Civic Literacy Exam U.S. Government Structure & Constitution 2

Question 1

How many members does the U.S. House of Representatives have, and how is representation determined?

Accepted Answer

435 members, apportioned among states based on population as measured by the census

Answer

The House of Representatives has 435 members. Seats are apportioned among the 50 states based on their population as determined by the decennial census, with each state guaranteed at least one representative.

Question 2

What are the constitutional requirements to be eligible for the presidency?

Accepted Answer

Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years

Answer

Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution requires that the President be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age, and have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

Question 3

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Accepted Answer

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House, sets the legislative agenda, and is second in the line of presidential succession

Answer

The Speaker of the House is elected by the full membership, presides over the House, controls the legislative agenda (which bills are scheduled for debate and votes), and is second in the presidential line of succession after the Vice President.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the presidential veto power, and how can Congress overcome it?

Accepted Answer

The veto allows the President to reject legislation passed by Congress, which Congress can override by a two-thirds vote of both chambers

Answer

Under Article I, Section 7, the President can veto a bill by returning it to Congress with objections. Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, which is constitutionally required.

Question 5

How are federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, appointed?

Accepted Answer

Nominated by the President and confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate

Answer

Under Article II, Section 2, federal judges — including Supreme Court justices — are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate (with a simple majority required after the 2017 rule change for Supreme Court nominations).

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam U.S. Government Structure & Constitution 2