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Topic 7 · Competency 2: The U.S. Constitution

The Later Amendments: Practice Questions

111 practice questions on amendments 11 through 27, civic participation, and selective incorporation. Answers are hidden until you click "Show answer."

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

Nineteenth Amendment (1920): Women's Suffrage (6)

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  1. The Constitution helped expand civil rights over time chiefly because it

    1. was written only for property owners
    2. can be amended, as with the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments
    3. cannot be changed
    4. gives the president power to grant rights
    Show answer

    B. can be amended, as with the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments: Amendments extended rights to more Americans.

  2. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    Before 1920, a state refuses to let women vote in its elections.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Sixteenth Amendment
    2. Seventeenth Amendment
    3. Twenty-fourth Amendment
    4. Nineteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Nineteenth Amendment: The Nineteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.

  3. Which statement best describes the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It requires electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.
    2. It prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.
    3. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
    4. It reserves to the states or the people the powers not delegated to the federal government.
    Show answer

    B. It prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.: The Nineteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.

  4. The Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1919
    2. 1951
    3. 1971
    4. 1920
    Show answer

    D. 1920: The Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920.

  5. Which amendment prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex?

    1. Twenty-seventh Amendment
    2. Seventh Amendment
    3. Nineteenth Amendment
    4. Sixth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Nineteenth Amendment: The Nineteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.

  6. The Nineteenth Amendment is sometimes called the "Susan B. Anthony Amendment." Who was Susan B. Anthony?

    1. The first woman elected to Congress
    2. A Supreme Court justice who wrote the opinion requiring women's suffrage
    3. A leader of the women's suffrage movement who died before the amendment was ratified
    4. The first woman to serve as vice president
    Show answer

    C. A leader of the women's suffrage movement who died before the amendment was ratified: Anthony campaigned for decades and died in 1906, fourteen years before ratification.

Twenty-Seventh Amendment (1992): Congressional Pay (7)

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  1. Which amendment delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election?

    1. Fourth Amendment
    2. Twenty-seventh Amendment
    3. Sixteenth Amendment
    4. Eleventh Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Twenty-seventh Amendment: The Twenty-seventh Amendment delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.

  2. Which statement best describes the Twenty-seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.
    2. It bans poll taxes in federal elections.
    3. It prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes in peacetime without the owner's consent.
    4. It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause.
    Show answer

    A. It delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.: The Twenty-seventh Amendment delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.

  3. Which amendment, ratified in 1992, was originally proposed by James Madison in 1789?

    1. Twenty-seventh Amendment
    2. Twenty-first Amendment
    3. Eleventh Amendment
    4. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Twenty-seventh Amendment: The congressional pay amendment took over 200 years to ratify.

  4. What does the Twenty-Seventh Amendment provide?

    1. Members of Congress may not serve more than 12 years.
    2. Congress must balance the federal budget.
    3. A law changing the pay of members of Congress cannot take effect until after the next House election.
    4. Senators must be elected by popular vote.
    Show answer

    C. A law changing the pay of members of Congress cannot take effect until after the next House election.: Proposed in 1789 with the Bill of Rights, it was not ratified until 1992, more than 200 years later.

  5. In what year was the Twenty-Seventh Amendment, which delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election, ratified?

    1. 1971
    2. 1920
    3. 1913
    4. 1992
    Show answer

    D. 1992: The Twenty-Seventh Amendment was ratified in 1992.

  6. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Twelfth Amendment: defines citizenship and forbids states to deny due process or equal protection of the laws
    2. Fourteenth Amendment: forbids denying the vote on account of sex
    3. Nineteenth Amendment: requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president
    4. Twenty-Seventh Amendment: delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-Seventh Amendment: delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election: The Twenty-Seventh Amendment delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election.

  7. All of the following amendments expanded voting rights or voter participation EXCEPT

    1. the Twenty-Seventh Amendment
    2. the Twenty-Sixth Amendment
    3. the Fifteenth Amendment
    4. the Twenty-Fourth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. the Twenty-Seventh Amendment: The Twenty-Seventh Amendment delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election. The others expanded voting rights or let voters choose officials directly.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971): Voting Age 18 (5)

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  1. Which amendment lowers the voting age to eighteen?

