Civic Literacy Exam Civic Literacy 1

Question 1

Which branch of the U.S. federal government has the sole authority to declare war?

Accepted Answer

Congress

Answer

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution explicitly grants Congress — not the President — the power to declare war. While the President commands the military, only Congress can issue a formal declaration of war.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

To reserve powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people

Answer

The Tenth Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people. It is a cornerstone of federalism.

Question 3

How many justices currently sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

9

Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court is composed of nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This number has been set by Congress since 1869 and has not changed since.

Question 4

Which constitutional clause gives Congress the broad power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated powers?

Accepted Answer

The Elastic Clause

Answer

Article I, Section 8 ends with the Necessary and Proper Clause, often called the 'Elastic Clause' because it stretches congressional authority to enact legislation beyond its explicitly listed powers, as long as those laws support an enumerated power.

Question 5

What is the term length for a U.S. House of Representatives member?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms, as established by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. All 435 House seats are up for election every two years during federal elections.

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Civic Literacy 1