American Institutions

What is the main purpose of the United States Constitution?

To establish a new government for the United States and designate its powers and limits

To declare independence from Great Britain

To lay the groundwork for ending slavery in the United States

To provide citizens with a written record of the constitutional convention

How did the framers of the Constitution aim to ensure a separation of powers between the three branches of government?

They ensured considerable overlap between the different branches’ roles and responsibilities such that negotiation and collaboration between the three branches over key decisions would be necessary.

They established a system of checks and balances such that each branch’s power was limited by the other two.

They attributed the same powers to multiple branches of government to ensure a slow decision-making process.

All of the above.

What is the main function of the legislative branch of the United States’ government?

To implement laws

To create laws

To enforce laws

To interpret laws

What is the President’s role in the U.S. legislative process?

The Constitution outlines no role for the executive branch in the lawmaking process.

The President sits on Congressional committees as a non-voting participant.

The majority of the bills that are debated in Congress come from the President.

The President either approves or vetoes a bill after it is approved by both Houses of Congress.

How is the President elected?

By receiving the most votes nationwide

By receiving 270 electoral votes

By Senate selection from the three presidential candidates with the most electoral votes

None of the above