1
Q
How were delegates to the Constitutional Convention chosen?
A
They were appointed by the legislatures of the different states.
2
Q
Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?
A
Rhode Island
3
Q
Where did the delegates of the Constitutional Convention assemble (city and state)?
A
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4
Q
True or False: the delegates kept the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention secret?
A
True
5
Q
What was the average age of the deputies to the Constitutional Convention?
A
About 44
6
Q
Who was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention?
A
Benjamin Franklin
7
Q
How many members of the Constitutional Convention had been members of the Continental Congress?
A
Forty, and two others were later members.
8
Q
Were there any members of the Constitutional Convention who never attended any of its meetings?
A
Yes. There were nineteen who were never present. Some of these declined, others merely neglected the duty.
9
Q
Who was called the “Sage of the Constitutional Convention”?
A
Benjamin Franklin, of Pennsylvania
10
Q
Who was called the “Father of the Constitution”?
A
James Madison, of Virginia
11
Q
Was Thomas Jefferson a member of the Constitutional Convention?
A
No, Jefferson was American Minister to France at the time of the Constitutional Convention.
12
Q
Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?
A
George Washington
13
Q
How long did it take to draft the Constitution?
A
It was drafted in fewer than 100 working days.
14
Q
Who presented the Virginia Plan?
A
Edmund Randolph
15
Q
What is the name of the first great compromise of the Constitutional Convention, whereby it was agreed that in the Senate each state should have two members, and that in the House the number of Representatives was to be based on population?
A
The Connecticut Compromise
16
Q
What is the name of the compromise made by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention that determined that three out of every five slaves was counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation?
A
The three-fifths compromise
17
Q
How many delegates refused to sign the Constitution?
A
Three. Randolph and Mason, of Virginia, and Gerry, of Massachusetts.
18
Q
How many delegates signed the Constitution?
A
39
19
Q
The vote of how many states was necessary to ratify the Constitution?
A
9
20
Q
What year was the Constitution written?
A
1787
21
Q
About how many of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention owned slaves?
A
25
22
Q
In the course of ratification, how many amendments were proposed by the different state conventions?
A
124
23
Q
Name all three authors of the Federalist Papers.
A
James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton
24
Q
What was the pen name the three authors of the Federalist Papers used?
A
Publius.
25
How is membership in the House of Representatives determined?
State population
26
What was the first state to ratify the Constitution?
Delaware
27
How long after the signing of the Constitution was it ratified by 9 of the 13 states?
10 months
28
Which of the federalist papers deals with the danger of "faction" in a democratic government and argues that the federal system that the Constitution was created was the best solution to this problem?
Federalist no. 10
29
Which of the federalist papers explains how the Constitution creates a republic that is both federal and national and gets its authority from the people?
Federalist no. 39
30
Which of the federalist papers explains how the constitutional checks and balances put in place would help create a limited government?
Federalist no. 51
31
Which of the federalist papers argues in favor of judicial review (arguing that the Supreme Court should have the power to invalidate acts of Congress that are unconstitutional)?
Federalist no. 78
32
Were there any anti-federalist papers published?
Yes (but they were not a unified series like the federalist papers)
33
According to the National Archives, which book influenced the Framers of the Constitution the most?
Montesquieu's Spirit of Laws
34
Name one significant right or principle established in Magna Carta.
No new taxes unless a common counsel agrees
35
Which philosopher argued that people possessed the fundamental rights to life, liberty and property and that it was the government's duty to protect those rights?
John Locke
36
Which philosopher argued that the natural state of humans was conflict and anarchy and a powerful monarchy was the best form of government?
Thomas Hobbes
37
Which philosopher argued that the best form of government was one in which the legislative, executive, and judicial powers were separate and kept each other in check?
Montesquieu
38
What are the first three words of the Constitution?
We the People
39
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to form?
A more perfect union
40
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to establish?
Justice
41
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to insure?
Domestic tranquility
42
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to provide for?
The common defense
43
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to promote?
The general welfare
44
According to the preamble, what do the people hope to secure?
The blessings of liberty
45
According to the preamble, for whom do the people hope to secure the blessings of liberty?
