Government Misconceptions
True or False: The President can directly overturn Supreme Court ruling.
False- only constitutional amendment or the Court itself can overturn it.
“President Impeached, Stays in Office.” Your friend is confused, thinking impeachment means the President gets the boot immediately. What does “impeached” actually mean?
In short, the President is being formally accused of wrongdoing by the House of Representatives, it's not removal from office.
In 2021, what object did Bernie Sanders and his mittens almost overshadow during the Presidential Inauguration?
The actual inauguration of Joe Biden.
Can the President declare war by himself?
The President cannot officially declare war solo. Congress has to give a thumbs-up
A TikTok video claims if your teacher confiscates your phone this is a violation of Fourth Amendment. Is this true?
Not how it works. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
Which branch of government actually writes federal laws?
The Legislative Branch- Congress, not the President
“Supreme Court Rules Teens Can Curse Out Schools.” Does this mean you can say anything in math class now with SCOTUS’s blessing?
Nope. This headline is a wild oversimplification of a case. The Supreme Court did rule in a recent case (2021) that a student penalized for cursing on Snapchat outside of school had her free speech rights violated. Outside of school is the key part. They did not say you can disrupt class or curse out your teacher in the hallway with zero consequences.
What color suit did Obama wear once that caused a national meltdown in 2014?
Tan
Can the President pardon anyone for a federal crime?
Yes. (Presidents can forgive federal crimes — not state crimes.)
TikTok trend says if you tell a cop “I do not consent to this” during a traffic stop, they have to let you go. Is this a genius hack or just gonna get you a free ride in the back of a police car?
Saying “I do not consent” can refuse a search – which is your right – but it doesn’t mean the cop will just shrug and leave you be if you were, say, speeding. They can still give you a ticket or arrest you if they have cause.
Who actually elects the President of the United States
The Electoral College elects the President. When you vote, you’re actually voting for a slate of electors in your state who then vote for the Prez. It means someone can win the popular vote and still lose the election
“Government Shutdown Looming.” Does that mean everything government-related stops in Washington, D.C.?
Not exactly. A “government shutdown” mainly means Congress couldn’t agree on a budget, so many non-essential federal services and offices temporarily close.
What government body had a hearing about UFOs in 2022 and 2023?
Congress
Can the President fire Cabinet members?
Yes. (The President can fire executive branch officials.)
A tiktok says Congress can pass a law tomorrow that adds a 51st state. Is this true?
Yes. (If they vote for it — it’s rare, but totally legal.)
True or False: The popular vote directly elects the President of the United States.
False — the Electoral College does
Every December you see headlines about a “War on Christmas.” Which branch of the military is fighting this war?
None... It’s a cultural debate, not a real government operation. “War on Christmas” is just a dramatic phrase some people use to complain that society or stores aren’t Christmas-y enough.
In 2019, what "event" went viral with millions of people joking they would "storm" a top-secret U.S. military base?
The "Storm Area 51" event.
If the President really hates a Supreme Court decision, can he ignore it or fire Supreme Court justices?
No and no. Supreme Court decisions are the law of the land – even presidents have to follow them
TikTok Civics class says the Vice President can refuse to certify an election and pick the winner they prefer. Is this a thing?
Definitely not a thing. The VP’s role in certifying electoral votes is basically ceremonial. They open envelopes, read out the votes, and look dignified. They cannot toss out votes they don’t like or unilaterally choose the President.
Does the First Amendment let you say whatever you want, wherever you want, without any consequences?
Nope. The First Amendment protects you from government punishment for your speech (with some exceptions like threats, slander, etc.), but it doesn’t shield you from all consequences
"Congress Passes Bill — It's Now the Law of the Land!"
What does this mean when Congress passes a bill? And can it can instantly become a law?
Nope. After Congress passes a bill, it still has to be signed by the President to actually become a law.
True or False: The President is allowed to post memes from their official government account.
True. (But it better not violate government communication rules)
True or False: A President can serve a third term if there’s a huge emergency
False. Two terms is the limit, no matter what
A Tiktok said a Supreme Court decision be overturned without the Court itself doing it. Is this true?
Yes. (It can be overturned by a new constitutional amendment.)