Powers & Processes
What is the purpose of a filibuster?
A. Speed up a vote
B. Delay or block a vote in the Senate
C. Impeach a senator
D. Override a veto
B. Delay or block a vote in the senate
Who nominates federal court justices?
A. Senate
B. House
C. President
D. Chief Justice
C. President
What does the Supremacy Clause declare?
A. States are more powerful than federal laws
B. The President can override state laws
C. Treaties are optional
D. The Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land”
D. The Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land”
What is the only court created by the Constitution?
A. District Courts
B. Circuit Courts
C. Supreme Court
D. Federal Claims Court
C. Supreme Court
Why is the Constitution considered a “living document”?
A. It changes every year
B. It can be amended
C. It is rewritten often
D. It expires every 10 years
B. It can be amended
A state passes a law that conflicts with a federal treaty made by the president and approved by the senate. A citizen challenges the state law in court. Which TWO constitutional principles determine the final outcome, and which branch ultimately resolves the conflict?
A. Full Faith & Credit Clause AND Executive Power – resolved by the president
B. Supremacy Clause AND Judicial Review – resolved by the supreme court
C. Guarantee Clause AND Legislative oversight – resolved by congress
D. Admissions Clause AND Commander-In-Chief Power – resolved by the military
B. Supremacy Clause AND Judicial Review – resolved by the supreme court
Which branch enforces federal laws?
A. Legislative
B. Judicial
C. Executive
D. State governments
C. Executive
Who officially elects the President and Vice President?
A. Congress
B. Electoral College
C. Supreme Court
D. State legislatures
B. Electoral College
What does the Full Faith & Credit Clause require states to do?
A. Share tax revenue
B. Respect each other’s laws and judicial decisions
C. Allow free trade
D. Share military forces
B. Respect each other’s laws and judicial decisions
What is judicial review?
A. Reviewing military decisions
B. Declaring laws unconstitutional
C. Approving treaties
D. Reviewing elections
B. Declaring laws unconstitutional
How many states had to ratify the Constitution?
A. 7
B. 13
C. 11
D. 9
D. 9
A territory applies for statehood under Article IV. At the same time, the territory passes a local law that conflicts with an existing federal law. Before congress votes on admitting the territory, a lawsuit is filed challenging the local law. Which constitutional principles determine (1) whether the territory can become a state and (2) whether the conflicting law is valid?
A. Admissions Clause AND Supremacy Clause
B. Guarantee Clause AND Judicial Review
C. Admission Clause AND Executive Power
D. Extradition Clause AND Legislative Oversight
A. Admissions Clause AND Supremacy Clause
What fraction of the Senate is required to remove an impeached official?
A. 2/3
B. 3/4
C. 1/2
D. Unanimous
A. 2/3
Who presides over an impeachment trial of the President?
A. Vice President
B. Speaker of the House
C. Chief Justice
D. Majority Leader
C. Chief Justice
Which clause requires a person accused of a crime to be returned to the state where it was committed?
A. Extradition Clause
B. Guarantee Clause
C. Admissions Clause
D. Elastic Clause
A. Extradition Clause
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
A. 9
B. 7
C. 5
D. 12
A. 9
What must all public officials take when sworn into office?
A. A loyalty pledge to the President
B. An oath to support the Constitution
C. A religious test
D. A state‑level oath only
B. An oath to support the Constitution
A state passes a law requiring all public officials to pass a religious test before taking office. The governor argues that states have the power to run their own election and that Article IV protects state authority. Which constitutional rule actually decides whether this state law is valid?
A. The Guarantee Clause, because it protects republican government.
B. The Full Faith & Credit Clause, because states must respect each other’s laws.
C. The Supremacy Clause, because federal constitutional rule overrides state laws.
D. The Admissions Clause, because states must follow federal guidelines.
C. The Supremacy Clause, because federal constitutional rule overrides state laws.
What is the purpose of the War Powers Act?
A. Allow Congress to declare war
B. Limit the President’s ability to send troops
C. Allow states to control military actions
D. Give the Supreme Court authority over war
B. Limit the President's ability to send troops
Who must approve treaties made by the President?
A. House
B. Cabinet
C. Supreme Court
D. Senate
D. Senate
What does the Admissions Clause deal with?
A. How states elect senators
B. How Congress approves treaties
C. Guidelines for territories applying for statehood
D. Requirements for federal judges
C. Guidelines for territories applying for statehood
Which type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first?
A. Appellate
B. Exclusive
C. Concurrent
D. Original
D. Original
Which amendment limits the President to two terms?
A. 20th
B. 21st
C. 22nd
D. 25th
C. 22nd
A state argues that it does not have to follow a federal court ruling because the ruling deals with a dispute between two citizens from different states, not the government itself. Which constitutional principle proves the state wrong?
A. The Full Faith & Credit Clause, because the states must respect each other's court decisions.
B. The Guarantee Clause, because states must maintain a republican form of government.
C. The Supremacy Clause, because federal court decisions outrank state authority.
D. The Extradition Clause, because states must return accused individuals.
C. The Supremacy Clause, because federal court decisions outrank state authority.
What is the purpose of Congressional Oversight?
A. Approve treaties
B. Interpret Laws
C. Appoint federal judges
D. Review presidential actions and enforcement of laws
D. Review presidential actions and enforcement of laws
Who decides the presidency if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
A. Senate
B. Supreme Court
C. Governors
D. House of Representatives
D. House of Representatives
What does the Guarantee Clause promise?
A. Free college
B. A republican form of government and protection from invasion
C. Unlimited state power
D. Judicial review
B. A republican form of government and protection from invasion
Which court hears appeals from District Courts?
A. Supreme Court
B. Circuit Court of Appeals
C. State Supreme Court
D. Federal Claims Court
B. Circuit Court of Appeals
What are the two ways to propose an amendment?
A. 2/3 Congress or 2/3 States Convention
B. Congress or President
C. President or Supreme Court
D. 3/4 Congress or 3/4 States
A. 2/3 Congress or 2/3 States Convention
A state law passes a law saying it will only extradite accused criminals to another state if its own governor personally approves each request. The state argues that this protects its "state sovereignty" under Article IV. Which constitutional rule actually determines whether the state can enforce this policy?
A. The Guarantee Clause, because the states must maintain a republican form of government.
B. The Supremacy Clause, because states cannot override constitutional obligations.
C. The Full Faith & Credit Clause, because states must respect each other's public acts.
D. The Admissions Clause, because states must follow federal guidelines for statehood.
B. The Supremacy Clause, because states cannot override constitutional obligations.