    1. Eighteenth Amendment
    2. Twentieth Amendment
    3. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    4. Fifth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Twenty-sixth Amendment: The Twenty-sixth Amendment lowers the voting age to eighteen.

  2. Which statement best describes the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It lowers the voting age to eighteen.
    2. It protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, requires grand juries for serious federal crimes, guarantees due process, and requires just compensation for takings.
    3. It moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
    4. It prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
    Show answer

    A. It lowers the voting age to eighteen.: The Twenty-sixth Amendment lowers the voting age to eighteen.

  3. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A nineteen-year-old in 1965 is not allowed to vote in a state where the voting age is twenty-one.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    2. Twenty-fourth Amendment
    3. Twenty-third Amendment
    4. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Twenty-sixth Amendment: The Twenty-sixth Amendment lowers the voting age to eighteen.

  4. The Twenty-sixth Amendment, which lowers the voting age to eighteen, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1971
    2. 1913
    3. 1919
    4. 1951
    Show answer

    A. 1971: The Twenty-sixth Amendment was ratified in 1971.

  5. Supporters of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971) often argued that

    1. people old enough to be drafted to fight in Vietnam were old enough to vote.
    2. only college graduates should vote.
    3. the voting age should be raised to 25.
    4. senators should be elected by state legislatures.
    Show answer

    A. people old enough to be drafted to fight in Vietnam were old enough to vote.: The amendment lowered the voting age in all elections from 21 to 18. It was ratified in about 100 days.

Fourteenth Amendment (1868): Citizenship, Due Process, Equal Protection (11)

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  1. Which amendment defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws?

    1. Fourteenth Amendment
    2. Nineteenth Amendment
    3. Seventh Amendment
    4. First Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.

  2. Which amendment's guarantee of 'equal protection of the laws' has been most important in expanding civil rights?

    1. Eleventh Amendment
    2. Fourteenth Amendment
    3. Third Amendment
    4. Twenty-seventh Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Fourteenth Amendment: It was the basis of Brown v. Board and many later rulings.

  3. The Fourteenth Amendment, which defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1913
    2. 1971
    3. 1868
    4. 1964
    Show answer

    C. 1868: The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified in 1868.

  4. Which statement best describes the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
    2. It bans poll taxes in federal elections.
    3. It defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.
    4. It reserves to the states or the people the powers not delegated to the federal government.
    Show answer

    C. It defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.: The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.

  5. The Fourteenth Amendment's citizenship clause makes citizens of

    1. only people born in a state, not a territory
    2. only property owners
    3. only people whose parents were citizens
    4. all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction
    Show answer

    D. all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction: The clause overturned Dred Scott's denial of citizenship.

  6. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A state law forbids people of one ethnic group from serving on juries.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Sixth Amendment
    2. Thirteenth Amendment
    3. Fourteenth Amendment
    4. Eighth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.

  7. Which part of the Fourteenth Amendment directly overturned the holding of Dred Scott v. Sandford on citizenship?

    1. The Citizenship Clause
    2. The Equal Protection Clause
    3. The Due Process Clause
    4. Section 5, the enforcement clause
    Show answer

    A. The Citizenship Clause: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

  8. How did Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment change the way House seats are apportioned?

    1. It gave each state the same number of representatives.
    2. It counted only voters.
    3. It ended the census.
    4. It counted the whole number of persons in each state, replacing the Three-Fifths Clause.
    Show answer

    D. It counted the whole number of persons in each state, replacing the Three-Fifths Clause.: Section 2 apportions representatives "counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed."

  9. In what year was the Fourteenth Amendment ratified?

    1. 1868
    2. 1791
    3. 1865
    4. 1920
    Show answer

    A. 1868: The Thirteenth (1865), Fourteenth (1868), and Fifteenth (1870) are known as the Reconstruction Amendments.

  10. Which amendment overturned Dred Scott v. Sandford by establishing birthright citizenship?

    1. The Thirteenth Amendment
    2. The Fifteenth Amendment
    3. The Fourteenth Amendment
    4. The Nineteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. The Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourteenth Amendment (1868) made all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. citizens.

