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Topic 5 · Competency 2: The U.S. Constitution

The Articles of the Constitution: Practice Questions

146 practice questions on the Preamble and all seven Articles, plus expressed, implied, inherent, reserved, and concurrent powers. Answers are hidden until you click "Show answer."

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Original practice questions written to the FCLE competencies, not actual exam items.

Article III: The Judicial Branch (18)

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  1. Which article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower federal courts?

    1. Article II
    2. Article I
    3. Article V
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    D. Article III: Article III establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower federal courts.

  2. Which court has original jurisdiction in cases in which a state is a party?

    1. the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    2. a state supreme court
    3. the U.S. Supreme Court
    4. a U.S. district court only
    Show answer

    C. the U.S. Supreme Court: Article III gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction over such cases.

  3. How many justices currently sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?

    1. twelve
    2. eleven
    3. nine
    4. seven
    Show answer

    C. nine: Congress has fixed the Court at nine justices since 1869.

  4. Which article of the U.S. Constitution provides that federal judges hold office during 'good behaviour'?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article VII
    3. Article III
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    C. Article III: Article III provides that federal judges hold office during 'good behaviour'.

  5. How long do federal judges serve?

    1. until age 65
    2. ten years
    3. four years, matching the president
    4. during good behavior, which in practice is often for life
    Show answer

    D. during good behavior, which in practice is often for life: Article III provides tenure during good behavior.

  6. Which article of the U.S. Constitution guarantees a jury trial for federal crimes, except impeachment?

    1. Article III
    2. Article VI
    3. Article V
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    A. Article III: Article III guarantees a jury trial for federal crimes, except impeachment.

  7. Which federal courts are the trial courts of the federal system?

    1. state circuit courts
    2. U.S. district courts
    3. U.S. courts of appeals
    4. the U.S. Supreme Court
    Show answer

    B. U.S. district courts: District courts hear federal cases first.

  8. Which article of the U.S. Constitution defines treason as levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies?

    1. Article V
    2. Article III
    3. Article VII
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    B. Article III: Article III defines treason as levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies.

  9. Article III says federal judges "shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour." What does this mean?

    1. They may serve for life unless they resign, retire, or are impeached and removed.
    2. They must be reelected every six years.
    3. They serve until the president replaces them.
    4. They must retire at age 70.
    Show answer

    A. They may serve for life unless they resign, retire, or are impeached and removed.: Life tenure and protected salaries are meant to keep judges independent of political pressure.

  10. How does Article III define treason against the United States?

    1. Criticizing the president in a newspaper
    2. Refusing to pay federal taxes
    3. Moving to another country
    4. Levying war against the United States, or adhering to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort
    Show answer

    D. Levying war against the United States, or adhering to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort: Treason is the only crime defined in the Constitution. Conviction requires two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court.

  11. Which federal court does Article III specifically create?

    1. The U.S. Courts of Appeals
    2. The U.S. District Courts
    3. One Supreme Court
    4. The U.S. Tax Court
    Show answer

    C. One Supreme Court: Article III vests judicial power "in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

  12. Who sets the number of justices on the Supreme Court?

    1. The Constitution, which fixes it at nine
    2. The president, by executive order
    3. The Chief Justice
    4. Congress, by law
    Show answer

    D. Congress, by law: The Constitution does not set the number. Congress has changed it several times; it has been nine since 1869.

  13. Federal judges hold their offices

    1. for ten-year terms
    2. until age 65
    3. during good behavior, which in practice means for life
    4. for two-year terms
    Show answer

    C. during good behavior, which in practice means for life: Article III gives judges tenure "during good Behaviour" and protects their pay.

  14. Treason against the United States is defined in Article III as

    1. criticizing the president
    2. refusing to pay taxes
    3. leaving the country without permission
    4. levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies
    Show answer

    D. levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies: Article III narrowly defines treason and requires two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court.

  15. The creation of one Supreme Court appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article III
    2. Article II
    3. Article VI
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    A. Article III: The creation of one Supreme Court is in Article III.

  16. In which article of the Constitution would you find the definition of treason?

    1. Article III
    2. Article I
    3. Article II
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    A. Article III: The definition of treason is in Article III.

  17. A student wants to read the life tenure of federal judges "during good Behaviour". Which article should she open?

    1. Article II
    2. Article III
    3. Article I
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article III: The life tenure of federal judges "during good Behaviour" is in Article III.

  18. The right to a jury trial for federal crimes in the original text appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article III
    2. Article IV
    3. Article V
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    A. Article III: The right to a jury trial for federal crimes in the original text is in Article III.

