Purdue University Civics Literacy Exam Questions
and Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers)
Graded A+ | Latest Update 2026/27
Limited Government - ANSWERS The government can only do what the
constitution allows
Rule of Law - ANSWERS A principle that the law applies to everyone, even
those who govern
Checks and Balances - ANSWERS A system that allows each branch of
government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse
of power
Separation of Powers - ANSWERS Division of powers among the legislative,
executive, and judicial branches
Legislative branch - ANSWERS Makes laws
Executive branch - ANSWERS Enforces laws
Judicial branch - ANSWERS Interprets the laws
, Declaration of Independence - ANSWERS Signed in 1776 declaring the United
States as a free state.
Articles of Confederation - ANSWERS 1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788
(weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate
trade)
Great compromise - ANSWERS 1787; Gave power to congress, created
electoral college, house of reps, and supreme court
electoral college - ANSWERS number depends on state population
supreme court - ANSWERS consists of 9 justices appointed by president and
confirmed by congress.
3/5ths clause - ANSWERS 1787; stated that slaves counted as 3/5 of a person
when speaking of state population for representation
senators are elected how? - ANSWERS elected in statewide election
senator terms - ANSWERS 6 years
how many senators up for election each year - ANSWERS 1/3
how many members of senate - ANSWERS 100
and Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers)
Graded A+ | Latest Update 2026/27
Limited Government - ANSWERS The government can only do what the
constitution allows
Rule of Law - ANSWERS A principle that the law applies to everyone, even
those who govern
Checks and Balances - ANSWERS A system that allows each branch of
government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse
of power
Separation of Powers - ANSWERS Division of powers among the legislative,
executive, and judicial branches
Legislative branch - ANSWERS Makes laws
Executive branch - ANSWERS Enforces laws
Judicial branch - ANSWERS Interprets the laws
, Declaration of Independence - ANSWERS Signed in 1776 declaring the United
States as a free state.
Articles of Confederation - ANSWERS 1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788
(weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate
trade)
Great compromise - ANSWERS 1787; Gave power to congress, created
electoral college, house of reps, and supreme court
electoral college - ANSWERS number depends on state population
supreme court - ANSWERS consists of 9 justices appointed by president and
confirmed by congress.
3/5ths clause - ANSWERS 1787; stated that slaves counted as 3/5 of a person
when speaking of state population for representation
senators are elected how? - ANSWERS elected in statewide election
senator terms - ANSWERS 6 years
how many senators up for election each year - ANSWERS 1/3
how many members of senate - ANSWERS 100
