Separation of Powers
This branch proposes and passes laws.
Legislative branch
The original purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to do this (fill in the blank).
improve articles of confederation
Which amendment protects the right to bear arms? (name)
Second Amendment
A person who became a U.S. citizen through a legal process after birth is called a:
naturalized citizen (or "naturalized")
This traitor’s statue was destroyed—except for his boot, which still stands on a battlefield today.”
Benedict Arnold- After Benedict Arnold betrayed the U.S., Americans melted down a statue of him—but they kept the boot part because he had once been injured bravely in battle.
This branch has the power to veto laws.
Executive branch
The final outcome of the Constitutional Convention was that the delegates did this (fill in the blank).
created a new Constitution
Which amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures?
Fourth Amendment
Which of these is a civic duty — obeying the laws or staying informed on public issues? (choose one)
Obeying the laws
“Washington’s men smuggled these weapons out of Boston by hiding them under hay at night.”
Cannons-During the Revolution, Washington’s troops stole dozens of British cannons by sneaking them out of Boston buildings at night under piles of hay.
This branch settles disputes between states and can strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
Judicial branch
Which plan proposed representation based on state population?
Virginia Plan
Name any two rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. (two required)
Freedom of speech; freedom of religion (also right to petition is part of First Amendment)
Which action explicitly a civic duty that sometimes requires service and is enforced by law?
Serving on a jury (civic duty that can be required)
These slimy creatures were a popular medical treatment in early America—even though they didn’t really work.
leeches-In the early United States, doctors believed the best cure for many illnesses was attaching dozens of leeches to people to “balance the blood.
Name two specific powers the legislative branch has to check the executive branch. (Two-part answer)
Congress can override a presidential veto; the Senate confirms presidential appointments (either two acceptable checks)
Which plan proposed equal representation for each state?
New Jersey plan
This amendment prevents the military from forcing citizens to house soldiers. (name)
Third Amendment
How does volunteerism benefit the community? (short answer based on the test
It reduces the strain on government to provide social services.
Lawmakers of the new nation sometimes debated with these unwanted furry ‘spectators’ running across the floor
rats-When Congress met in Philadelphia after independence, the building was so old and poorly maintained that rats ran around the floors during sessions.
Explain how the system of checks and balances prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. (Short explanation)
Example answer: Each branch has powers that limit the others (legislative makes laws, executive enforces them, judicial interprets them). Checks and balances let each branch block or review actions of the others so no branch gains unchecked power.
Compare one major difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan in one or two sentences.
The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population; the New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation for each state.
Explain one difference between a naturalized citizen and a native-born citizen. (short explanation)
Ninth Amendment
Explain one difference between a naturalized citizen and a native-born citizen.
A naturalized citizen became a U.S. citizen after birth through a legal process; a native-born citizen was born in the United States.
This president kept a live alligator in the White House bathroom.
John Quincy Adams- In the early 1800s, President John Quincy Adams kept a live alligator in the White House bathtub as a “gift” from the Marquis de Lafayette