  11. "A state law requires separate public parks for people of different races." Which amendment would most directly be used to challenge this action?
    1. The Twenty-Third Amendment
    2. The Third Amendment
    3. The Ninth Amendment
    4. The Fourteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. The Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and forbids states to deny due process or equal protection of the laws.

Eleventh Amendment (1795): Suits Against States (6)

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  1. Which amendment limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court?

    1. Thirteenth Amendment
    2. Eleventh Amendment
    3. Eighteenth Amendment
    4. Twenty-fourth Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Eleventh Amendment: The Eleventh Amendment limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court.

  2. Which statement best describes the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court.
    2. It protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
    3. It prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
    4. It delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.
    Show answer

    A. It limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court.: The Eleventh Amendment limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court.

  3. The Eleventh Amendment (1795) responded to the case Chisholm v. Georgia by

    1. giving the Supreme Court power over all state courts.
    2. allowing states to sue the president.
    3. requiring states to pay all Revolutionary War debts.
    4. limiting federal courts from hearing lawsuits against a state brought by citizens of another state or a foreign country.
    Show answer

    D. limiting federal courts from hearing lawsuits against a state brought by citizens of another state or a foreign country.: In Chisholm (1793), the Court allowed a South Carolina citizen to sue Georgia. The states quickly ratified the Eleventh Amendment to reverse it.

  4. In what year was the Eleventh Amendment, which limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country, ratified?

    1. 1920
    2. 1870
    3. 1795
    4. 1992
    Show answer

    C. 1795: The Eleventh Amendment was ratified in 1795.

  5. Which of these amendments was ratified earliest?

    1. The Fourteenth Amendment (defines citizenship and forbids states to deny due process or equal protection of the laws)
    2. The Eleventh Amendment (limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country)
    3. The Eighteenth Amendment (prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages)
    4. The Twenty-First Amendment (repealed Prohibition)
    Show answer

    B. The Eleventh Amendment (limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country): Eleventh: 1795; Fourteenth: 1868; Eighteenth: 1919; Twenty-First: 1933.

  6. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Twentieth Amendment: bars quartering soldiers in private homes in peacetime without the owner's consent
    2. Third Amendment: forbids denying the vote on account of sex
    3. Nineteenth Amendment: moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January
    4. Eleventh Amendment: limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country
    Show answer

    D. Eleventh Amendment: limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country: The Eleventh Amendment limits federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or a foreign country.

Seventeenth Amendment (1913): Direct Election of Senators (6)

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  1. The Seventeenth Amendment changed civic participation by

    1. banning poll taxes
    2. lowering the voting age
    3. giving women the right to vote
    4. allowing voters to directly elect their U.S. senators
    Show answer

    D. allowing voters to directly elect their U.S. senators: Before 1913, state legislatures chose senators.

  2. Which statement best describes the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It limits the ability of citizens of one state or foreign countries to sue a state in federal court.
    2. It provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.
    3. It prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.
    4. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
    Show answer

    B. It provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.: The Seventeenth Amendment provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

  3. Which amendment provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people?

    1. Third Amendment
    2. Seventeenth Amendment
    3. Fifth Amendment
    4. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Seventeenth Amendment: The Seventeenth Amendment provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

  4. The Seventeenth Amendment, which provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1964
    2. 1913
    3. 1919
    4. 1791
    Show answer

    B. 1913: The Seventeenth Amendment was ratified in 1913.

  5. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    Before 1913, a state legislature, rather than voters, chooses the state's U.S. senators.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Seventeenth Amendment
    2. Eighteenth Amendment
    3. Twenty-third Amendment
    4. Sixteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Seventeenth Amendment: The Seventeenth Amendment provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

  6. Before the Seventeenth Amendment (1913), how were U.S. senators chosen?

    1. By direct popular vote
    2. By the House of Representatives
    3. By state legislatures
    4. By the governor of each state
    Show answer

    C. By state legislatures: The Seventeenth Amendment provided for direct election of senators by the people, a Progressive Era reform.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964): Poll Taxes Banned (5)

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  1. The Twenty-fourth Amendment, which bans poll taxes in federal elections, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1870
    2. 1933
    3. 1964
    4. 1791
    Show answer

    C. 1964: The Twenty-fourth Amendment was ratified in 1964.

  2. Which amendment bans poll taxes in federal elections?

    1. Seventeenth Amendment
    2. Fourth Amendment
    3. Twenty-second Amendment
    4. Twenty-fourth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-fourth Amendment: The Twenty-fourth Amendment bans poll taxes in federal elections.

