FCLE Constitution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the legislative branch?
- Article I (Correct answer)
- Article II
- Article III
- Article IV
Correct answer: Article I
Article I of the Constitution establishes Congress as the legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Question 2: How many total amendments does the U.S. Constitution currently have?
- 10
- 22
- 27 (Correct answer)
- 33
Correct answer: 27
The U.S. Constitution has 27 amendments, with the first ten comprising the Bill of Rights ratified in 1791.
Question 3: What constitutional requirement must be met before a bill becomes law without the President's signature?
- A simple majority in both chambers
- A two-thirds majority in both chambers (Correct answer)
- A three-fourths majority of states
- Unanimous consent of the Senate
Correct answer: A two-thirds majority in both chambers
Congress can override a presidential veto and enact a bill into law by a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the Senate and the House.
Question 4: The Supremacy Clause in Article VI establishes that the Constitution is:
- Subject to state laws
- The supreme law of the land (Correct answer)
- Inferior to international treaties
- Amendable by executive order
Correct answer: The supreme law of the land
The Supremacy Clause declares the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties to be the supreme law of the land, overriding conflicting state laws.
Question 5: Which constitutional amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?
- Fifth Amendment
- Sixth Amendment
- Seventh Amendment
- Eighth Amendment (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Eighth Amendment
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Question 6: What is the minimum age requirement to serve as a U.S. Senator?
- 25
- 30 (Correct answer)
- 35
- 40
Correct answer: 30
Article I requires U.S. Senators to be at least 30 years old, a citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Question 7: The constitutional principle of 'checks and balances' primarily ensures that:
- All states have equal power
- No single branch of government becomes too powerful (Correct answer)
- The President controls the budget
- Congress can appoint judges
Correct answer: No single branch of government becomes too powerful
Checks and balances distributes power among the three branches so each can limit the powers of the others, preventing any branch from becoming dominant.
FCLE Constitution 2
Which article of the U.S.
Constitution establishes the legislative branch?