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U.S. Government Quiz

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U.S. Government Quiz

Read each question carefully. Use the civic scenarios and the information in the sections to show what you know about the U.S. government.

The Constitution and Your Rights

The U.S. Constitution sets up the national government and limits its powers. The first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights. They protect important freedoms, including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

1.A town council wants to ban residents from peacefully criticizing its decisions. Which freedom in the First Amendment is most directly involved?

Freedom of speech
Right to bear arms
Protection from unreasonable searches
Right to a jury trial

2.Jayden wants to hold a peaceful meeting to ask the government to repair a dangerous bridge. Name one First Amendment freedom she is using.

3.The Constitution begins with “We the People.” What does this phrase suggest about where the government gets its authority?

From the people
From the Supreme Court alone
From the states alone
From the military

Three Branches at Work

The Constitution divides federal power among three branches, and each branch has ways to limit the others. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws and the Constitution.

4.Match each branch with its main job.

Legislative
Executive
Judicial

Interprets laws
Makes laws
Enforces laws

5.Congress passes a bill, and the President signs it. Which branch carried out the action of signing and approving the bill?

Legislative
Executive
Judicial
State

6.A federal court decides whether a law conflicts with the Constitution. Which branch is doing this work, and what is the branch's main role?

7.Why does the Constitution divide power among three branches and give them checks on one another?

To keep any one branch from becoming too powerful
To prevent citizens from voting
To make every law permanent
To let one branch control all government decisions

Civic Choices

Civic participation includes learning about public issues, following laws, voting when eligible, serving on a jury when called, and contacting elected officials. People may disagree while still participating respectfully.

8.Nia is not old enough to vote but wants local leaders to improve a busy crossing near the library. Give one appropriate way Nia could take part in civic life.

9.True or false: The Bill of Rights lists protections that limit what the government may do to people.

TrueFalse

10.A state and the federal government both have responsibilities under the U.S. system. Which statement best describes federalism?

Power is shared between the national government and state governments
All government power belongs to the President
Courts write every law
Citizens cannot take part in government

11.Explain one reason citizens might respectfully contact an elected official, and name one detail or piece of evidence they could include to make their message useful.