Themselves and their posterity
46
Which article of the Constitution deals with the legislative branch?
Article 1
47
How many senators is each state entitled to have?
2
48
How many senators currently serve in Congress?
100
49
How many representatives currently serve in Congress?
435
50
What is the minimum age requirement for a senator?
30
51
What is the minimum age requirement for a representative?
25
52
What's the nickname of Article 1, section 8, clause 3?
The Commerce Clause
53
How long is the term of a representative?
2 years
54
How long is the term of a senator?
6 years
55
Name both chambers of Congress.
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
56
How many years must a senator be a citizen before taking office?
9 years
57
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
58
Who has the power to regulate commerce?
Congress
59
How many years must a representative be a citizen before taking office?
7 years
60
All bills that deal with raising money must originate in which chamber of Congress?
The House of Representatives
61
How can Congress overcome a presidential veto?
Congress can pass bills over a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.
62
Which chamber of Congress approves presidential appointments?
The Senate
63
Which chamber of Congress tries all impeachments?
The Senate
64
Before the introduction of the 17th Amendment, how were members of the Senate elected?
Direct vote by the state legislature
65
What is the nickname of Article 1, section 8, clause 18?
The necessary and proper clause, aka the elastic clause
66
What is the primary role of the legislative branch?
Create federal laws
67
Who is the current speaker of the house?
Mike Johnson (R-LA)
68
Which article of the Constitution deals with the executive branch?
Article 2
69
Who was the first president of the United States?
George Washington
70
What is a presidential veto?
An action by which the president prevents an act passed by Congress from becoming a law.
71
Who is the commander-in-chief of the US military?
The President of the United States
72
Who appoints ambassadors, federal judges, cabinet members, and specified officers in cabinet-level departments, independent agencies, the military services, the Foreign Service, and uniformed civilian services, as well as US attorneys and US marshals?
The President of the United States
73
Who has the power to approve or deny presidential appointments?
The Senate
74
How long is a president's term in office?
4 years
75
How is the president elected?
By the electoral college
76
How long must a president have been a US citizen?
From birth
77
What is the minimum age requirement of a US president?
35 years old
78
Who becomes president if the president can no longer serve?
The vice president
79
In the oath of office, what does the president swear to "preserve, protect, and defend"?
The Constitution of the United States
80
The president has power to grant pardons and reprieves for federal crimes except in cases of what?
Impeachment
81
What must the president give Congress information about "from time to time"?
The state of the union
82
Name the impeachable offenses listed in Article 2, section 4.
Treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.
83
Who is the current president of the United States?
Joe Biden
84
Who is the current vice president?
Kamala Harris
85
How many executive departments are there?
15
86
Name the six branches of the US military (not including reserve forces or National Guard).
The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard
87
Which article of the Constitution deals with the judicial branch?
Article 3
88
What is the only court created by Article 3 of the Constitution?
The Supreme Court
89
How long do Supreme Court justices serve in the Supreme Court?
"On good behavior." In other words, until they die, retire, or are removed from office.
90
How many witnesses are required to convict someone of treason against the United States?
2
91
In the absence of witnesses, how else can an individual be convicted of treason?
Through confession in open court.
92
All crimes must be tried by jury except which cases?
Cases of impeachment.
93
If a person commits a crime in one of the 50 states, where must their trial be held?
In the state wherein the crime was committed.
94
The power of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of acts of the national and state governments is known as what?
Judicial review
95
How many justices currently serve on the Supreme Court?
9
96
How many justices must agree to hear a case before it can be argued before the Supreme Court?
At least 4
97
Who is the current chief justice of the Supreme Court?
John Roberts
98
Which article of the Constitution deals with relationships between the states?
Article 4
99
Which article of the Constitution says new states may be admitted to the union?
Article 4
100
What's the nickname of Article 4, Section 1, Clause 1?
The privileges and immunities clause.
101
What does the privileges and immunities clause do?
This clause protects fundamental rights of citizens and restrains states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens.
102
What's the nickname of Article 4, Section 2, Clause 3?
