MTTC ELEMENTARY EDUCATION -
CIVICS, GOVERNMENT, AND
ECONOMICS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
What are congress' checks and balances? - Answer-Congress can impeach president
or pass laws over his veto; senate must confirm nominees and appointments
What are the supreme court's checks and balances? - Answer-supreme court makes
sure laws and actions are constitutional
Define federalism - Answer-national government shares certain powers with the states
What is the constitutional convention? - Answer-1787
Reps met to create constitution to purposefully divide governing powers between
branches
What is the purpose of the three branches of government? - Answer-Divides powers so
that no group has authority
Form a powerful and fair federal government that protected individual liberties
Describe the legislative branch - Answer-US congress (House and Senate)
Formation of laws (discuss, draft, enact)
Made up of delegates from each state
US VP is head of senate but only votes in a tie
Describe the Executive branch - Answer-US President
Carries out laws (enforces, recommends)
Commands armed forces
Describe the Judicial branch - Answer-Supreme court
interprets laws and constitution
judicial review - make sure other branches are lawful
Which branch approves treaties? - Answer-Legislative
Which branch can impeach? - Answer-Legislative
How is the VP a part of the senate? - Answer-VP is the president of the senate but can
only vote in a tie
, Why can supreme court decide on constitutionality? - Answer-Marbury v Madison
Can the president retire supreme court justices? - Answer-No
What is the purpose of state government? - Answer-Control everyday dealings
i.e. drivers license, vehicle reg, drivers records, birth certificate, death certificate,
unemployment compensation, professional licensure
What is a State Constitution? - Answer-Document that details governmental structure,
political process, and limitations on power within state
What is the structure of the state government (branches)? - Answer-Executive branch
(governor and other elected officials)
Legislative Branch (elected representatives - house and senate (bicameral), create
state legislation)
Judicial Branch (state supreme court; interpret and define issues of the state law)
Compare state constitutions to the federal constitution. - Answer-State constitutions are
longer and more detailed than the federal constitution
State constitutions updated more frequently
Describe state officials - Answer-Public officials that hold office
can be elected or appointed
What is a governor? - Answer-Highest ranked state official
chosen via statewide popular vote
What branch of government holds the state government? - Answer-State Executive
Branch
What is local government? - Answer-Public administration of towns, cities, counties, and
districts
What is the purpose of local government? - Answer-Runs city utilities, fire, library, etc.
organization of government depends on the state
Citizens of an area elect their officials
Describe the public administration of counties - Answer-Largest political subdivision
within state
locally administer state laws
collect own taxes
CIVICS, GOVERNMENT, AND
ECONOMICS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
What are congress' checks and balances? - Answer-Congress can impeach president
or pass laws over his veto; senate must confirm nominees and appointments
What are the supreme court's checks and balances? - Answer-supreme court makes
sure laws and actions are constitutional
Define federalism - Answer-national government shares certain powers with the states
What is the constitutional convention? - Answer-1787
Reps met to create constitution to purposefully divide governing powers between
branches
What is the purpose of the three branches of government? - Answer-Divides powers so
that no group has authority
Form a powerful and fair federal government that protected individual liberties
Describe the legislative branch - Answer-US congress (House and Senate)
Formation of laws (discuss, draft, enact)
Made up of delegates from each state
US VP is head of senate but only votes in a tie
Describe the Executive branch - Answer-US President
Carries out laws (enforces, recommends)
Commands armed forces
Describe the Judicial branch - Answer-Supreme court
interprets laws and constitution
judicial review - make sure other branches are lawful
Which branch approves treaties? - Answer-Legislative
Which branch can impeach? - Answer-Legislative
How is the VP a part of the senate? - Answer-VP is the president of the senate but can
only vote in a tie
, Why can supreme court decide on constitutionality? - Answer-Marbury v Madison
Can the president retire supreme court justices? - Answer-No
What is the purpose of state government? - Answer-Control everyday dealings
i.e. drivers license, vehicle reg, drivers records, birth certificate, death certificate,
unemployment compensation, professional licensure
What is a State Constitution? - Answer-Document that details governmental structure,
political process, and limitations on power within state
What is the structure of the state government (branches)? - Answer-Executive branch
(governor and other elected officials)
Legislative Branch (elected representatives - house and senate (bicameral), create
state legislation)
Judicial Branch (state supreme court; interpret and define issues of the state law)
Compare state constitutions to the federal constitution. - Answer-State constitutions are
longer and more detailed than the federal constitution
State constitutions updated more frequently
Describe state officials - Answer-Public officials that hold office
can be elected or appointed
What is a governor? - Answer-Highest ranked state official
chosen via statewide popular vote
What branch of government holds the state government? - Answer-State Executive
Branch
What is local government? - Answer-Public administration of towns, cities, counties, and
districts
What is the purpose of local government? - Answer-Runs city utilities, fire, library, etc.
organization of government depends on the state
Citizens of an area elect their officials
Describe the public administration of counties - Answer-Largest political subdivision
within state
locally administer state laws
collect own taxes
