US Constitution — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Congress passes a law that limits freedom of speech. Which branch can stop this law?
A) The executive branch by signing an order
B) The judicial branch by declaring it unconstitutional
C) The legislative branch by holding a new election
D) No branch can stop a law once it is passed
The judicial branch (Supreme Court) can declare the law unconstitutional through judicial review, stopping it.
2. The President vetoes a popular bill. What can Congress do to make it a law anyway?
A) Ask the Supreme Court to sign the bill instead
B) Override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses
C) Wait until a new President takes office to try again
D) Change the Constitution to remove the veto power
Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.
3. The President nominates a new Supreme Court justice. What must happen before the justice can serve?
A) The House of Representatives must approve the choice
B) The other justices must vote to accept the nominee
C) The Senate must confirm the nomination
D) The justice must win a national election
The Senate holds confirmation hearings and votes to approve or reject presidential nominations to the Supreme Court.
4. Why did the Founders create three separate branches of government instead of one?
A) One branch would be cheaper to run than three branches
B) Splitting power prevents any single group from controlling the government
C) Three branches can pass laws faster than one branch alone
D) The king of England required them to create three branches
The Founders feared tyranny. Dividing power among three branches with checks on each other prevents any group from becoming too powerful.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The power of judicial review lets the Supreme Court check the legislative branch.
Judicial review means the Supreme Court can strike down laws passed by Congress if they violate the Constitution.
2. A President can serve a maximum of two terms in office.
The 22nd Amendment (1951) limits presidents to two terms (8 years) in office.
3. If the President breaks the law, the House can impeach the President.
Impeachment is the House's check on the executive branch. It charges a President with misconduct.
4. Senators serve six-year terms before they must run for reelection.
Senators serve 6-year staggered terms. About one-third of the Senate is up for election every 2 years.
5. The President leads the executive branch of the US government.
The executive branch includes the President, Vice President, and Cabinet. It enforces and implements laws.