The U.S. Constitution is the backbone of American democracy that governs the nation’s laws and administration. Such knowledge is essential for students, competitive exam aspirants, and those interested in U.S. government processes. Below, I present 20 key MCQs on the U.S. Constitution. These MCQs cover very important topics, such as their formation, amendments, and significance. Explore below the 20 key MCQs about the USA constitution to assess and build your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.
Key MCQs about the USA Constitution
1. When was the U.S. Constitution ratified?
A. 1787
B. 1789
C. 1791
D. 1776
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Details: It was ratified on 17 September 1787 after the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This act effectively replaced the Articles of Confederation, which would form the fundamental structure for the federal government.
2. What is the primary purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
A. To list individual rights
B. To outline government powers
C. To state the Constitution’s purpose
D. To establish the Bill of Rights
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Details: The Preamble introduces the Constitution by stating its goals, which include forming a more perfect union, ensuring justice, and promoting general welfare.
3. Which branch of government is established in Article I of the Constitution?
A. Executive
B. Judicial
C. Legislative
D. Federal
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Details: Article I defines the Legislative Branch consisting of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate that constitute an avenue of legislating.
4. How many amendments does the Constitution currently have?
A. 10
B. 27
C. 33
D. 50
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Details: As of 2024, the Constitution has 27 amendments, with the most recent one being ratified in 1992.
5. What is the Bill of Rights?
A. The first 5 amendments
B. The first 10 amendments
C. Articles I to III
D. A declaration of independence
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Details: The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments and guarantees fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and religion.
6. What does the Tenth Amendment address?
A. Presidential elections
B. Powers reserved to states
C. Abolition of slavery
D. Taxation rights
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Details: The Tenth Amendment summarizes that all powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.
7. Who is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
A. George Washington
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. James Madison
D. Alexander Hamilton
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Details: He was the keystone drafter of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and thus has this title.
8. What is the “supreme law of the land” according to the Constitution?
A. The Bill of Rights
B. The Constitution
C. Federal laws
D. Presidential decrees
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Details: The Constitution is the highest law in the United States, as stated in Article VI (Supremacy Clause).
9. What does the First Amendment protect?
A. Right to vote
B. Freedom of religion, speech, and press
C. Right to bear arms
D. Protection from illegal searches
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Details: The First Amendment secures freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.
10. Which article outlines the process of amending the Constitution?
A. Article I
B. Article V
C. Article IV
D. Article VII
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Details: Article V describes the amendment process, requiring proposals by Congress or a constitutional convention and ratification by states.
11. What is the main function of the Executive Branch?
A. To make laws
B. To interpret laws
C. To enforce laws
D. To amend laws
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Details: The Executive Branch, led by the President, enforces and implements federal laws.
12. Which amendment abolished slavery?
A. 12th
B. 13th
C. 14th
D. 15th
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Details: The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.
13. How many articles are in the Constitution?
A. 7
B. 10
C. 13
D. 15
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Details: The Constitution has 7 articles outlining the structure and functions of the federal government and states.
14. What is required to override a presidential veto?
A. Majority vote in Congress
B. Two-thirds vote in both houses
C. Unanimous Senate approval
D. Judicial review
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Details: Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
15. What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
A. Freedom of speech restrictions
B. Illegal searches and seizures
C. Quartering of soldiers
D. Double jeopardy
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Details: The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unlawful searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.
16. Who presides over an impeachment trial of the President?
A. Vice President
B. Speaker of the House
C. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
D. Senate Majority Leader
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Details: In a presidential impeachment trial, the Chief Justice presides over the Senate proceedings to ensure impartiality.
17. Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18?
A. 24th
B. 25th
C. 26th
D. 27th
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Details: The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in response to Vietnam War protests.
18. What principle is established by the separation of powers?
A. Federal supremacy
B. Division of government roles
C. Equal state representation
D. Executive authority
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Details: The separation of powers divides the responsibilities of the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to check the potential abuse.
19. What is the purpose of checks and balances?
A. To create laws
B. To ensure no branch becomes too powerful
C. To promote elections
D. To prioritize federal over state laws
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Details: Checks and balances allow each branch to monitor and limit the others, maintaining a balance of power.
20. Which branch interprets the Constitution?
A. Legislative
B. Executive
C. Judicial
D. State
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Details: The Judicial Branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets the Constitution and ensures laws are in compliance with it.
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