Types of Powers: Expressed, Implied, Inherent, Reserved, Concurrent (35)

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  1. Under the U.S. Constitution, establishing public schools is best classified as which type of power?

    1. reserved power
    2. expressed power
    3. implied power
    4. concurrent power
    Show answer

    A. reserved power: Establishing public schools is a reserved power: powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

  2. Under the U.S. Constitution, establishing post offices is best classified as which type of power?

    1. implied power
    2. expressed power
    3. reserved power
    4. concurrent power
    Show answer

    B. expressed power: Establishing post offices is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  3. Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power (powers shared by the national and state governments)?

    1. declaring war
    2. borrowing money
    3. coining money
    4. making treaties
    Show answer

    B. borrowing money: Borrowing money is a concurrent power.

  4. Under the U.S. Constitution, coining money is best classified as which type of power?

    1. reserved power
    2. concurrent power
    3. expressed power
    4. implied power
    Show answer

    C. expressed power: Coining money is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  5. Under the U.S. Constitution, declaring war is best classified as which type of power?

    1. reserved power
    2. expressed power
    3. concurrent power
    4. implied power
    Show answer

    B. expressed power: Declaring war is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  6. Which term describes powers specifically listed in the Constitution?

    1. implied powers
    2. expressed powers
    3. reserved powers
    4. concurrent powers
    Show answer

    B. expressed powers: Expressed powers are powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  7. Which term describes powers shared by the national and state governments?

    1. implied powers
    2. concurrent powers
    3. reserved powers
    4. expressed powers
    Show answer

    B. concurrent powers: Concurrent powers are powers shared by the national and state governments.

  8. Under the U.S. Constitution, making and enforcing laws is best classified as which type of power?

    1. implied power
    2. concurrent power
    3. expressed power
    4. reserved power
    Show answer

    B. concurrent power: Making and enforcing laws is a concurrent power: powers shared by the national and state governments.

  9. Under the U.S. Constitution, creating a national bank is best classified as which type of power?

    1. concurrent power
    2. expressed power
    3. implied power
    4. reserved power
    Show answer

    C. implied power: Creating a national bank is an implied power: powers not listed but reasonably derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

  10. Which article of the U.S. Constitution lists the enumerated powers of Congress?

    1. Article III
    2. Article V
    3. Article VII
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    D. Article I: Article I lists the enumerated powers of Congress.

  11. Under the U.S. Constitution, issuing driver's licenses is best classified as which type of power?

    1. reserved power
    2. expressed power
    3. concurrent power
    4. implied power
    Show answer

    A. reserved power: Issuing driver's licenses is a reserved power: powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

  12. Under the U.S. Constitution, creating the Air Force is best classified as which type of power?

    1. concurrent power
    2. implied power
    3. expressed power
    4. reserved power
    Show answer

    B. implied power: Creating the Air Force is an implied power: powers not listed but reasonably derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

  13. Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power (powers shared by the national and state governments)?

    1. coining money
    2. establishing a federal minimum wage
    3. issuing driver's licenses
    4. collecting taxes
    Show answer

    D. collecting taxes: Collecting taxes is a concurrent power.

  14. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. making treaties
    2. creating the Air Force
    3. creating local governments
    4. issuing driver's licenses
    Show answer

    A. making treaties: Making treaties is an expressed power.

  15. Under the U.S. Constitution, borrowing money is best classified as which type of power?

    1. implied power
    2. concurrent power
    3. expressed power
    4. reserved power
    Show answer

    B. concurrent power: Borrowing money is a concurrent power: powers shared by the national and state governments.

  16. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. establishing public schools
    2. regulating interstate commerce
    3. creating the Air Force
    4. issuing driver's licenses
    Show answer

    B. regulating interstate commerce: Regulating interstate commerce is an expressed power.

  17. Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power (powers shared by the national and state governments)?

    1. making and enforcing laws
    2. creating local governments
    3. establishing post offices
    4. issuing marriage licenses
    Show answer

    A. making and enforcing laws: Making and enforcing laws is a concurrent power.

  18. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. establishing public schools
    2. raising and supporting armies
    3. creating the Air Force
    4. making and enforcing laws
    Show answer

    B. raising and supporting armies: Raising and supporting armies is an expressed power.

  19. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. making and enforcing laws
    2. creating a national bank
    3. declaring war
    4. borrowing money
    Show answer

    C. declaring war: Declaring war is an expressed power.

  20. Under the U.S. Constitution, regulating interstate commerce is best classified as which type of power?

    1. expressed power
    2. reserved power
    3. implied power
    4. concurrent power
    Show answer

    A. expressed power: Regulating interstate commerce is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  21. Under the U.S. Constitution, issuing marriage licenses is best classified as which type of power?