  3. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A citizen is told she must pay a fee before she may vote in a federal election.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Twenty-second Amendment
    2. Twenty-third Amendment
    3. Twentieth Amendment
    4. Twenty-fourth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-fourth Amendment: The Twenty-fourth Amendment bans poll taxes in federal elections.

  4. Which statement best describes the Twenty-fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.
    2. It repealed Prohibition.
    3. It lowers the voting age to eighteen.
    4. It bans poll taxes in federal elections.
    Show answer

    D. It bans poll taxes in federal elections.: The Twenty-fourth Amendment bans poll taxes in federal elections.

  5. The Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964) banned

    1. literacy tests in all elections.
    2. poll taxes in federal elections.
    3. voting by people under 21.
    4. the Electoral College.
    Show answer

    B. poll taxes in federal elections.: In Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966), the Court extended the ban to state elections under the Equal Protection Clause.

Sixteenth Amendment (1913): Income Tax (5)

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  1. Which amendment gives Congress the power to levy an income tax?

    1. Twenty-second Amendment
    2. Twenty-seventh Amendment
    3. Twenty-third Amendment
    4. Sixteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Sixteenth Amendment: The Sixteenth Amendment gives Congress the power to levy an income tax.

  2. Which statement best describes the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
    2. It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause.
    3. It guarantees a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the assistance of counsel in criminal cases.
    4. It gives Congress the power to levy an income tax.
    Show answer

    D. It gives Congress the power to levy an income tax.: The Sixteenth Amendment gives Congress the power to levy an income tax.

  3. The Sixteenth Amendment, which gives Congress the power to levy an income tax, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1791
    2. 1933
    3. 1913
    4. 1868
    Show answer

    C. 1913: The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified in 1913.

  4. What did the Sixteenth Amendment allow Congress to do?

    1. Tax exports from any state
    2. Collect taxes on incomes without dividing them among the states by population
    3. Abolish the tariff
    4. Borrow money from foreign nations
    Show answer

    B. Collect taxes on incomes without dividing them among the states by population: Ratified in 1913, it overturned Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. (1895), which had struck down a federal income tax.

  5. In what year was the Sixteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to tax incomes without apportioning the tax among the states, ratified?

    1. 1951
    2. 1913
    3. 1804
    4. 1868
    Show answer

    B. 1913: The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified in 1913.

Twenty-Third Amendment (1961): Electors for D.C. (3)

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  1. Which statement best describes the Twenty-third Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.
    2. It guarantees a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the assistance of counsel in criminal cases.
    3. It protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
    4. It protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, requires grand juries for serious federal crimes, guarantees due process, and requires just compensation for takings.
    Show answer

    A. It gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.: The Twenty-third Amendment gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.

  2. Which amendment gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president?

    1. Sixth Amendment
    2. Twenty-third Amendment
    3. Eighteenth Amendment
    4. Eleventh Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Twenty-third Amendment: The Twenty-third Amendment gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.

  3. In what year was the Twenty-Third Amendment, which gives the District of Columbia electoral votes for president, ratified?

    1. 1795
    2. 1920
    3. 1961
    4. 1870
    Show answer

    C. 1961: The Twenty-Third Amendment was ratified in 1961.

Twenty-Second Amendment (1951): Presidential Term Limits (9)

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  1. The Twenty-second Amendment, which limits a president to two elected terms, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1951
    2. 1865
    3. 1919
    4. 1913
    Show answer

    A. 1951: The Twenty-second Amendment was ratified in 1951.

  2. Which statement best describes the Twenty-second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It limits a president to two elected terms.
    2. It establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.
    3. It protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
    4. It provides for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.
    Show answer

    A. It limits a president to two elected terms.: The Twenty-second Amendment limits a president to two elected terms.

  3. Which amendment limits a president to two elected terms?

    1. Eighteenth Amendment
    2. Sixth Amendment
    3. Twenty-second Amendment
    4. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Twenty-second Amendment: The Twenty-second Amendment limits a president to two elected terms.

