Mid-Year Practice #3 (2024)

Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the goals and purposes of government?

• Bill of Rights

• Article IV

• Preamble

• Article I

What is meant by “insure domestic tranquility” in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?

• to prevent a foreign invasion

• to prohibit taxation without representation

• to guarantee that Americans enjoy high standards of living

• to maintain peace at home by preventing violent disturbances or rebellions

In the Preamble, what is the meaning of the phrase “to form a more perfect Union”?

• to preserve states’ rights

• to create a separation of powers

• to unite the states more completely under one government

• to guarantee the well-being and happiness of every citizen

The passage below is from the Preamble to the U.S Constitution.

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Based on the language of the Preamble, which conclusion can be made about the government of the United States?

• Its primary purpose is to preserve states’ rights.

• It has maintained the same methods of government as the Articles of Confederation

• It promotes the interests of the majority without protecting any minority rights.

• It was established by its citizens to protect their liberties and to promote their well-being.

How does the President check the actions of Congress?

• by refusing to provide funding

• by adjourning a congressional session

• by declaring a law to be unconstitutional

• by vetoing a bill approved by both houses

What check does the U.S. Senate have on the President?

• overriding vetoes

• appointing judges

• declaring laws unconstitutional

• refusing to confirm appointments

Which is an example of checks and balances?

• The President signs a treaty with Mexico

• The President appoints a Supreme Court justice and the Senate approves it.

• Congress passes a law reducing taxes.

• The Supreme Court rules on a case entitled, Miranda v. Arizona.

What is the main purpose for Separation of Powers?

• To divide power and responsibility between national and state governments

• To specify and limit the powers listed in the U.S. Constitution

• To protect the nation against tyranny by dividing and specifying the function of each branch

• To prevent any one branch of government from becoming stronger than the other branches

The passage below is from the U.S. Constitution.

The Congress shall have Power ... To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

What is this passage also known as?

• Export Clause

• Elastic Clause

• Commerce Clause

• Supremacy Clause

Which phrase completes the chart?

• To collect taxes

• To impeach the President

• To raise an army and establish a navy

• To rule on whether a law is constitutional