Civic Literacy Exam U.S. Government Structure & Constitution 3

Question 1

What does it mean that the United States has a 'bicameral' legislature?

Accepted Answer

The legislature has two chambers — the Senate and the House of Representatives — each with different compositions and powers

Answer

Bicameral means 'two chambers.' The U.S. Congress consists of the Senate (100 members, 2 per state) and the House of Representatives (435 members, apportioned by population), and both must pass identical legislation for it to become law.

Question 2

What are the constitutional powers of the Vice President?

Accepted Answer

Presiding over the Senate and casting tie-breaking votes, and succeeding to the presidency if the President is unable to serve

Answer

The Vice President's primary constitutional roles are presiding over the Senate (with the power to cast tie-breaking votes) and serving as first in the line of presidential succession.

Question 3

What is the constitutional significance of the Supremacy Clause?

Accepted Answer

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding conflicting state laws

Answer

The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) establishes that the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, meaning state laws that conflict with federal law are preempted and have no legal effect.

Question 4

How does the impeachment process work for a President of the United States?

Accepted Answer

The House votes to impeach by simple majority, then the Senate holds a trial with a two-thirds majority needed to convict and remove

Answer

Under Article I, the House has the sole power of impeachment by simple majority vote, and the Senate has the sole power to try impeachments, with a two-thirds supermajority required to convict and remove the President.

Question 5

What is the constitutional role of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

The Cabinet consists of the heads of executive departments who advise the President, though it has no formal constitutional authority of its own

Answer

The Cabinet is not explicitly established in the Constitution. Article II mentions the President may seek written opinions from department heads. In practice, the Cabinet consists of the Vice President, heads of 15 executive departments, and other senior officials who advise the President.

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam U.S. Government Structure & Constitution 3