Civics Flash Cards Quiz: The U.S. Constitution & Government

Multiple Choice

1. What is the supreme law of the land?
A) The Declaration of Independence
B) The Bill of Rights
C) The (U.S.) Constitution
D) The Federalist Papers

2. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
A) 10
B) 27
C) 50
D) 100

3. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
A) The U.S. Constitution
B) The Bill of Rights
C) The Declaration of Independence
D) The Articles of Confederation

4. What is the economic system of the United States?
A) Socialism
B) Capitalism (free market economy)
C) Communism
D) Barter system

5. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
A) House and Cabinet
B) Senate and Supreme Court
C) Senate and House (of Representatives)
D) President and Vice President

6. How many U.S. senators are there in total?
A) 50
B) 100
C) 435
D) 27

7. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
A) 2 years
B) 4 years
C) 6 years
D) Life

8. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 7
D) 9

Short Answer

9. Name the three branches of government, and explain why the government is divided into three branches.

10. Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?

11. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

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Answer Key

1. C — The (U.S.) Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
2. B — The U.S. Constitution has twenty-seven (27) amendments.
3. C — The Declaration of Independence stated the colonies were free from Britain.
4. B — Capitalism / free market economy.
5. C — Senate and House (of Representatives).
6. B — One hundred (100) U.S. senators.
7. A — Two (2) years.
8. D — Nine (9) justices are usually needed.

1. Legislative, executive, and judicial branches. They exist so that one part does not become too powerful, using checks and balances and separation of powers.

1. Supreme Court justices serve for life to be independent of politics and to limit outside (political) influence.

1. The 10th Amendment states that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.