by Enrichetta Bach
Dive into the intricate workings of the U.S. government with this comprehensive quiz on Unit 1 of AP Government. From the Constitution’s inception to the dynamic interplay between federal and state powers, this quiz is designed to challenge your understanding and reinforce key concepts. Sharpen your knowledge and get ready to excel!
We recommend that you do not leave the page that you are taking this quiz in. Stay honest 🙂
AP Government Unit 1 Quiz Questions Overview
1. What is the primary purpose of the Constitution of the United States?
To establish a monarchy
To create a framework for government
To declare independence from Britain
To outline citizens’ daily responsibilities
2. Which principle of government is demonstrated by the division of powers between the national and state governments?
Separation of powers
Federalism
Checks and balances
Popular sovereignty
3. Which branch of government is primarily responsible for interpreting the laws?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Bureaucratic
4. What document did the Constitution replace?
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
The Bill of Rights
The Federalist Papers
5. Which of the following is an example of checks and balances?
The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress
The Supreme Court writes new laws
Congress declares war
The President appoints state governors
6. What is the main function of the legislative branch?
To enforce laws
To interpret laws
To make laws
To manage the economy
7. Which amendment to the Constitution is known for protecting the freedom of speech?
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Tenth Amendment
8. What is the main idea of the principle of popular sovereignty?
The government is divided into three branches
The people are the ultimate source of governmental power
The states have more power than the federal government
The President has absolute authority
9. Which of the following is NOT a power of the executive branch?
Vetoing bills
Appointing federal judges
Declaring war
Enforcing laws
10. What is the main purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To outline the structure of the government
To list the powers of the President
To protect individual liberties
To establish the process for amending the Constitution
11. Which principle of government involves the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches?
Federalism
Separation of powers
Judicial review
Popular sovereignty
12. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Constitution’?
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
13. What is the significance of the Federalist Papers?
They outlined the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
They argued for the ratification of the Constitution
They established the first political parties
They declared independence from Britain
14. Which clause of the Constitution provides that federal law takes precedence over state law?
Commerce Clause
Supremacy Clause
Necessary and Proper Clause
Full Faith and Credit Clause
15. What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
To ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful
To create a strong central government
To allow the President to control Congress
To limit the power of state governments
16. Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
13th Amendment
14th Amendment
15th Amendment
19th Amendment
17. What is the main idea of the principle of limited government?
The government has absolute power
The government can only do what the people allow it to do
The government controls all aspects of life
The government is divided into three branches
18. Which branch of government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Administrative
We recommend that you do not leave the page that you are taking this quiz in. Stay honest 🙂
