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Lesson 1: The American Government — Practice Questions

  1. 1. In the new government of the United States, who did the leaders decide should be in charge?

    • A. The generals from the army
    • B. The wealthiest citizens
    • C. The people of the country
    • D. A new, elected king
  2. 2. The principle of 'consent of the governed' means a government gets its authority from whom?

    • A. the military
    • B. the people
    • C. other countries
    • D. the leaders
  3. 3. Which major event led American leaders to create a new form of government based on the people's consent?

    • A. The first election
    • B. The American Revolution
    • C. The writing of state laws
    • D. The creation of the army
  4. 4. What was a major difference between the new U.S. government and the old British rule?

    • A. The U.S. government got its power directly from the people.
    • B. The British government did not have any leaders to make rules.
    • C. The U.S. government was run by a group of generals.
    • D. The British government did not have a capital city.
  5. 5. A government that is based on the 'consent of the governed' requires the people to do what?

    • A. Obey every leader without any questions.
    • B. Participate in their own government.
    • C. Live in the same city as the leaders.
    • D. Pay taxes directly to a king.
  6. 6. If the country needs a new national law, which branch of government is responsible for writing and voting on it?

    • A. The judicial branch
    • B. The executive branch
    • C. The legislative branch
    • D. The president's cabinet
  7. 7. The president is the head of the executive branch. What is this branch's main function?

    • A. Writing new bills for Congress to vote on
    • B. Deciding legal cases between states
    • C. Ensuring that federal laws are followed
    • D. Removing judges from the Supreme Court
  8. 8. If there is a disagreement about whether a law is fair, which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the law?

    • A. The legislative branch, because it created the law
    • B. The executive branch, because it enforces the law
    • C. The judicial branch, because its job is to act as a referee
    • D. The state governments, because they are closer to the people
  9. 9. A bill has been passed by Congress. Which branch is now responsible for carrying out, or enforcing, this new law?

    • A. The judicial branch
    • B. The legislative branch
    • C. The executive branch
    • D. The Senate
  10. 10. The executive branch is in charge of enforcing laws. Who is the leader of this branch?

    • A. The Chief Justice
    • B. The President
    • C. The Speaker of the House
    • D. The Senate Majority Leader