FREE FCLE Constitution Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the principal function of a written constitution?

Accepted Answer

Outlining the structure and powers of a government

Answer

Resolving disagreements between competing parties

Answer

Confirming resistance to civil disobedience

Answer

Declaring the independence of a state

Question 2

Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances, as defined in the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Keeping any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful

Answer

Establishing accountability for the government when levying taxes

Answer

Maintaining a healthy economy and establishing trade with other governments

Answer

Assuring that the government spends only as much money as it takes in

Question 3

Use the passage below, from an exchange between former president Nixon and a television interviewer, to answer the following question:

“Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal” -- Richard M. Nixon

Which constitutional principle does the statement from President Nixon contradict?

Accepted Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Republicanism

Answer

Equality

Question 4

Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.”

Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.

Answer

States will ensure that all citizens are granted certain freedoms.

Answer

People allow representatives to speak on behalf of all citizens.

Answer

Courts will elect officials to represent the people and ensure liberty.

Question 5

Which circumstance would require a search warrant?

Accepted Answer

Examining the contents of a hotel room

Answer

Searching persons with reasonable suspicion

Answer

Examining evidence that is in plain view

Answer

Searching school lockers for contraband

Question 6

In the United States, which of the following is permitted to citizens by the right of freedom of assembly?

Accepted Answer

The right to demonstrate

Answer

The right to riot

Answer

The right to immigrate

Answer

The right to work

Question 7

A man is walking down a public street window-shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?

Accepted Answer

Fourth Amendment

Answer

Second Amendment

Answer

Third Amendment

Answer

Fifth Amendment

Question 8

In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?

Accepted Answer

The conflict must be resolved using the Supremacy Clause.

Answer

The conflict must be resolved by the U.S. attorney general.

Answer

The conflict must be resolved by a national referendum.

Answer

The conflict must be resolved using the Tenth Amendment.

Question 9

Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?

Accepted Answer

Article I

Answer

Article II

Answer

Article III

Answer

Article IV

Question 10

Which phrase best describes the power of impeachment?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the U.S. House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation

Answer

The ability of the U.S. Supreme Court to determine constitutionality of laws

Answer

The power of the U.S. Senate to remove federal officers for a crime or violation

Answer

The power of the U.S. President to enforce decisions of federal courts