Every American Should Be Able to Answer These 10 Questions...Can You?
Think you know the nuts and bolts of the U.S. government? Not even the most seasoned politicians have mastered them all, but how well do you know the basics? Take our fun quiz and see!
Who heads up the Executive Branch?
The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet
Chief of Staff
President
How many branches of federal government are there?
The US federal government has three parts: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
2
5
4
3
What prevents one branch of government from overstepping its authority?
There are the "checks and balances"" within the US political system that limit the power of each branch.
Congressional oversight
Separation of powers
Presidential veto
If both President and Vice President can't serve out their terms, who becomes President?
The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the leader of the United States House of Representatives. The Speaker is elected by the current members of the House.
The Secretary of State
The Speaker of the House
Chief Justice of the United States
What is the national anthem?
Francis Scott Key wrote the words to it in 1814 after seeing British ships attacking Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812.
America the Beautiful
The Star-Spangled Banner
Georgia On My Mind
Pokerface
What is the Supreme Law of the Land?
The United States Constitution is the highest law of the United States of America. It was signed on September 17, 1787 by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later, it was put into effect, or ratified, by representatives of the people of the first 13 states
The Declaration of Independence
The Gettysburg Address
The Bill of Rights
The Constitution
How many justices sit on the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is comprised of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
6
7
9
Each state has how many Senators?
Currently, there are 100 senators representing the 50 states. Each senator is elected at-large in their state for a six-year term.
2
3
It depends on the size of the state
What day of the year do Americans vote for President?
For federal offices (President, Vice President, and United States Congress), Election Day occurs only in even-numbered years.
A pre-selected Tuesday in November
The first Tuesday in November
The first Tuesday after a first Monday in November
The second Tuesday in November
There are how many voting members in the House of Representatives?
There are currently six non-voting members: a delegate representing the federal district of Washington D.C., a resident commissioner representing Puerto Rico, and one delegate for each of the other four permanently inhabited US Territories
436
435
336
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
You might be expert in something, which is great, but the state of your civics awareness needs a little repair work. You have to start somewhere, but American is all about self-improvement: better luck next time!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Technically speaking you failed, but this is a quiz, not a test -- so cheer up! You weren't sleeping but you still need to bone up on your American civics. A little studying and you'll be set. There's still hope for a brighter tomorrow!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Good showing! Though your civics might be little rusty you definitely have a sense of what makes America tick in terms of the governmental ins and outs. Why not give the quiz another go and see how you do?
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Were you born on the Fourth of July? Maybe not, but you sure are a hotshot when it comes to American civics! Clearly somebody's done their homework here. You've done Uncle Sam proud, so celebrate!