FREE Civic Literacy Systems of Government Question and Answers
Why do certain states have a greater number of representatives than others?
Certain states have a greater number of representatives than others because they have a larger population. The allocation of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives is based on the principle of proportional representation, which means that states with larger populations have more representatives to ensure that each representative represents roughly the same number of constituents.
Why is it vital to know your state's capital?
Knowing your state's capital is vital because it is the city where the state legislature is located. Understanding the state capital is important for basic civic knowledge and to be familiar with the political and administrative structure of your state government. It serves as the center of political activity at the state level, where significant decisions are made and state laws and policies are discussed and decided upon. Being aware of the state capital allows you to access government services and interact with state officials, making you informed and engaged in the democratic process at the state level.
What is the role of the judicial branch?
the role of the judicial branch includes: Reviewing laws to determine their constitutionality through judicial review. Explaining and interpreting the meaning of laws passed by the legislative branch. Resolving legal disputes between individuals, organizations, or government entities. Deciding if a law or government action is in accordance with the Constitution and striking down laws that are found to be unconstitutional. The judicial branch does not create or enforce laws; its primary function is to provide checks and balances on the other branches of government and ensure that laws are applied fairly and consistently within the framework of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has how many justices?
The Supreme Court of the United States consists of nine (9) justices. The number of justices is not fixed by the Constitution and has varied throughout history. However, since 1869, the Court has consistently had nine justices. One of them serves as the Chief Justice, while the other eight are Associate Justices. The President of the United States nominates justices, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and they hold their positions for life or until they retire or are impeached and removed from office.
Who becomes President if neither the President nor the Vice President is able to continue in office?
If neither the President nor the Vice President is able to continue in office, the Speaker of the House of Representatives would be next in line to become President.
Which month do we elect president?
In the United States, the month in which the presidential election takes place is November. Specifically, presidential elections are held on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November. This means that the election can fall on any Tuesday between November 2nd and November 8th. The President is not directly elected by the popular vote but rather through the Electoral College system, where electors from each state cast their votes based on the popular vote in their respective states. The candidate who secures the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) becomes the President of the United States.
Who is the House of Representatives' current Speaker's name?
Nancy Pelosi was the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. However, please note that political positions can change, and new elections or appointments may have occurred since then. To get the most current information, I recommend checking a reliable news source or the official website of the U.S. House of Representatives.
How many of the House of Representatives' members have voting rights?
There are 435 voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives. The number is fixed by law and is apportioned among the states based on their population. Each state is guaranteed at least one representative, and the remaining seats are allocated based on population size. This number can change after each decennial census, as population shifts may result in some states gaining or losing seats. As of my last update in September 2025, the number of voting members in the House of Representatives remains at 435.
How many senators from the US are there?
The United States Senate consists of 100 senators. Each state is represented by two senators, regardless of its population size. This means that there are two senators from each of the 50 states in the Senate. The number of senators per state is fixed by the Constitution and does not change based on population shifts or other factors. The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, makes up the U.S. Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.
What is the name of the highest court in the US?
The highest court in the United States is called the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest federal court and serves as the final interpreter of federal law, including the Constitution. It consists of nine justices, and its decisions are binding and have far-reaching implications for the interpretation and application of laws and rights throughout the country. The Supreme Court's rulings set precedents that lower courts must follow, making it a critical institution for the American legal system and the checks and balances among the three branches of government.
What are the names of the two major political parties in America?
The two major political parties in the United States are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. These two parties dominate the American political landscape and play a central role in national and state-level
How many years do we elect a U.S. Senator for?
U.S. Senators are elected for a term of six (6) years. Each state is represented by two senators, and elections for the Senate are staggered, with about one-third of the seats up for election every two years. This system allows for continuity in the Senate while providing voters with regular opportunities to elect or re-elect their representatives.
The majority of powers are delegated to the states by our Constitution. Which of the following is a federal obligation rather than a power that is mostly left to the states?
Defending against foreign invasion is a federal obligation rather than a power primarily left to the states. The United States Constitution grants the federal government the responsibility to protect the country from external threats, including foreign invasions. This obligation is specified in the Constitution under Article I, Section 8, which outlines the enumerated powers of Congress. One of these enumerated powers is "To provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States," which includes the duty to defend the country against foreign attacks.
How many years do we choose a U.S. Representative for?
A U.S. Representative is elected for a term of two (2) years. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms, and elections are held every even-numbered year (e.g., 2020, 2025, 2025, and so on). This frequent election cycle allows for more frequent opportunities for the public to express their preferences and hold their representatives accountable. After the two-year term, representatives must run for re-election if they wish to continue serving in the House.
How many years do we elect a president for?
The President and Vice-President are chosen by the general public in a direct vote for a six-year term that starts at noon on the 30th day of June after the election and ends at noon on the same day, six years later. The President won't be up for re-election at any point.
What prevents one branch of the government from gaining excessive power?
The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances and separates the powers among the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining excessive power. Each branch has distinct functions and can check and limit the actions of the other branches. This system helps maintain a balance of power and ensures that no single branch can dominate or abuse its authority, promoting a system of government that is responsive and accountable to the people.