  4. Which amendment was adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt won four presidential elections?

    1. Twentieth Amendment
    2. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    3. Twenty-second Amendment
    4. Twenty-third Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Twenty-second Amendment: It limits presidents to two elected terms.

  5. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A popular president who has been elected twice wants to run for a third term.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Twenty-third Amendment
    2. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    3. Twenty-second Amendment
    4. Sixteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Twenty-second Amendment: The Twenty-second Amendment limits a president to two elected terms.

  6. The Twenty-Second Amendment was ratified after which president won four presidential elections?

    1. Franklin D. Roosevelt
    2. George Washington
    3. Theodore Roosevelt
    4. Dwight D. Eisenhower
    Show answer

    A. Franklin D. Roosevelt: FDR was elected in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944. The Twenty-Second Amendment (1951) limits presidents to two elected terms.

  7. Under the Twenty-Second Amendment, what is the longest a person could serve as president?

    1. Ten years
    2. Eight years
    3. Twelve years
    4. Sixteen years
    Show answer

    A. Ten years: A person who serves two years or less of another president's term may still be elected twice, for a maximum of about ten years.

  8. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Seventh Amendment: protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination and requires due process and just compensation
    2. Fifth Amendment: sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability
    3. Twenty-Fifth Amendment: preserves the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases over twenty dollars
    4. Twenty-Second Amendment: limits a president to two elected terms
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-Second Amendment: limits a president to two elected terms: The Twenty-Second Amendment limits a president to two elected terms.

  9. All of the following amendments expanded voting rights or voter participation EXCEPT

    1. the Twenty-Second Amendment
    2. the Twenty-Sixth Amendment
    3. the Nineteenth Amendment
    4. the Seventeenth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. the Twenty-Second Amendment: The Twenty-Second Amendment limits a president to two elected terms. The others expanded voting rights or let voters choose officials directly.

Twenty-First Amendment (1933): Repeal of Prohibition (4)

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  1. Which amendment repealed Prohibition?

    1. Twentieth Amendment
    2. Sixteenth Amendment
    3. Twenty-second Amendment
    4. Twenty-first Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-first Amendment: The Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition.

  2. Which amendment was ratified using state ratifying conventions rather than state legislatures?

    1. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    2. Eighteenth Amendment
    3. Nineteenth Amendment
    4. Twenty-first Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-first Amendment: The repeal of Prohibition is the only amendment ratified by conventions.

  3. Which statement best describes the Twenty-first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It requires electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.
    2. It repealed Prohibition.
    3. It delays any congressional pay raise until after the next House election.
    4. It defines citizenship and forbids states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws.
    Show answer

    B. It repealed Prohibition.: The Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition.

  4. The Twenty-first Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1791
    2. 1933
    3. 1971
    4. 1870
    Show answer

    B. 1933: The Twenty-first Amendment was ratified in 1933.

Selective Incorporation (4)

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  1. Selective incorporation is the process by which

    1. states ratify amendments
    2. Congress admits new states
    3. the president enforces court decisions
    4. the Supreme Court applies Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. the Supreme Court applies Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment: Case by case, the Court has applied most of the Bill of Rights to the states.

  2. What is selective incorporation?

    1. The process of applying most Bill of Rights protections to the states, case by case, through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause
    2. The process of adding new states to the Union
    3. The process by which corporations register with the federal government
    4. The process of ratifying amendments by state conventions
    Show answer

    A. The process of applying most Bill of Rights protections to the states, case by case, through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause: Through incorporation, rights such as free speech, the exclusionary rule, and the right to counsel now limit state and local governments.

  3. Gitlow v. New York (1925) is significant in the history of incorporation because the Court

    1. ruled that the Bill of Rights never applies to states.
    2. struck down the income tax.
    3. ended segregation in public schools.
    4. stated that freedom of speech and press are protected from state interference by the Fourteenth Amendment.
    Show answer

    D. stated that freedom of speech and press are protected from state interference by the Fourteenth Amendment.: Although Gitlow lost his case, the Court assumed that the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause protects speech and press from the states, an early step in incorporation.