The Fugitive Slave Clause
103
Which amendment rendered the fugitive slave clause null and void?
The 13th
104
What form of government does the Constitution guarantee to every state?
A republican form of government
105
Who has to approve the formation of a new state within another state's boundaries?
Congress and the state legislatures of the states involved.
106
If a criminal flees the state in which they committed a crime and is found in another state, what must occur?
The state in which they are found must deliver them back to the state in which they committed the crime.
107
Which article of the Constitution deals with the process of amending the Constitution?
Article 5
108
What fraction of votes is necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment in Congress?
2/3
109
What fraction of the states is necessary to ratify a Constitutional amendment?
3/4
110
Article 5 declared that Congress couldn't abolish the slave trade until what year?
1808
111
Besides Congress, who can propose amendments to the Constitution?
A convention (called by 2/3 of the state legislatures)
112
Besides the state legislatures, who can ratify amendments to the Constitution?
Ratifying conventions (in 3/4 of the states)
113
Which article of the Constitution deals with debts, supremacy, and oaths of office?
Article 6
114
Did the US government still have to pay debts they entered into under the Articles of Confederation?
Yes
115
What's the nickname of Article 6, Clause 2?
The Supremacy Clause
116
What does the Supremacy Clause do?
It establishes that the federal constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws and constitutions. It prohibits states from interfering with the federal government's exercise of its constitutional powers, and from assuming any functions that are exclusively entrusted to the federal government.
117
What must all US officers swear to do?
Support the Constitution
118
What kind of test for officers of the US is forbidden by Article 6?
A religious test
119
Which article of the Constitution contains the names of the delegates who signed it?
Article 7
120
According to Article 7, what day was the Constitution signed?
September 17, 1787
121
What state did George Washington represent at the Constitutional Convention?
Virginia
122
What state did Alexander Hamilton represent at the Constitutional Convention?
New York
123
What state did Benjamin Franklin represent at the Constitutional Convention?
Pennsylvania
124
What state did James Madison represent at the Constitutional Convention?
Virginia
125
What state did Gouverneur Morris represent at the Constitutional Convention?
Pennsylvania
126
According to Article 7, how were the states supposed to ratify the Constitution?
Through ratifying conventions. (9 states were required to ratify it in ratifying conventions.)
127
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution known as?
The Bill of Rights
128
Which amendment protects religious freedom and the seperation of church and state?
1st
129
Which amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms?
2nd
130
Which amendment forbids mandatory quartering of troops in times of peace?
3rd
131
Which amendment protects the people from unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th
132
Which amendment protects citizens from being required to testify against themselves?
5th
133
Which amendment protects against double jeopardy?
5th
134
Which amendment establishes eminent domain?
5th
135
Which amendment protects the right of the accused to a speedy public trial and an impartial jury?
6th
136
Which amendment protects the right of the accused to have a lawyer?
6th
137
The Seventh Amendment protects the right to a trial by jury in civil cases where the amount in question is worth a certain amount of money. What is that amount?
$20
138
Which amendment protects against excessive bails and fines and against cruel and unusual punishments?
8th
139
Which amendment states that the rights of citizens shall be protected whether those rights are listed in the Constitution or not?
9th
140
Which amendment says powers not delegated to the federal governments are reserved to the states?
10th
141
How many Constitutional amendments are there in total?
27
142
Which amendment says a state can't be sued by citizens of other states and foreign countries?
11th
143
Before the 12th Amendment was ratified, how was the Vice President chosen?
Before the 12th Amendment, electors each had two votes - but they didn't specifically vote on who they wanted for Vice President. Instead, they chose their top two candidates for president, and the runner-up would become Vice President.
144
Which amendment requires electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president?
12th
145
Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
13th
146
Which amendment declares that all people born or naturalized in the US are citizens?
14th
147
Which amendment restricts the rights of people who have rebelled against the US and deals with public debts?
14th
148
Which amendment protects the due process rights of all citizens in all states?
14th
149
Which amendment protects the voting rights of citizens regardless of race?
15th
150
Which amendment grants Congress the right to collect income tax?
16th
151
Before the 17th Amendment was ratified, how were Senators elected?
