Participating in Our Government Quiz (for Pearson's Building Our Country Social Studies)

Question 1

Which concept says, in the U.S., power is divided between the national and state governments?

Accepted Answer

federalism

Question 2

The branch of gov't that has the power to carry out laws and to command the armed forces is

Accepted Answer

executive

Question 3

Branch of gov't responsible for interpreting laws and deciding if they follow the Constitution

Accepted Answer

the judicial branch

Question 4

The division of power between national, state, and local governments is called...

Accepted Answer

federalism

Question 5

When did the Constitution grant the right to vote to African American men?

Accepted Answer

1870

Question 6

Which is an example of the judicial branch checking the power of the legislative branch?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional.

Question 7

A written plan for a government is known as a ...

Accepted Answer

constitution

Question 8

The concept that says citizens of country have the right to choose the kind of gov't they want

Accepted Answer

popular sovereignty

Question 9

How is power distributed in the United States Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Power is divided through a separation of powers.

Question 10

What is it called when each branch has the power to limit the power of the other branches?

Accepted Answer

checks and balances

Question 11

An example of one going beyond basic civic responsibilities to improve gov't and society is

Accepted Answer

leading a movement to improve conditions for farm workers

Question 12

Which branch of government is responsible for making the laws?

Accepted Answer

legislative

Question 13

In the U. S., a government official who commits a crime can go to jail. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

the rule of law.

Question 14

The Constitution was written so there is division of responsibility among three branches called

Accepted Answer

separation of powers

Question 15

Which is a power that the state governments have but that the federal government does not have?

Accepted Answer

the power to conduct elections

Question 16

To change the Constitution, after two-thirds of the Congress approve an amendment, then ...

Accepted Answer

three-fourths of the states must also approve the amendment.

Question 17

A system that divides power between national and state governments is called:

Accepted Answer

federalism

Question 18

Laws into which the Constitution is divided are called:

Accepted Answer

articles

Question 19

A change to the constitution is called ...

Accepted Answer

an amendment.

Questions 19