  4. Selective incorporation is the process by which

    1. states ratify new amendments
    2. the Supreme Court applies most Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment
    3. Congress creates new federal courts
    4. the president signs bills into law
    Show answer

    B. the Supreme Court applies most Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment: Through the Due Process Clause, cases like Gideon and Mapp applied protections to the states one by one.

Twentieth Amendment (1933): The "Lame Duck" Amendment (6)

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  1. Which amendment moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January?

    1. Fifth Amendment
    2. Twentieth Amendment
    3. Thirteenth Amendment
    4. Seventh Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Twentieth Amendment: The Twentieth Amendment moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.

  2. Which statement best describes the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.
    2. It moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
    3. It protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
    4. It limits a president to two elected terms.
    Show answer

    B. It moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.: The Twentieth Amendment moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.

  3. The Twentieth Amendment (1933) moved the start of the president's term to

    1. March 4.
    2. July 4.
    3. January 20.
    4. November 1.
    Show answer

    C. January 20.: It also moved the start of Congress's term to January 3, shortening the "lame duck" period after an election.

  4. Why is the Twentieth Amendment called the "Lame Duck Amendment"?

    1. It limited presidents to two terms.
    2. It shortened the time between an election and when newly elected officials take office.
    3. It allowed injured officials to resign.
    4. It created the vice presidency.
    Show answer

    B. It shortened the time between an election and when newly elected officials take office.: A "lame duck" is an official serving out a term after a successor has been elected.

  5. In what year was the Twentieth Amendment, which moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January, ratified?

    1. 1870
    2. 1971
    3. 1933
    4. 1865
    Show answer

    C. 1933: The Twentieth Amendment was ratified in 1933.

  6. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Sixteenth Amendment: forbids denying the vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude
    2. Fifteenth Amendment: limits a president to two elected terms
    3. Twenty-Second Amendment: allows Congress to tax incomes without apportioning the tax among the states
    4. Twentieth Amendment: moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January
    Show answer

    D. Twentieth Amendment: moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January: The Twentieth Amendment moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.

Eighteenth Amendment (1919): Prohibition (4)

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  1. Which statement best describes the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It gives residents of the District of Columbia electoral votes for president.
    2. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
    3. It moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January.
    4. It establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.
    Show answer

    B. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.: The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

  2. The Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1868
    2. 1920
    3. 1919
    4. 1933
    Show answer

    C. 1919: The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified in 1919.

  3. Which amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages?

    1. Second Amendment
    2. Tenth Amendment
    3. Ninth Amendment
    4. Eighteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Eighteenth Amendment: The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

  4. What makes the Eighteenth Amendment unique among the amendments?

    1. It was never ratified.
    2. It was written by the Supreme Court.
    3. It is the only amendment that has been repealed.
    4. It applies only to Washington, D.C.
    Show answer

    C. It is the only amendment that has been repealed.: The Eighteenth Amendment (1919) began Prohibition. The Twenty-First Amendment (1933) repealed it.

Thirteenth Amendment (1865): Abolition of Slavery (6)

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  1. Which amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime?

    1. Fifth Amendment
    2. Ninth Amendment
    3. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    4. Thirteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Thirteenth Amendment: The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.

  2. Which statement best describes the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It bans poll taxes in federal elections.
    2. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
    3. It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause.
    4. It establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.
    Show answer

    B. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.: The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.

  3. The Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1920
    2. 1868
    3. 1951
    4. 1865
    Show answer

    D. 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified in 1865.

  4. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A person is forced to work without pay to repay a debt, even though he has not been convicted of any crime.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Thirteenth Amendment
    2. Twelfth Amendment
    3. Nineteenth Amendment
    4. Eighth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. Thirteenth Amendment: The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.

  5. Which of these amendments was ratified earliest?

    1. The Sixteenth Amendment (allows Congress to tax incomes without apportioning the tax among the states)
    2. The Thirteenth Amendment (abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime)
    3. The Nineteenth Amendment (forbids denying the vote on account of sex)
    4. The Twentieth Amendment (moved the start of presidential and congressional terms to January)
    Show answer

    B. The Thirteenth Amendment (abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime): Thirteenth: 1865; Sixteenth: 1913; Nineteenth: 1920; Twentieth: 1933.

