amendment played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and continues to be a cornerstone of American civil rights law.

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  • 20. 

    The __ ammendment removed race as a barrier to voting rights.

    Correct Answer
    15
    15th
    fifteen
    fifteenth
    XV
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 15th. The 15th amendment to the United States Constitution removed race as a barrier to voting rights. This amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was a significant step towards ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens, particularly African Americans who had previously been denied this fundamental right.

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  • 21. 

    The __ ammendment provided for the direct election of Senators via a popular vote.

    Correct Answer
    17
    17th
    seventeen
    seventeenth
    XVII
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the 17th amendment. This amendment to the United States Constitution established the direct election of Senators by the people, rather than by state legislatures. Prior to the 17th amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. The amendment was ratified in 1913 and aimed to increase democracy and accountability in the election process.

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  • 22. 

    The __ ammendment provided for Women's suffrage.

    Correct Answer
    19
    19th
    nineteenth
    nineteen
    XIX
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 19th. The 19th amendment to the United States Constitution provided for women's suffrage, granting women the right to vote. This amendment was ratified in 1920 and marked a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality and women's rights. The amendment states that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

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  • 23. 

    The __ ammendment oulawed poll taxes

    Correct Answer
    24th
    24
    twentyfour
    twentyfourth
    XXIV
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the 24th amendment. This amendment was ratified in 1964 and it prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections. Poll taxes were a form of voter suppression that required individuals to pay a fee in order to vote, which disproportionately affected low-income and minority voters. The 24th amendment aimed to ensure equal access to the voting booth by eliminating this discriminatory practice.

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  • 24. 

    The __ ammendment set the voting age at 18.

    Correct Answer
    26
    26th
    twentysixth
    twentysix
    XXVI
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 26, 26th, twentysixth, twentysix, XXVI. The 26th amendment to the Constitution of the United States established that the voting age would be set at 18. This amendment was ratified in 1971, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, giving more individuals the right to vote in federal elections.

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  • 25. 

    Taken together, the 15th, 19th, 24th,  and 26th amendments caused what effect on overall democracy:

    • A.

      Contraction

    • B.

      Extension

    • C.

      Conversion

    • D.

      Explosion

    • E.

      Retraction

    Correct Answer
    B. Extension
    Explanation
    It extended and expanded democracy by increasing the pool of voters.

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  • 26. 

    Which one of the following is true regarding the 1800 presidential campaign between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams:

    • A.

      Was a spirited but cordial contest between two friends and co-writers of the declaration of Independence.

    • B.

      Was an acrimonious and bitter fight between two rivals with frequent and sharp personal attacks.

    • C.

      Split the government, with the Republicans winning the Presidency but the Federalists gaining Congress.

    • D.

      Produced the smallest Electoral College margin of victory ever, with Jefferson winning by one electoral vote.

    Correct Answer
    B. Was an acrimonious and bitter fight between two rivals with frequent and sharp personal attacks.
    Explanation
    Jefferson did not win by the election of the electoral college because no one got the majority of electors. He was elected by congress. The republicans became the majority in congress after a very bitter and attack-filled campaign.

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  • 27. 

    Jefferson's inaugural address had a theme:

    • A.

      Reconciliation, tolerance, and understanding.

    • B.

      Arrogance, intolerance, and swift justice.

    • C.

      Unity, peace, and hope.

    • D.

      Change, tranquility, and fiscal responsibility.

    • E.

      Benevolence, indignation, and frugality.

    Correct Answer
    A. Reconciliation, tolerance, and understanding.
    Explanation
    Jefferson's inaugural address had a theme of reconciliation, tolerance, and understanding. This means that Jefferson emphasized the importance of coming together, being accepting of others, and seeking mutual understanding. These values promote harmony and unity among people, which would have been crucial during Jefferson's presidency. This theme suggests that Jefferson aimed to foster a peaceful and cooperative society, where differences are respected and conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding.

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  • 28. 

    Which one of the following was not a belief of Jefferson in regards to a citizen-government relationship?

    • A.

      Government should restrain men from injuring one another.

    • B.

      Government should generally leave men free to regulate their own pursuits.

    • C.

      Citizens should be allowed the acquisitions of their own industry.

    • D.

      Citizens should be free from any government restrictions.

    • E.

      Maximum liberty and a limited government.

    Correct Answer
    D. Citizens should be free from any government restrictions.
    Explanation
    Jefferson believed in a government that only restricted what it needed to guarantee freedom and inalienable rights.

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  • 29. 

    Which one of the following is true regarding the 1860 Presidential election:

    • A.

      Lincoln won a majority of the Electoral College votes.

    • B.

      Lincoln won a majority of the popular votes.

    • C.

      The Democrats fielded two candidates for President.

    • D.

      Lincoln was the most popular politician at the time.

    • E.

      The southern states did not send Electors to vote

    Correct Answer
    A. Lincoln won a majority of the Electoral College votes.
    Explanation
    Lincoln won a plurality of the popular vote, but a majority of the electoral college, in which all states sent electors, due to the democratic fielding two candidates, including the most popular politician of the day, Stephen Douglas.

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  • 30. 

    Which one of the following did Lincoln not discuss In his 1st inaugural address:

    • A.