    1. implied power
    2. concurrent power
    3. reserved power
    4. expressed power
    Show answer

    C. reserved power: Issuing marriage licenses is a reserved power: powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

  22. Under the U.S. Constitution, raising and supporting armies is best classified as which type of power?

    1. implied power
    2. reserved power
    3. concurrent power
    4. expressed power
    Show answer

    D. expressed power: Raising and supporting armies is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  23. Under the U.S. Constitution, making treaties is best classified as which type of power?

    1. expressed power
    2. implied power
    3. reserved power
    4. concurrent power
    Show answer

    A. expressed power: Making treaties is an expressed power: powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

  24. Under the U.S. Constitution, creating local governments is best classified as which type of power?

    1. concurrent power
    2. implied power
    3. reserved power
    4. expressed power
    Show answer

    C. reserved power: Creating local governments is a reserved power: powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

  25. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. coining money
    2. collecting taxes
    3. making and enforcing laws
    4. borrowing money
    Show answer

    A. coining money: Coining money is an expressed power.

  26. Under the U.S. Constitution, collecting taxes is best classified as which type of power?

    1. reserved power
    2. expressed power
    3. implied power
    4. concurrent power
    Show answer

    D. concurrent power: Collecting taxes is a concurrent power: powers shared by the national and state governments.

  27. What was the significance of the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

    1. The Court ruled that burning the American flag as political protest is symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.
    2. The Court held that Congress had implied power to create a national bank and that a state could not tax it.
    3. The Court required police to inform suspects in custody of their rights to remain silent and to an attorney before questioning.
    4. The Court recognized a constitutional right to privacy that included a woman's decision to have an abortion (later overturned in Dobbs v. Jackson, 2022).
    Show answer

    B. The Court held that Congress had implied power to create a national bank and that a state could not tax it.: In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Court held that Congress had implied power to create a national bank and that a state could not tax it.

  28. Which of the following is an example of an expressed power (powers specifically listed in the Constitution)?

    1. establishing public schools
    2. creating the Air Force
    3. establishing post offices
    4. issuing marriage licenses
    Show answer

    C. establishing post offices: Establishing post offices is an expressed power.

  29. Under the U.S. Constitution, drafting citizens into the military is best classified as which type of power?

    1. expressed power
    2. concurrent power
    3. reserved power
    4. implied power
    Show answer

    D. implied power: Drafting citizens into the military is an implied power: powers not listed but reasonably derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

  30. Which statement best describes implied powers?

    1. Powers that belong only to the states
    2. Powers not listed in the Constitution but reasonably drawn from the expressed powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause
    3. Powers listed word for word in Article I, Section 8
    4. Powers that the president gains during wartime only
    Show answer

    B. Powers not listed in the Constitution but reasonably drawn from the expressed powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause: In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Court held that Congress could create a national bank as a means of carrying out its expressed powers.

  31. Congress votes to fund new post offices in rural Florida. This is an example of

    1. a reserved power.
    2. an expressed (enumerated) power.
    3. an inherent power of the states.
    4. a power denied to Congress.
    Show answer

    B. an expressed (enumerated) power.: Article I, Section 8 lists the power "To establish Post Offices and post Roads."

  32. Which statement best describes inherent powers?

    1. Powers the national government has because it is a sovereign nation, such as controlling immigration
    2. Powers that only state governments have
    3. Powers given to the courts by the president
    4. Powers that citizens hold under the Ninth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Powers the national government has because it is a sovereign nation, such as controlling immigration: Inherent powers come from the nature of national sovereignty, especially in foreign affairs, rather than from specific words in the Constitution.

  33. Creating county governments and setting up public school systems are examples of

    1. reserved powers.
    2. expressed powers of Congress.
    3. inherent powers of the president.
    4. powers denied to the states.
    Show answer

    A. reserved powers.: Powers not delegated to the national government are reserved to the states under the Tenth Amendment.

  34. All of the following are expressed powers of Congress EXCEPT

    1. coining money
    2. issuing driver's licenses
    3. declaring war
    4. regulating commerce with foreign nations
    Show answer

    B. issuing driver's licenses: Driver's licensing is a reserved state power. The others are listed in Article I, Section 8.

  35. The power to tax is held by both the national and state governments. This is an example of

    1. a reserved power
    2. a concurrent power
    3. an implied power
    4. an inherent power of only the states
    Show answer

    B. a concurrent power: Concurrent powers are shared by both levels of government.

Article I: The Legislative Branch (40)

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  1. How long is the term of a U.S. senator?

