New Assignment (SpeedGrader)

The United States Constitution Quiz

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It establishes the national framework of government and is the oldest written national constitution still in use. Understanding its principles is crucial for comprehending the foundation of the U.S. government.

Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blank with the correct words.

1. The Constitution was signed on __, 1787.
2. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the __.
3. The system of __ ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
4. The __ branch is responsible for interpreting the laws.
5. __ of the Constitution establishes the legislative branch.

Word bank: judicial, September 17, Article I, Bill of Rights, checks and balances

Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the correct answer from the choices for each question.

1. Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?

   • A) George Washington
   • B) James Madison
   • C) Thomas Jefferson
   • D) Benjamin Franklin

2. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

   • A) 10
   • B) 15
   • C) 27
   • D) 33

3. Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

   • A) Executive
   • B) Judicial
   • C) Legislative
   • D) Administrative

4. Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

   • A) 10th Amendment
   • B) 13th Amendment
   • C) 14th Amendment
   • D) 15th Amendment

5. The power to declare war is vested in which branch of government?

   • A) Executive
   • B) Judicial
   • C) Legislative
   • D) All of the above

Open Ended Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences:

1. Explain the significance of the "separation of powers" in the Constitution.

2. Describe the process of amending the Constitution.

3. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. government.

Answer Key:

Fill in the Blank:

1. September 17
2. Bill of Rights
3. checks and balances
4. judicial
5. Article I

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. B) James Madison
2. C) 27
3. C) Legislative
4. B) 13th Amendment
5. C) Legislative

Open Ended Questions:

1. The "separation of powers" refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. This ensures a balance of power among the branches.
2. Amending the Constitution involves either a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states.
3. The Supreme Court's role is to interpret the Constitution and to ensure that laws and policies are consistent with the Constitution. It acts as the highest court in the judicial branch and has the power to overturn laws and executive actions it finds unconstitutional.

Teachers are encouraged to review the answer key closely to ensure accuracy.