      His intent to abolish slavery

    • B.

      Issues not decided or resolved in the Constitution.

    • C.

      Majority acquiescence to the minority.

    • D.

      Majority Rule

    • E.

      Secession

    Correct Answer
    A. His intent to abolish slavery
    Explanation
    Lincoln did not feel he had the authority or right to abolish slavery and had no intention of doing so.

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  • 31. 

    Which one of the following countries would not be considered to have a federal system of government:

    • A.

      United States of America

    • B.

      France

    • C.

      Germany

    • D.

      Mexico

    • E.

      India

    Correct Answer
    B. France
    Explanation
    France has a Unitary or Central government

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  • 32. 

    Which one of the following is not a feature of a federal system of government:

    • A.

      Uniform laws across a nation.

    • B.

      A national government.

    • C.

      National, state, and local governments overlapping functions

    • D.

      Shared power between federal and state governments.

    Correct Answer
    A. Uniform laws across a nation.
    Explanation
    Uniform laws and policies are only possible under a unitarian government.

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  • 33. 

    Which of the following would not be considered an advantage of a federal system of government:

    • A.

      Diversity and a diffusion of power.

    • B.

      Local governments can handle local problems.

    • C.

      State governments may resist national policies.

    • D.

      Experimentation and Innovation

    • E.

      More access to political participation.

    Correct Answer
    C. State governments may resist national policies.
    Explanation
    In a federal system of government, state governments having the ability to resist national policies would not be considered an advantage. This is because it can lead to conflicts and hinder the implementation of cohesive national policies. The other options, such as diversity and diffusion of power, local governments handling local problems, experimentation and innovation, and more access to political participation, are generally seen as advantages of a federal system.

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  • 34. 

    Which one of the following is not correct in how the Constitution establishes our federal form of governments.

    • A.

      Article I - Seats in Congress are allotted to the states.

    • B.

      Article II - Electors are allotted to the states.

    • C.

      Article III - The reserved power of the states.

    • D.

      Article IV - Defines relations between the states and how to create new states.

    • E.

      Articles V, VI - Process for the states to amend and ratify the Constitution.

    Correct Answer
    C. Article III - The reserved power of the states.
    Explanation
    The reserved power of the states was established in the 10th amendment.

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  • 35. 

    Which one of the following resulted from Reagan's view of federalism?

    • A.

      Huge cuts in federal spending during Reagan's administration.

    • B.

      Large reductions in domestic spending for welfare and social programs.

    • C.

      A reduction in the national debt.

    • D.

      Increased funding for education

    • E.

      Cuts in military spending.

    Correct Answer
    B. Large reductions in domestic spending for welfare and social programs.
    Explanation
    Reagan increased federal spending and the national debt but made large cuts in domestic and social programs such as welfare, education, and housing.

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  • 36. 

    Based on federal funding to the states, which one of the following would not be considered a nationally or federally controlled issue

    • A.

      Medicaid

    • B.

      Agriculture

    • C.

      Education

    • D.

      Transportation

    • E.

      Housing

    Correct Answer
    B. Agriculture
    Explanation
    Housing, medicaid, education, and transportation make up 96% of federal aid to the states.

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  • 37. 

    Between 1776 and 1983, Georgia had how many different constitutions?

    • A.

      1

    • B.

      13

    • C.

      5

    • D.

      10

    • E.

      2

    Correct Answer
    D. 10
    Explanation
    Between 1776 and 1983, Georgia had 10 different constitutions. This means that the state of Georgia went through significant changes in its governance and legal framework over the course of those years. Each constitution likely reflected the social, political, and economic conditions of the time, as well as the evolving values and priorities of the people of Georgia.

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  • 38. 

    An amendment to the Consitutution of the State of Georgia is not valid until passed by:

    • A.

      A majority of voters in a state election

    • B.

      A 2/3rds majority in the state legislature

    • C.

      A majority of the qualified voters in a state election

    • D.

      A roll call vote in the state legislature

    • E.

      A 2/3rds majority of voters in a state election

    Correct Answer
    C. A majority of the qualified voters in a state election
    Explanation
    In order for an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia to be valid, it must be passed by a majority of the qualified voters in a state election. This means that the amendment must receive the support of more than half of the eligible voters in the state. This ensures that the decision to amend the Constitution is made by the people of Georgia, who have the ultimate authority in determining the laws and regulations that govern their state.

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  • 39. 

    The Georgia legislature is comprised of 56 state senators and ____ state representatives

    Correct Answer
    180
    one hundred and eighty
    one hundred eighty
    Explanation
    The Georgia legislature consists of 56 state senators and 180 state representatives.

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  • 40. 

    Which one of the following is not an elected office in the state of Georgia:

    • A.

      Commissioner of Agriculture

    • B.

      Commissioner of Labor

    • C.

      State School Superintendent

    • D.

      Commissioner of Public Safety

    • E.

      Commissioner of Insurance

    Correct Answer
    D. Commissioner of Public Safety
    Explanation
    The Commissioner of Public Safety is not an elected office in the state of Georgia. This position is typically appointed by the governor rather than being elected by the public. The Commissioner of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing law enforcement agencies, emergency management, and public safety initiatives in the state.

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  • Current Version
  • Aug 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 28, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Usaeagg2
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