    1. eight years
    2. four years
    3. two years
    4. six years
    Show answer

    D. six years: Article I sets six-year Senate terms, with one-third elected every two years.

  2. Who has the power to set the number of justices on the Supreme Court?

    1. the states
    2. Congress
    3. the Chief Justice
    4. the president
    Show answer

    B. Congress: The number is set by federal statute.

  3. A bill becomes law without the president's signature if the president does not act on it within ten days (Sundays excepted) while Congress is

    1. on recess for elections
    2. in session
    3. adjourned
    4. meeting in joint session only
    Show answer

    B. in session: If Congress adjourns in that period, the bill dies by 'pocket veto.'

  4. Which article of the U.S. Constitution gives the House the sole power of impeachment?

    1. Article III
    2. Article I
    3. Article V
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    B. Article I: Article I gives the House the sole power of impeachment.

  5. Which article of the U.S. Constitution sets the qualifications for members of the House and Senate?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article I
    3. Article II
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    B. Article I: Article I sets the qualifications for members of the House and Senate.

  6. Which article of the U.S. Constitution provides that Congress may override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote in each house?

    1. Article VII
    2. Article VI
    3. Article V
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    D. Article I: Article I provides that Congress may override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote in each house.

  7. Which power belongs to Congress under Article I?

    1. commanding the armed forces
    2. nominating Supreme Court justices
    3. declaring war
    4. granting pardons
    Show answer

    C. declaring war: Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to declare war.

  8. A 'pocket veto' occurs when

    1. the president does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns within ten days
    2. the Senate rejects a treaty
    3. Congress overrides a veto
    4. the Supreme Court strikes down a law
    Show answer

    A. the president does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns within ten days: Article I allows a bill to die if Congress's adjournment prevents its return.

  9. Which article of the U.S. Constitution requires revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives?

    1. Article III
    2. Article IV
    3. Article I
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    C. Article I: Article I requires revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives.

  10. How many voting members serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    1. 538
    2. 100
    3. 50
    4. 435
    Show answer

    D. 435: House size has been fixed by law at 435 since 1911 (with a brief exception in 1959-63).

  11. Which officer presides over the House of Representatives?

    1. the Chief Justice
    2. the vice president
    3. the president pro tempore
    4. the Speaker of the House
    Show answer

    D. the Speaker of the House: The House chooses its Speaker under Article I.

  12. Article I forbids Congress from granting

    1. titles of nobility
    2. naturalization
    3. copyrights
    4. patents
    Show answer

    A. titles of nobility: Article I, Section 9 bars titles of nobility.

  13. What is the minimum age to serve in the U.S. Senate?

    1. 40
    2. 25
    3. 35
    4. 30
    Show answer

    D. 30: Article I requires senators to be at least 30.

  14. Which article of the U.S. Constitution establishes Congress as a bicameral legislature?

    1. Article I
    2. Article II
    3. Article IV
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    A. Article I: Article I establishes Congress as a bicameral legislature.

  15. How long is the term of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives?

    1. two years
    2. life
    3. six years
    4. four years
    Show answer

    A. two years: Article I sets two-year House terms.

  16. Who presides over the Senate when a president is tried on impeachment charges?

    1. the Speaker of the House
    2. the vice president
    3. the Senate majority leader
    4. the Chief Justice of the United States
    Show answer

    D. the Chief Justice of the United States: Article I assigns the Chief Justice to preside over presidential impeachment trials.

  17. Which article of the Constitution grants the power to coin money and to levy import duties?

    1. Article III
    2. Article IV
    3. Article I
    4. Article II
    Show answer

    C. Article I: These are enumerated powers of Congress in Article I, Section 8.

  18. Which body has the sole power to try impeachments?

    1. the Supreme Court
    2. the Senate
    3. the House of Representatives
    4. the Electoral College
    Show answer

    B. the Senate: The Senate tries impeachments; a two-thirds vote is needed to convict.

  19. What is the minimum age to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    1. 21
    2. 25
    3. 30
    4. 35
    Show answer

    B. 25: Article I requires House members to be at least 25.

  20. Which power does the Constitution give only to the Senate?

    1. approving presidential appointments and treaties
    2. impeaching federal officials
    3. introducing tax bills
    4. electing the president in every election
    Show answer

    A. approving presidential appointments and treaties: The Senate alone gives "advice and consent" to presidential appointments and treaties (Article II). The House impeaches and originates tax bills.

  21. What vote is required in the Senate to convict and remove an impeached official?

    1. unanimous consent
    2. a simple majority
    3. two-thirds of senators present
    4. three-fourths
    Show answer

    C. two-thirds of senators present: Article I requires two-thirds for conviction.

  22. What are the constitutional requirements to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    1. At least 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state
    2. At least 35 years old and a natural-born citizen
    3. At least 21 years old and a property owner
    4. At least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented
    Show answer

    D. At least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented: Article I, Section 2 sets these qualifications. Senators must be 30 and citizens for 9 years.

