American Government Basic Skills Test

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

the President of the United States

What is the highest court in the United States?

the Supreme Court

If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

the Speaker of the House

There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. What are they?

-Citizens who are 18 (eighteen) and older can vote -Voters are not required to pay a poll tax -A male citizen of any race can vote -A female citizen of any race can vote

How can Americans participate in their democracy?

-Vote -Run for office -Join a civic group

What is an amendment?

A change or an addition to the Constitution

What does the judicial branch do?

reviews laws, explains laws, revolves disputes, and decides if a law goes against the Constitution

Who signs bills to become laws?

the President

Who vetoes bills?

the President

All of the following are promises you make when you become a United States citizen:

-to serve in the United States military (if needed) -to be loyal to the United States -to obey the laws of the United States

How many U.S. Senators are there?

100

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

435

Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

All of the people in their state.

When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?

April 15th

What is the capital of Georgia?

Atlanta

What are two Cabinet-level positions?

Attorney General and Secretary of State

How can you find out who your representative is?

By using the House of Representatives website, www.House.gov

What is the economic system in the United States?

Capitalist or Market Economy

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances and the separation of powers.

Who makes the federal laws?

Congress

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Declared out independence from Great Britain.

What is the political party of the President now?

Democratic

How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

Eighteen (18)

What is the "rule of law?"

Everyone must follow the law. Leaders must obey the law. Government must obey the law. No one is above the law.

We elect a President for how many years?

Four (4)

What is the name of the President of the United States now?

Joe Biden

Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

John G. Roberts, Jr.

What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

Kamala Harris

Why do some states have more representatives than other states?

Larger populations need more representation than smaller populations.

Name one branch or part of government.

Legislative Executive Judicial

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, Liberity, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

Mike Johnson

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

Nine (9)

In what month do we vote for President?

November

Which of the following is a right of everyone living in the United States?

Possible examples: -Right to bear arms -Right to petition the government -Right to worship

Under the United States Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What are some of those powers?

Print money Declare war Make treaties

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

The Senate and House of Representatives

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

Twenty-seven (27)

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

Republican and Democratic

What are two responsibilities that are only for United States citizens?

Serve on a jury and vote in a federal election

What does the Constitution do?

Sets up the government. Defines the government. Protects the basic right of Americans.

We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

Six (6)

Why do you need to know who your U.S. Senators are?

So you can share your opinions on legislation.

What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

Speech Assembly Petitioning the government. Press Religion

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution

What does the President's Cabinet do?

advises the President

When must all men register for the Selective Service?

between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-five (25)

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

Two (2)

How can you find out who your state governor is?

Visit your state's website

What are two rights that are only for United States citizens?

Voting in a federal election and running for federal office

The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution.

We the People

What is freedom of religion?

You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

the United States and the American flag

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

the Vice President