U.S. Government Trivia Questions

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  • 1/15 Questions

    Before it becomes a law, what is a piece of legislation called?

    • Candidate
    • Bill
    • Book
    • Debate
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About This Quiz

Take this quiz and discover more about the US Government's functioning. All the best!

U.S. Government Trivia Questions - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is an "amendment"?

    • An English Paper

    • A Newspaper Article

    • A Book

    • A Change To Something

    Correct Answer
    A. A Change To Something
    Explanation
    An "amendment" refers to a change made to something. It can be a modification, alteration, or addition to a document, law, agreement, or any other existing item or concept. It is not related to an English paper, a newspaper article, or a book, as those are different types of written materials and do not necessarily involve changes or modifications.

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  • 3. 

    Which Amendment gives U.S. citizens the right to bear arms?

    • 40th

    • Second

    • 15th

    • First

    Correct Answer
    A. Second
    Explanation
    The Second Amendment gives U.S. citizens the right to bear arms. This amendment, part of the Bill of Rights, was added to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. It states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This amendment has been a subject of debate and interpretation, with discussions revolving around the balance between individual rights and public safety. Nonetheless, it is widely recognized as granting citizens the right to possess firearms.

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  • 4. 

    What does the word "ratify" mean?

    • Process

    • Approve

    • Deny

    • Calculate

    Correct Answer
    A. Approve
    Explanation
    The word "ratify" means to officially approve or confirm something. It implies giving formal consent or agreement to a decision, action, or document. When something is ratified, it is accepted or endorsed as valid and binding.

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  • 5. 

    What is it called if Congress is not in session and a President does nothing with a bill?

    • A Pocket Veto

    • Laziness

    • A Pass Over

    • A Neglected Bill

    Correct Answer
    A. A Pocket Veto
    Explanation
    A pocket veto occurs when Congress is not in session and the President takes no action on a bill. This effectively kills the bill without the need for a formal veto. It can be seen as a strategic move by the President to prevent a bill from becoming law without having to openly reject it. This differs from laziness, a pass over, or a neglected bill, as a pocket veto is a deliberate decision by the President to let the bill die without taking any action.

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  • 6. 

    What amendment to the U.S. constitution gives us freedom of religion?

    • The 27th Amendment

    • The First Amendment

    • The 22nd Amendment

    • The Ninth Amendment

    Correct Answer
    A. The First Amendment
    Explanation
    The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives us freedom of religion. This amendment guarantees the right to practice any religion or no religion at all, and it prohibits the government from establishing an official religion. It also protects the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition. The 27th Amendment pertains to congressional pay, the 22nd Amendment limits the number of terms a president can serve, and the Ninth Amendment addresses rights not specifically listed in the Constitution.

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  • 7. 

    In 2004, the Secretary of HHS declared what an illness, allowing Medicare coverage?

    • Obesity

    • Acne

    • Male-Pattern Baldness

    • Athlete's Foot

    Correct Answer
    A. Obesity
    Explanation
    In 2004, the Secretary of HHS declared obesity as an illness, which led to Medicare coverage for this condition. This decision was significant as it recognized the medical implications and health risks associated with obesity. By declaring it as an illness, Medicare could provide coverage for treatments and interventions aimed at managing and preventing obesity-related complications. This recognition also helped to reduce the stigma surrounding obesity and promote a more comprehensive approach to healthcare for individuals affected by this condition.

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  • 8. 

    What does the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. constitution guard against?

    • Unreasonable Search

    • Guns

    • Alcoholism

    • Self-Incrimination

    Correct Answer
    A. Self-Incrimination
    Explanation
    The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. constitution guards against self-incrimination. This means that individuals cannot be forced to testify against themselves in a criminal case. It protects the right to remain silent and not provide any information that could be used against them in court. This amendment ensures that individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions or provide evidence that could potentially implicate themselves in a crime.

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  • 9. 

    The 21st Amendment to the Constitution repeals what other Amendment?

    • 18th

    • First

    • Tenth

    • Twelfth

    Correct Answer
    A. 18th
    Explanation
    The 21st Amendment to the Constitution repeals the 18th Amendment. The 18th Amendment was responsible for the prohibition of alcohol in the United States. The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, effectively ended the era of prohibition by repealing the 18th Amendment and allowing the sale, production, and distribution of alcohol to resume.

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  • 10. 

    What amendment to the U.S. Constitution assures the right to a trial by jury?

    • First Amendment

    • Sixth Amendment

    • Fourth Amendment

    • Fifth Amendment

    Correct Answer
    A. Sixth Amendment
    Explanation
    The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution assures the right to a trial by jury. This amendment guarantees that in criminal cases, the accused has the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. It also ensures that the accused can confront witnesses, have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in their favor, and have the assistance of counsel for their defense. The Sixth Amendment plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes and ensuring a fair trial process.

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  • 11. 

    In 2001, the USA Patriot Act left Congress how many votes shy of unanimous bipartisan support?

    • Three

    • One

    • Eight

    • Ten

    Correct Answer
    A. One
    Explanation
    The USA Patriot Act, enacted in 2001, did not receive unanimous bipartisan support in Congress. However, it was only one vote shy of achieving such support. This suggests that the act was largely supported by both parties, with only a single vote preventing it from being truly bipartisan.

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  • 12. 

    What Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to petition?

    • First

    • Tenth

    • Third

    • Fifth

    Correct Answer
    A. First
    Explanation
    The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to petition. This amendment protects the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The right to petition allows individuals to express their concerns, complaints, or requests to the government, seeking a resolution or change in policies or laws. This amendment ensures that citizens have the right to voice their opinions and participate in the democratic process.

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  • 13. 

    In 2003, the Supreme Court upheld a ruling that lengthened existing copyrights by how many years?

    • 30

    • 20

    • 15

    • 10

    Correct Answer
    A. 20
    Explanation
    In 2003, the Supreme Court upheld a ruling that lengthened existing copyrights by 20 years. This means that the duration of copyright protection for works was extended by an additional 20 years beyond the previous term. This decision aimed to provide creators and copyright holders with longer exclusive rights to their works, allowing them to have more control over their intellectual property and potentially benefit financially from their creations for a longer period of time.

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  • 14. 

    Who, in 2005, began "Operation Supreme Court Freedom" to pray for vacancies on the Supreme Court?

    • Dr. James Dobson

    • Pat Robertson

    • Billy Graham

    • Jerry Falwell

    Correct Answer
    A. Pat Robertson
    Explanation
    In 2005, Pat Robertson began "Operation Supreme Court Freedom" to pray for vacancies on the Supreme Court. This initiative was started by Pat Robertson, not Dr. James Dobson, Billy Graham, or Jerry Falwell. Pat Robertson is known for his involvement in conservative Christian politics and his efforts to shape the judiciary in line with his beliefs. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Pat Robertson is the correct answer to this question.

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  • 15. 

    How many bills did George Washington veto?

    • Twenty

    • Two

    • Five

    • One

    Correct Answer
    A. Two
    Explanation
    George Washington vetoed two bills during his presidency. This means that he rejected two proposed laws that had been passed by Congress. Vetoing a bill is a power given to the President in the United States Constitution, allowing them to prevent a bill from becoming law. Washington's use of the veto power demonstrates his exercise of executive authority and his judgment on the bills presented to him during his time as President.

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  • Sep 25, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Apr 03, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Alfredhook3
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