  23. What are the constitutional requirements to serve in the U.S. Senate?

    1. At least 25 years old and a citizen for 7 years
    2. At least 35 years old and a resident for 14 years
    3. At least 40 years old and a natural-born citizen
    4. At least 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented
    Show answer

    D. At least 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented: Article I, Section 3 sets these qualifications for senators.

  24. How long is a senator's term, and how are Senate elections staggered?

    1. Two years, with the whole Senate elected at once
    2. Four years, with half elected every two years
    3. Six years, with about one-third of the Senate elected every two years
    4. Life, unless impeached
    Show answer

    C. Six years, with about one-third of the Senate elected every two years: Staggered six-year terms make the Senate a more stable, continuing body than the House, whose members all face election every two years.

  25. Under Article I, where must all bills for raising revenue begin?

    1. In the Senate
    2. In the Treasury Department
    3. In the House of Representatives
    4. In the Supreme Court
    Show answer

    C. In the House of Representatives: The Origination Clause (Article I, Section 7) gives the House, the chamber closest to the people, the first say on taxes.

  26. Article I, Section 9 prohibits the United States from

    1. collecting taxes on income.
    2. creating federal courts.
    3. admitting new states.
    4. granting titles of nobility.
    Show answer

    D. granting titles of nobility.: "No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States." Section 10 places the same ban on the states.

  27. Who presides over the House of Representatives?

    1. The vice president
    2. The Chief Justice
    3. The president pro tempore
    4. The Speaker of the House, chosen by the House members
    Show answer

    D. The Speaker of the House, chosen by the House members: Article I says the House "shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers." The vice president presides over the Senate.

  28. Congress sends the president a bill and then adjourns within ten days. The president neither signs nor returns it, so the bill does not become law. What is this called?

    1. A line-item veto
    2. A filibuster
    3. A pocket veto
    4. A veto override
    Show answer

    C. A pocket veto: Normally an unsigned bill becomes law after ten days (Sundays excepted), but if Congress's adjournment prevents its return, the bill dies.

  29. While Congress is in session, what happens if the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within ten days (Sundays excepted)?

    1. The bill dies automatically.
    2. The bill becomes law without the president's signature.
    3. The bill goes to the Supreme Court.
    4. The bill returns to committee.
    Show answer

    B. The bill becomes law without the president's signature.: Article I, Section 7 provides that such a bill "shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it."

  30. Which power belongs only to the House of Representatives?

    1. Ratifying treaties
    2. Bringing articles of impeachment
    3. Confirming judges
    4. Trying impeachments
    Show answer

    B. Bringing articles of impeachment: The House has the sole power of impeachment; the Senate tries impeachments and confirms appointments and treaties.

  31. Bills for raising revenue must begin in

    1. the Senate
    2. the Supreme Court
    3. the president's Cabinet
    4. the House of Representatives
    Show answer

    D. the House of Representatives: Article I, Section 7: all bills for raising revenue originate in the House.

  32. In which article of the Constitution would you find the power of Congress to declare war?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article I
    3. Article II
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The power of Congress to declare war is in Article I.

  33. A student wants to read the requirement that revenue bills start in the House. Which article should she open?

    1. Article II
    2. Article I
    3. Article III
    4. Article VI
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The requirement that revenue bills start in the House is in Article I.

  34. The list of enumerated powers of Congress appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article II
    2. Article I
    3. Article III
    4. Article VI
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The list of enumerated powers of Congress is in Article I.

  35. In which article of the Constitution would you find the Necessary and Proper Clause?

    1. Article I
    2. Article IV
    3. Article VII
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    A. Article I: The Necessary and Proper Clause is in Article I.

  36. A student wants to read the ban on ex post facto laws and bills of attainder. Which article should she open?

    1. Article III
    2. Article I
    3. Article II
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The ban on ex post facto laws and bills of attainder is in Article I.

  37. The qualifications for members of the House appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article IV
    2. Article I
    3. Article VII
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The qualifications for members of the House is in Article I.

  38. In which article of the Constitution would you find the rule that the vice president presides over the Senate?

    1. Article I
    2. Article VII
    3. Article II
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    A. Article I: The rule that the vice president presides over the Senate is in Article I.

  39. A student wants to read the process for a bill to become law and the veto override. Which article should she open?

    1. Article II
    2. Article I
    3. Article V
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The process for a bill to become law and the veto override is in Article I.

  40. The Suspension Clause on habeas corpus appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article III
    2. Article I
    3. Article IV
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article I: The Suspension Clause on habeas corpus is in Article I.

