The Government of America
What’s the supreme law of the land?
The US Constitution
Give the name of a US branch of government.
Correct answers (choose one):
Legislative
Congress
President
the Courts
Executive
Judicial
Explanation: The U.S. government is broken down into three branches to stop the concentration of power. They are called the legislative, executive, and judicial and they collaborate to govern the nation.
Describe one of the four amendments about who is allowed to vote.
Correct answers (choose one):
Citizens 18 and over can vote.
No longer need to pay to vote.
All citizens are free to vote.
A male citizen of any color can vote.
Explanation: The Constitution has four amendments related to voting.
For what reason did the colonists war against the British?
Correct answers (choose one):
because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
because they didn’t have self-government because the British army stayed in their houses
Explanation: The American Revolutionary War (1775 to 1783) resulted in the United States gaining independence from Britain.
What is one of the longest rivers in the United States?
Correct answers (choose one):
Missouri (River)
Mississippi (River)
Explanation: The Mississippi runs through 10 States. The Missouri River is even longer.
Why are there 13 stripes in the flag of America?
Correct answers (choose one):
because there were 13 original colonies
because the stripes represent the original colonies
Explanation: The American flag has 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies, Congress decided in 1818 that it should always have 13 stripes to honor them.
What does the Constitution accomplish?
*defines the government
*sets up the government
*protects the basic rights of Americans
Explanation: The Constitution establishes the framework for the U.S. government. It divides the government into branches. It also sets out the powers and duties of each branch. In addition, the Constitution protects the basic liberties of all Americans.
What mechanism restricts one branch from having too much power?
Correct answers (choose one):
checks and balances
separation of powers
Explanation: The system of checks and balances prevents any single branch of the U.S. government from gaining too much power.
What’s one duty that is only for US citizens?
Correct answers (choose one):
serve on a jury
vote in a federal election
Explanation: U.S. citizens have two important responsibilities: serving on a jury and voting in presidential elections. The US Constitution presents you the access to a fair trial by a jury of their peers, which helps ensure justice.
Voting is another important responsibility of citizens, as it allows them to participate in the democratic process by electing leaders who will represent their interests.
Who drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Correct answer: Thomas Jefferson
Explanation: In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. He became the third president from 1801 to 1809.
What ocean is to the west of the U.S.?
Correct answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest. It is a huge resource for the United States with abundant natural resources including fish.
Why are there 50 stars in the flag of America?
Correct answers (choose one):
because there is one star for each state
because each star represents a state
Because there are 50 states
Explanation: Each star on the US flag represents a State.
The three first words of the Constitution express the concept of self government.
Which words are these?
Correct answer: We the People
Explanation: The Constitution’s first three words include all individuals in the USA and highlight that the government is led by the people.
Who is in control of the executive branch?
Correct answer: The President
Explanation: The executive branch of the United States is headed by the President, who is responsible for enforcing the country's laws.
Mention two rights of anyone who lives in the U.S.
Correct answers (choose one):
freedom of assembly
freedom to petition the government
freedom of religion
freedom of expression
the right to bear arms
freedom of speech
Explanation: The Constitution and Bill of Rights give everyone in the US rights like freedom of speech, religion, and the authority to carry arms.
At which date was the Declaration of Independence enacted?
Correct answer: July 4, 1776
Explanation: On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was authorized. As a result, the U.S. celebrates Independence Day every year on July 4th.
Can you give the name of one U.S. territory?
Correct answers (choose one):
U.S. Virgin Islands
American Samoa
Northern Mariana Islands
Guam
Puerto Rico
Explanation: The United States possesses five main territories. They are owned and controlled by the US.
What is the name of the US anthem?
Correct answer: The Star-Spangled Banner
Explanation: Francis Scott Key penned the anthem in the War of 1812, after seeing the American flag flying over Fort McHenry.
What does an amendment mean?
Correct answers (choose one):
an addition (to the Constitution) or a change (to the Constitution) Explanation: As a living document, the Constitution can be altered or updated as needed. There have been 27 amendments made so far.
Who can make federal laws?
Correct answers (choose one):
Congress
Senate and House of Representatives
U.S. or national legislature
Explanation: Only Congress has the authority to create or modify laws within the US government.
How old must a person be to vote for the President?
Correct answer: 18 and older
Explanation: The voting age in the U.S. used to be 21. The voting age was lowered to 18 by the 26th Amendment for all national, state, and municipal elections.
What year was the Constitution penned?
Correct answer: 1787
Explanation: The Constitution was written in 1787 and all states ratified the Constitution by 1790.
What’s the capital of the United States called?
Correct answer: Washington, D.C.
Explanation: Washington D.C., called the District of Columbia, is where the White House and the Capitol are located.
When is Independence Day observed?
Correct answer: July 4
Explanation: The Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence on this day, making the United States a sovereign entity apart from Great Britain.
The 10 first amendments/changes to the Constitution called what?
Correct answer: The Bill of Rights
Explanation: On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was added. These amendments outline the rights of American citizens to the U.S. government.
What parts make up the US Congress?
Correct answer: The Senate and House of Representatives
Explanation: The U.S. legislative branch is created with two bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives, whose primary responsibility is to create and pass laws.
When do all US men need to sign up for the Selective Service?
Correct answers (choose one):
At 18
Between 18 and 26
Explanation: Male U.S. citizens and permanent residents must sign up for the Selective Service within 30 days after becoming 18 years old. Late registration is accepted until the age of 26.
Who is considered the “Father of Our Country”?
Correct answer: (George) Washington
Explanation: Washington led the Continental Army in the American Revolution, chaired the Constitutional Convention, and was elected as the first President.
George Washington assumed office in 1789 and was re-elected for a second term in 1793.
The Statue of Liberty is located where?
Correct answers (choose one):
On the Hudson River
Near New York City
New York Harbor
New Jersey,
Liberty Island
Explanation: Given by France as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, the Statue of Liberty has come to represent freedom and justice, and is situated on Liberty Island in New York City.
Can you provide the names of two national US holidays?
Correct answers (choose two):
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Christmas
Presidents’ Day
New Year’s Day
Columbus Day
Explanation: Americans have national holidays to celebrate important people and events in American history, but they are only considered national for federal institutions and D.C., and states can choose whether to celebrate them or not.