Senators were chosen by the State legislatures.
152
Which amendment requires senators to be elected by popular vote?
17th
153
Which amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of liquor?
18th
154
Which amendment protects the voting rights of citizens regardless of sex?
19th
155
Which amendment allows Congress to create a plan of succession in case the president and vice president can no longer lead?
20th
156
Which amendment states that federal officials shall take office in January?
20th
157
Which amendment repealed the 18th Amendment?
21st
158
Which amendment limits the president to 2 terms in office?
22nd
159
Which amendment permits citizens living in Washington, DC to choose electors in presidential elections?
23rd
160
Which amendment prohibits voting rights from being restricted based on failure to pay a poll tax?
24th
161
Which amendment deals with rules of presidential succession related to vacancies and disability?
25th
162
According to the 25th Amendment, who becomes acting president if the president declares in writing that he's unable to discharge his duties?
The Vice President
163
According to the 25th Amendment, if the Vice President must take over the office of president due to the assassination, resignation, etc. of the president, how is a new vice president chosen?
The new president nominates a vice president who must be confirmed by a majority vote in Congress.
164
Which amendment gave all citizens 18 and older the right to vote?
26th
165
Which amendment states that any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress may take effect only after the next election of the House of Representatives has occurred?
27th
166
Which Supreme Court decision established the principle of judicial review in the US?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
167
Which Supreme Court decision held that the state cannot hold prayers in public schools, even if participation is not required and the prayer is not tied to a particular religion?
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
168
Which Supreme Court decision held that the US Constitution did not extend American citizenship to people of African descent?
Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
169
Which Supreme Court decision upheld a school's decision to expel students for refusing to salute the flag?
Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940)
170
Which Supreme Court decision held that schools can only restrict speech if they can prove the conduct in question would significantly interfere with learning?
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
171
Which Supreme Court decision held that religious schools couldn't receive government funding and also established the "Lemon test"?
Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)
172
Which Supreme Court decision held that schools can censor vulgar speech?
Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
173
Which Supreme Court decision held that corporations are individuals under the law and have free speech rights?
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
174
Which Supreme Court decision held that the burning of the flag is protected by the First Amendment?
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
175
Which Supreme Court decision held that states had no authority over Cherokee land (Georgie and President Andrew Jackson ignored this decision)?
Worcester v. Georgia (1832)
176
Which Supreme Court decision held that racial segregation laws were constitutional and that African Americans could be "separate but equal"?
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
177
Which Supreme Court decision held that anyone born in the US is a citizen regardless of their parents' race or citizenship status?
United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898
178
Which Supreme Court decision held that it was unconstitutional to bar Mexican-Americans from serving on juries?
Hernandez v. Texas (1954)
179
Which Supreme Court decision held that segregated schools were unconstitutional?
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
180
Which Supreme Court decision held that denying couples the right to marry based on race is unconstitutional?
Loving v. Virginia (1967)
181
Which Supreme Court decision held that minors have the right to due process?
In re Gault (1967)
182
Which Supreme Court decision held that public schools must provide courses for English language learners?
Lau v. Nichols (1974)
183
Which Supreme Court decision held that placing Japanese-Americans in internment camps was constitutional?
Korematsu v. United States (1944)
184
Which Supreme Court decision held that the 2nd Amendment protects an individual's right to keep an operable gun in the home?
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
185
Which Supreme Court decision held that police must ensure defendants are aware of their rights before interrogating them?
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
186
Which Supreme Court decision held that no president is above the law and presidents can only conceal information when national security is concerned?
United States v. Nixon (1974)
187
Which Supreme Court decision held that federal laws are supreme and states may not pass laws contradicting federal laws?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
188
Which Supreme Court decision held that illegally obtained material cannot be used in a criminal trial?
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
189
Which Supreme Court decision held that those who can't afford a lawyer must be provided with one for free in a criminal trial?
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
190
Which Supreme Court decision held that marriage is a fundamental right protected by the 14th Amendment and can't be denied based on sexual orientation?
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
191
Which Supreme Court decision held that requiring school children to salute the flag is unconstitutional?
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)
History
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