Article VII: Ratification (3)

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  1. Which article of the U.S. Constitution states that ratification by nine states is sufficient to establish the Constitution?

    1. Article I
    2. Article VII
    3. Article IV
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    B. Article VII: Article VII states that ratification by nine states is sufficient to establish the Constitution.

  2. How many state ratifying conventions had to approve the Constitution for it to take effect among those states?

    1. Seven
    2. Thirteen
    3. Nine
    4. Eleven
    Show answer

    C. Nine: Article VII: "The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient."

  3. A student wants to read the rule that nine states' ratification would establish the Constitution. Which article should she open?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article IV
    3. Article II
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    D. Article VII: The rule that nine states' ratification would establish the Constitution is in Article VII.

Article VI: Supremacy, Debts, and Oaths (5)

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  1. Which article of the U.S. Constitution declares the Constitution the supreme law of the land?

    1. Article III
    2. Article V
    3. Article VI
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    C. Article VI: Article VI declares the Constitution the supreme law of the land.

  2. Which article of the U.S. Constitution forbids any religious test as a qualification for public office?

    1. Article IV
    2. Article III
    3. Article VI
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    C. Article VI: Article VI forbids any religious test as a qualification for public office.

  3. Article VI states that debts the United States owed before the Constitution was adopted

    1. were cancelled.
    2. became the responsibility of the states alone.
    3. would be just as valid under the Constitution as under the Articles of Confederation.
    4. would be paid by Great Britain.
    Show answer

    C. would be just as valid under the Constitution as under the Articles of Confederation.: Article VI assured creditors that the new government would honor the debts of the Confederation.

  4. Under Article VI, which officials must take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution?

    1. Only the president
    2. Only federal judges
    3. Members of Congress and state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers of the national and state governments
    4. Only members of the armed forces
    Show answer

    C. Members of Congress and state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers of the national and state governments: Article VI binds state as well as federal officials to support the Constitution, and adds that no religious test shall ever be required for office.

  5. The Supremacy Clause appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article II
    2. Article V
    3. Article VI
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    C. Article VI: The Supremacy Clause is in Article VI.

Article II: The Executive Branch (21)

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  1. What is the minimum age to serve as president?

    1. 40
    2. 45
    3. 35
    4. 30
    Show answer

    C. 35: Article II requires the president to be at least 35.

  2. The power of the president to make agreements with foreign leaders that do not need Senate approval is exercised through

    1. executive agreements
    2. bills of attainder
    3. joint resolutions
    4. treaties
    Show answer

    A. executive agreements: Executive agreements are made by the president alone.

  3. Which article of the U.S. Constitution sets the qualifications of a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and 14 years a resident for the presidency?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article V
    3. Article II
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    C. Article II: Article II sets the qualifications of a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and 14 years a resident for the presidency.

  4. Which article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the executive branch led by the president?

    1. Article II
    2. Article III
    3. Article IV
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    A. Article II: Article II establishes the executive branch led by the president.

  5. Which article of the U.S. Constitution requires the president to give Congress information on the State of the Union?

    1. Article III
    2. Article VII
    3. Article II
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    C. Article II: Article II requires the president to give Congress information on the State of the Union.

  6. Which power belongs to the president under Article II?

    1. approving treaties
    2. granting pardons for federal offenses
    3. coining money
    4. declaring war
    Show answer

    B. granting pardons for federal offenses: Article II gives the president the pardon power, except in impeachment cases.

  7. Under Article II, who becomes president if the president dies, resigns, or is removed?

    1. the secretary of state
    2. the vice president
    3. the Speaker of the House
    4. the Chief Justice
    Show answer

    B. the vice president: The vice president is first in the line of succession.

  8. Which article of the U.S. Constitution contains the presidential oath of office?

    1. Article II
    2. Article VI
    3. Article III
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    A. Article II: Article II contains the presidential oath of office.

  9. Under Article II, the president must be

    1. a natural-born citizen
    2. a former governor
    3. at least 40 years old
    4. a member of Congress
    Show answer

    A. a natural-born citizen: Article II requires a natural-born citizen.

  10. Which article of the U.S. Constitution gives the president power to make treaties with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate?

    1. Article IV
    2. Article I
    3. Article II
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    C. Article II: Article II gives the president power to make treaties with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate.

  11. What are the constitutional qualifications to be president?

    1. A citizen for 9 years and at least 30 years old
    2. At least 40 years old and a former governor
    3. A citizen for 7 years and at least 25 years old
    4. A natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for 14 years
    Show answer

    D. A natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for 14 years: Article II, Section 1 sets these three requirements.

