LEAP U.S. Government Structures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which clause in the Constitution gives Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' to carry out its listed powers?
- Commerce Clause
- Supremacy Clause
- Elastic Clause (Correct answer)
- Due Process Clause
Correct answer: Elastic Clause
The Elastic Clause (Article I, Section 8) allows Congress to stretch its powers to make laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.
Question 2: The President of the United States serves as the Commander in Chief of which branch of the military?
- Only the Army and Navy
- Only the Army
- All branches of the armed forces (Correct answer)
- Only during wartime
Correct answer: All branches of the armed forces
Article II of the Constitution makes the President Commander in Chief of the entire U.S. military, including all branches, at all times.
Question 3: What is the term for the power of the federal government to override state laws when there is a conflict?
- Federalism
- Preemption (Correct answer)
- Nullification
- Devolution
Correct answer: Preemption
Preemption occurs when federal law supersedes conflicting state law, based on the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.
Question 4: How many justices currently serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
- 7
- 8
- 9 (Correct answer)
- 11
Correct answer: 9
The Supreme Court has nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, a number set by Congress, not the Constitution.
Question 5: Which body has the sole power to try (conduct the trial of) an impeached official?
- The House of Representatives
- The Supreme Court
- The Senate (Correct answer)
- A special federal court
Correct answer: The Senate
The Senate holds the impeachment trial; the House votes to impeach (charge), but the Senate decides guilt and removal.
Question 6: What is the primary function of the Electoral College?
- To register voters in federal elections
- To formally elect the President and Vice President (Correct answer)
- To certify Congressional election results
- To resolve disputed Senate elections
Correct answer: To formally elect the President and Vice President
The Electoral College is the body of electors established by the Constitution who formally elect the President and Vice President.
Question 7: Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery throughout the United States?
- 13th Amendment (Correct answer)
- 14th Amendment
- 15th Amendment
- 19th Amendment
Correct answer: 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
LEAP U.S. Government Structures 2
Which clause in the Constitution gives Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' to carry out its listed powers?