Practice test 3

Correct answer: The Civil War

The Civil War ended slavery in the United States, sealed by the 13th Amendment in 1865.

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Correct answer: "Father of Our Country"

George Washington led the Continental Army, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and became the first president, which earned him the name "Father of Our Country."

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Correct answer: Four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House has 435 voting members, divided among the states by population. Delegates from D.C. and the territories may debate but cannot vote on final passage.

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Correct answer: Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, was the document that formally cut ties with Britain. The Constitution came eleven years later.

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Correct answer: After the Civil War

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870 after the Civil War, said the right to vote could not be denied because of race. In practice, many states blocked Black voters for another century.

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Correct answer: Advises the President (of the United States)

The Cabinet advises the president. Most of its members lead a federal department or agency and must be confirmed by the Senate; the Vice President sits with the Cabinet as well.

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Correct answer: The President (of the United States)

A bill becomes law when the president signs it. Congress can still override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

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Correct answer: Everyone must follow the law.

The rule of law means nobody is above the law: not the president, not Congress, not the courts. Leaders must follow the same rules as everyone else.

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Correct answer: Louisiana Territory

The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the young country overnight.

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Correct answer: (For) life

Justices serve for life; there is no fixed term. They leave the Court only by dying, retiring, resigning, or being removed through impeachment.

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Correct answer: Vote

Civic participation means taking part: voting, joining a party or community group, contacting officials, campaigning, or speaking out on an issue.

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Correct answer: The President (of the United States)

The president nominates federal judges, but the Senate must confirm them before they take the bench.

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Correct answer: To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

The United States led a coalition in 1991 to drive the Iraqi military out of Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded the year before.

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Correct answer: Four (4) years

A presidential term is four years. Elections are held every four years, in November.

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Correct answer: Five (5)

A case is decided by a simple majority, so five of the nine justices are usually enough.

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Correct answer: It decides who is elected president.

Presidents are chosen by the Electoral College, not by a single national vote. Each state's electors reflect its representation in Congress.

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Correct answer: 1920

The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920 after decades of campaigning, said the right to vote could not be denied because of sex. In practice, many women of color were still blocked at the polls until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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Correct answer: Print paper money

Only the federal government may print money, declare war, raise an army, make treaties, and conduct foreign policy.

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Correct answer: Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships

The United States entered World War I in 1917 after German submarines attacked American ships, joining Britain, France, Italy and Russia against the Central Powers.

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Correct answer: The Civil War

The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, set the northern states against the southern states that had seceded.

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