  12. Which power does Article II give the president?

    1. Granting reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment
    2. Declaring war
    3. Coining money
    4. Approving treaties by a two-thirds vote
    Show answer

    A. Granting reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment: The pardon power applies only to federal crimes and cannot undo an impeachment.

  13. Article II requires the president to report to Congress "from time to time" on

    1. the State of the Union.
    2. the size of the federal courts.
    3. the results of the census.
    4. the decisions of the Supreme Court.
    Show answer

    A. the State of the Union.: Article II, Section 3 says the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union."

  14. Which oath is written into Article II of the Constitution?

    1. The Pledge of Allegiance
    2. The oath of naturalization
    3. The oath taken by jurors
    4. The president's promise to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States"
    Show answer

    D. The president's promise to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States": Article II, Section 1 contains the exact words of the presidential oath of office.

  15. All of the following are powers of the president under Article II EXCEPT

    1. serving as commander in chief
    2. making treaties with the Senate's consent
    3. nominating ambassadors and federal judges
    4. appropriating money from the Treasury
    Show answer

    D. appropriating money from the Treasury: Only Congress can appropriate money (Article I, Section 9). The other powers are listed in Article II.

  16. Which power does Article II give the president?

    1. Granting pardons for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment
    2. Declaring war
    3. Coining money
    4. Ratifying treaties alone
    Show answer

    A. Granting pardons for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment: The president may grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except impeachment.

  17. A student wants to read the president's power as commander in chief. Which article should she open?

    1. Article I
    2. Article II
    3. Article VII
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article II: The president's power as commander in chief is in Article II.

  18. The method of choosing the president through electors appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article I
    2. Article III
    3. Article II
    4. Article VI
    Show answer

    C. Article II: The method of choosing the president through electors is in Article II.

  19. A student wants to read the president's power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate. Which article should she open?

    1. Article VII
    2. Article II
    3. Article V
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    B. Article II: The president's power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate is in Article II.

  20. The grounds for impeaching the president: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article II
    3. Article IV
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    B. Article II: The grounds for impeaching the president: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors is in Article II.

  21. In which article of the Constitution would you find the requirement that the president be a natural-born citizen?

    1. Article I
    2. Article II
    3. Article III
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    B. Article II: The requirement that the president be a natural-born citizen is in Article II.

The Preamble (9)

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  1. Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals of the Preamble's opening, 'We the People'?

    1. Transcendentalism
    2. the Enlightenment
    3. Progressivism
    4. the Reformation
    Show answer

    B. the Enlightenment: The Enlightenment taught that government rests on the people.

  2. Which purpose in the Preamble is best served when the federal government sends aid after a hurricane?

    1. form a more perfect Union
    2. provide for the common defence
    3. establish Justice
    4. promote the general Welfare
    Show answer

    D. promote the general Welfare: Disaster relief promotes the well-being of the people.

  3. The U.S. Congress fulfilled which purpose of government in the Preamble when it declared war on Japan after Pearl Harbor?

    1. providing for the common defence
    2. ensuring domestic tranquility
    3. promoting the general welfare
    4. establishing justice
    Show answer

    A. providing for the common defence: Defending the nation from attack is the common defense.

  4. Which part of the Constitution lists the purposes of the government, such as to 'establish Justice' and 'provide for the common defence'?

    1. the Tenth Amendment
    2. the Preamble
    3. Article VII
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    B. the Preamble: The Preamble states the goals of the Constitution.

  5. Which purpose in the Preamble is best served by the creation of a federal court system?

    1. promote the general Welfare
    2. secure the Blessings of Liberty
    3. establish Justice
    4. provide for the common defence
    Show answer

    C. establish Justice: Courts administer justice.

  6. Which of the following is one of the goals listed in the Preamble to the Constitution?

    1. "insure domestic Tranquility"
    2. "establish a national church"
    3. "abolish the several States"
    4. "guarantee every citizen a job"
    Show answer

    A. "insure domestic Tranquility": The Preamble lists six goals: a more perfect Union, justice, domestic tranquility, the common defense, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty.

  7. The Preamble's phrase "in Order to form a more perfect Union" most directly reflects the Framers' desire to

    1. restore rule by the British Crown.
    2. fix the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation.
    3. give each state the power to leave the Union.
    4. create a direct democracy.
    Show answer

    B. fix the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation.: The Constitution replaced the Articles, whose weak central government could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

  8. Which statement about the Preamble is accurate?

    1. It states the purposes of the Constitution but does not itself grant any powers.
    2. It lists the powers of Congress.
    3. It was added as the First Amendment.
    4. It may be changed by an act of Congress.
    Show answer

    A. It states the purposes of the Constitution but does not itself grant any powers.: Courts have treated the Preamble as a statement of purpose. Specific powers are granted in the Articles that follow.

