Keystone Test Civics: U.S. Government Principles 2

Question 1

Which branch of the U.S. government has the power to declare war?

Accepted Answer

Congress

Answer

Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to formally declare war.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

Accepted Answer

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

Answer

Checks and balances distribute power among the three branches so no single branch can dominate the government.

Question 3

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

Accepted Answer

13th Amendment

Answer

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery throughout the United States.

Question 4

What document established the framework for the current U.S. federal government?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Constitution

Answer

The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the three branches of government and the supreme law of the land.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

9

Answer

By law, the Supreme Court has nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Keystone Test Practice Test