* Study Guide: U.S. Government Questions

Front

What are checks and balances?

Back

Ways the three branches of government keep each other from having too much power.

Front

Which is NOT an example of Checks and Balances? Options: Legislative Branch: Can impeach the President or judges. Executive Branch: Can veto laws or appoint judges. Voting in elections: citizens can vote for their representatives in Congress or for the President. Judicial Branch: Can rule laws or presidential actions unconstitutional.

Back

Voting in elections: citizens can vote for their representatives in Congress or for the President.

Answer explanation

Voting in Elections is an example of democracy in action, not one branch of government limiting the power of another.

Front

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Back

Makes laws

Front

What is the difference between enumerated and implied powers?

Back

Enumerated powers are clearly written in the Constitution, while implied powers are not.

Front

Which clause in the U.S. Constitution allows Congress to pass laws deemed necessary and proper, to keep the country safe & strong?

Back

Elastic Clause

Front

What are the qualifications to be in the Senate?

Back

At least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent

Front

What are the qualifications to be in the House of Representatives?

Back

At least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent

Front

How does a bill become a law?

Back

A bill is introduced, debated, and voted on in Congress, then signed by the President.

Answer explanation

• * A citizen shares an idea for a law with their representative.

• * The representative writes it as a bill and presents it.

• * A committee reviews, debates, and votes on it.

• * If it passes, it goes to the whole house for a vote.

• * If approved, it moves to the other house and follows the same process.

• * If both houses pass it, the President signs it into law or vetoes it.

• * If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Front

What are two jobs of the Executive Branch, and who leads it?

Back

The Executive Branch carries out laws and appoints leaders. It is led by the President.

Front

Which of the following is an Executive Branch department and its primary function?
Department of Education - Oversees federal education funding and policies,
Department of Agriculture - Manages the nation's energy resources,
Department of Defense - Regulates financial markets,
Department of Transportation - Conducts foreign diplomacy

Back

Department of Education - Oversees federal education funding and policies

Answer explanation

Other Executive Branch departments:

• * Department of Education: Handles schools.

• * Department of Homeland Security: Protects the U.S.

• * Department of Energy: Takes care of our country’s energy, like electricity and gas, and works on making new types of energy.

• * Department of the Interior: Protects parks, animals, and public lands, like national parks and forests.

• * Department of Agriculture: Helps farmers grow crops, makes sure food is safe, and supports small towns.

• * Department of Commerce: Helps businesses, supports trade, and studies weather and oceans.

• * Department of Health and Human Services: Makes sure people have health care and helps with programs like Medicare and Medicaid.