  6. All of the following amendments expanded voting rights or voter participation EXCEPT

    1. the Thirteenth Amendment
    2. the Twenty-Third Amendment
    3. the Nineteenth Amendment
    4. the Fifteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. the Thirteenth Amendment: The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime. The others expanded voting rights or let voters choose officials directly.

Fifteenth Amendment (1870): Race and Voting (7)

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  1. The Fifteenth Amendment, which prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, was ratified in which year?

    1. 1920
    2. 1933
    3. 1964
    4. 1870
    Show answer

    D. 1870: The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified in 1870.

  2. Which amendment prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude?

    1. Twentieth Amendment
    2. Fifteenth Amendment
    3. Second Amendment
    4. Thirteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    B. Fifteenth Amendment: The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

  3. Which statement best describes the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.
    2. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
    3. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
    4. It prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
    Show answer

    D. It prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.: The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

  4. The Reconstruction Amendments are the

    1. Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-first Amendments
    2. First, Second, and Third Amendments
    3. Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments
    4. Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-sixth Amendments
    Show answer

    C. Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments: They abolished slavery, defined citizenship, and protected voting regardless of race.

  5. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    A state election official turns away voters because of their race.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Eighteenth Amendment
    2. Eleventh Amendment
    3. Fifteenth Amendment
    4. Thirteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    C. Fifteenth Amendment: The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

  6. The Fifteenth Amendment forbids denying the right to vote on account of

    1. race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
    2. sex.
    3. age, for those 18 or older.
    4. failure to pay a poll tax.
    Show answer

    A. race, color, or previous condition of servitude.: Ratified in 1870. Sex was addressed by the Nineteenth Amendment, poll taxes by the Twenty-Fourth, and age by the Twenty-Sixth.

  7. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Twenty-Sixth Amendment: sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability
    2. Twenty-Fifth Amendment: protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms
    3. Second Amendment: lowers the voting age to 18 in all elections
    4. Fifteenth Amendment: forbids denying the vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude
    Show answer

    D. Fifteenth Amendment: forbids denying the vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude: The Fifteenth Amendment forbids denying the vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1967): Presidential Succession and Disability (7)

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  1. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

    The president undergoes surgery and temporarily transfers power to the vice president.

    Which constitutional amendment most directly addresses this situation?

    1. Twentieth Amendment
    2. Twenty-first Amendment
    3. Twenty-sixth Amendment
    4. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-fifth Amendment: The Twenty-fifth Amendment establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.

  2. Which amendment establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability?

    1. Twelfth Amendment
    2. Third Amendment
    3. First Amendment
    4. Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-fifth Amendment: The Twenty-fifth Amendment establishes procedures for presidential succession and presidential disability.

  3. When Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973, how was Gerald Ford chosen to replace him?

    1. Voters chose Ford in a special national election.
    2. The president nominated Ford, and a majority of both houses of Congress confirmed him, under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment.
    3. The Senate elected Ford by a two-thirds vote.
    4. The Supreme Court appointed Ford.
    Show answer

    B. The president nominated Ford, and a majority of both houses of Congress confirmed him, under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment.: Section 2 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1967) lets the president fill a vice-presidential vacancy with congressional approval.

  4. Section 3 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment allows the president to

    1. serve a third term.
    2. dissolve Congress.
    3. appoint a second vice president.
    4. temporarily transfer power to the vice president by written declaration, for example during surgery.
    Show answer

    D. temporarily transfer power to the vice president by written declaration, for example during surgery.: Presidents have used Section 3 for medical procedures under anesthesia. Section 4 lets the vice president and cabinet declare the president unable to serve.

  5. After the president dies in office, the vice president becomes president. Which amendment formally confirms this and also allows filling a vice-presidential vacancy?

    1. The Twenty-Fifth Amendment
    2. The Twelfth Amendment
    3. The Twentieth Amendment
    4. The Twenty-Second Amendment
    Show answer

    A. The Twenty-Fifth Amendment: The Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1967) addresses succession, VP vacancies, and presidential disability.

  6. In what year was the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, which sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability, ratified?