  9. All of the following goals appear in the Preamble EXCEPT

    1. "establish Justice"
    2. "provide for the common defence"
    3. "preserve the sovereignty of each State"
    4. "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity"
    Show answer

    C. "preserve the sovereignty of each State": State sovereignty language comes from the Articles of Confederation (Article II), not the Preamble of the Constitution.

Article IV: Relations Among the States (10)

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  1. Which article of the U.S. Constitution describes how new states may be admitted to the Union?

    1. Article II
    2. Article IV
    3. Article I
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    B. Article IV: Article IV describes how new states may be admitted to the Union.

  2. Which article of the Constitution gives Congress the power to admit new states?

    1. Article I
    2. Article VII
    3. Article IV
    4. Article V
    Show answer

    C. Article IV: Article IV, Section 3 covers new states.

  3. Which article of the U.S. Constitution requires states to return fugitives from justice to the state where the crime occurred?

    1. Article II
    2. Article VI
    3. Article III
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    D. Article IV: Article IV requires states to return fugitives from justice to the state where the crime occurred.

  4. Article IV's Extradition Clause requires a state to

    1. return a fugitive accused of a crime to the state where the crime was committed
    2. guarantee jury trials
    3. admit new states
    4. collect federal taxes
    Show answer

    A. return a fugitive accused of a crime to the state where the crime was committed: States must deliver up fugitives upon demand of the governor of the state they fled.

  5. A person charged with robbery in Georgia flees to Florida. Georgia's governor asks Florida to send the person back. Which part of the Constitution addresses this?

    1. Article I's Commerce Clause
    2. Article II's pardon power
    3. Article IV's extradition provision
    4. The Tenth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Article IV's extradition provision: Article IV, Section 2 requires that a person charged with a crime who flees to another state be delivered up on demand of the governor of the state from which he fled.

  6. Article IV gives Congress the power to

    1. choose the president when there is a tie.
    2. admit new states into the Union.
    3. appoint state governors.
    4. set the salaries of state judges.
    Show answer

    B. admit new states into the Union.: Article IV, Section 3 provides that "New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union." Florida was admitted in 1845.

  7. In which article of the Constitution would you find the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

    1. Article V
    2. Article VI
    3. Article III
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    D. Article IV: The Full Faith and Credit Clause is in Article IV.

  8. A student wants to read the admission of new states. Which article should she open?

    1. Article V
    2. Article I
    3. Article VII
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    D. Article IV: The admission of new states is in Article IV.

  9. The Privileges and Immunities Clause appears in which article of the Constitution?

    1. Article IV
    2. Article I
    3. Article III
    4. Article VII
    Show answer

    A. Article IV: The Privileges and Immunities Clause is in Article IV.

  10. In which article of the Constitution would you find the guarantee of a republican form of government to every state?

    1. Article V
    2. Article VII
    3. Article IV
    4. Article I
    Show answer

    C. Article IV: The guarantee of a republican form of government to every state is in Article IV.

Article V: The Amendment Process (5)

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  1. Which article of the U.S. Constitution describes the process for amending the Constitution?

    1. Article V
    2. Article VII
    3. Article I
    4. Article IV
    Show answer

    A. Article V: Article V describes the process for amending the Constitution.

  2. Which describes the two ways the Constitution allows amendments to be proposed?

    1. A majority vote of the Supreme Court, or a presidential order
    2. A national popular vote, or a vote of the governors
    3. A three-fourths vote of the Senate only
    4. A two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress, or a convention called at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures
    Show answer

    D. A two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress, or a convention called at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures: Article V. Every amendment so far has been proposed by Congress.

  3. Under Article V, what is required to ratify a proposed amendment?

    1. Approval by a majority of voters nationwide
    2. Approval by the president and the Supreme Court
    3. Approval by two-thirds of the states
    4. Approval by three-fourths of the states, through their legislatures or ratifying conventions
    Show answer

    D. Approval by three-fourths of the states, through their legislatures or ratifying conventions: With 50 states, 38 must ratify.

  4. Which method of proposing amendments has been used for all 27 amendments?

    1. A national convention called by the states
    2. A national popular vote
    3. A two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress
    4. An order of the president
    Show answer

    C. A two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress: Every amendment so far was proposed by Congress; none came from a convention called by two-thirds of the states.

  5. A student wants to read the procedures for proposing and ratifying amendments. Which article should she open?

    1. Article VI
    2. Article V
    3. Article IV
    4. Article III
    Show answer

    B. Article V: The procedures for proposing and ratifying amendments is in Article V.