    1. 1804
    2. 1961
    3. 1992
    4. 1967
    Show answer

    D. 1967: The Twenty-Fifth Amendment was ratified in 1967.

  7. Which amendment is correctly matched with its effect?

    1. Twenty-Seventh Amendment: protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination and requires due process and just compensation
    2. Fifth Amendment: forbids excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments
    3. Eighth Amendment: delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election
    4. Twenty-Fifth Amendment: sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability
    Show answer

    D. Twenty-Fifth Amendment: sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability: The Twenty-Fifth Amendment sets rules for presidential succession, vice-presidential vacancies, and presidential disability.

Twelfth Amendment (1804): Separate Electoral Votes (5)

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  1. Which statement best describes the Twelfth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

    1. It requires electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.
    2. It reserves to the states or the people the powers not delegated to the federal government.
    3. It prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.
    4. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
    Show answer

    A. It requires electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.: The Twelfth Amendment requires electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.

  2. Which election exposed the flaw that led to the Twelfth Amendment?

    1. The election of 1789, when George Washington ran unopposed
    2. The election of 1800, when Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in electoral votes
    3. The election of 1824, when no candidate won a majority
    4. The election of 1860, when Abraham Lincoln won
    Show answer

    B. The election of 1800, when Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in electoral votes: Electors each cast two votes without distinguishing president and vice president. The Twelfth Amendment (1804) required separate ballots.

  3. In what year was the Twelfth Amendment, which requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president, ratified?

    1. 1804
    2. 1920
    3. 1868
    4. 1913
    Show answer

    A. 1804: The Twelfth Amendment was ratified in 1804.

  4. Which of these amendments was ratified earliest?

    1. The Nineteenth Amendment (forbids denying the vote on account of sex)
    2. The Twelfth Amendment (requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president)
    3. The Twenty-First Amendment (repealed Prohibition)
    4. The Twenty-Seventh Amendment (delays any change in congressional pay until after the next House election)
    Show answer

    B. The Twelfth Amendment (requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president): Twelfth: 1804; Nineteenth: 1920; Twenty-First: 1933; Twenty-Seventh: 1992.

  5. All of the following amendments expanded voting rights or voter participation EXCEPT

    1. the Twelfth Amendment
    2. the Twenty-Third Amendment
    3. the Nineteenth Amendment
    4. the Twenty-Fourth Amendment
    Show answer

    A. the Twelfth Amendment: The Twelfth Amendment requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president. The others expanded voting rights or let voters choose officials directly.

How Amendments Expanded Civic Participation (3)

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  1. Which group of amendments all expanded the right to vote?

    1. The Second, Third, and Fourth
    2. The Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-Sixth
    3. The Sixteenth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-First
    4. The Eleventh, Twelfth, and Twenty-Seventh
    Show answer

    B. The Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-Sixth: They barred voting discrimination based on race (1870), sex (1920), and age for those 18 and older (1971).

  2. How did the Seventeenth Amendment expand civic participation?

    1. It gave women the right to vote.
    2. It lowered the voting age to 18.
    3. It allowed voters to elect their U.S. senators directly.
    4. It banned poll taxes.
    Show answer

    C. It allowed voters to elect their U.S. senators directly.: Before 1913, state legislatures chose senators.

  3. All of the following amendments expanded who may vote EXCEPT

    1. the Fifteenth Amendment
    2. the Twenty-Third Amendment
    3. the Twenty-Fourth Amendment
    4. the Sixteenth Amendment
    Show answer

    D. the Sixteenth Amendment: The Sixteenth Amendment authorized the income tax. The others extended voting rights by race, to D.C. residents in presidential elections, and by banning poll taxes.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010) (1)

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  1. Which case incorporated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms against state and local governments?

    1. District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
    2. Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
    3. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
    4. McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)
    Show answer

    D. McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010): Heller recognized the individual right against the federal government (D.C. is federal). McDonald applied it to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961) (1)

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  1. Which case applied the exclusionary rule, which bars illegally obtained evidence, to state courts?

    1. Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
    2. Engel v. Vitale (1962)
    3. Baker v. Carr (1962)
    4. Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
    Show answer

    D. Mapp v. Ohio (1961): Mapp incorporated the Fourth Amendment's exclusionary rule against the states.