U.S. Citizenship Test Practice: The Constitution and Its Amendments
- The Constitution and Its Amendments
- 10 questions
- 12 minutes
These questions look at how the Constitution is built and what some of its best-known amendments protect. The real civics test is an oral interview, so after each question try to explain the answer in one short sentence.
Tap an option to mark your answer. You can change your mind, or tap the same option again to leave the question blank. The correct answers and explanations appear when you finish the test.Tap an option to answer; tap it again to leave the question blank.
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Question 1
The Constitution begins with a short paragraph that explains why it was written, for example "to form a more perfect Union" and "establish Justice." What is this opening paragraph called?
Correct answer: C
The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It begins with "We the People" and lists the goals of the new government; the Bill of Rights comes later, as the first 10 amendments.
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Question 2
A group of neighbors writes a letter to Congress asking lawmakers to change a federal law. Which First Amendment right protects them?
Correct answer: A
The First Amendment protects the right to petition, which means asking the government to fix a problem or change a law. It also protects freedom of speech, religion, the press and peaceful assembly.
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Question 3
Police officers want to search a person's home without a good legal reason. Which amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures?
Correct answer: D
The 4th Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. In most cases officers need a warrant from a judge to search a home.
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Question 4
A person accused of a crime refuses to answer questions that could be used to prove that he is guilty. Which amendment gives him this right?
Correct answer: B
The 5th Amendment says no one can be forced to be a witness against himself. That is why people sometimes say they "plead the Fifth."
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Question 5
In 1971, an amendment lowered the voting age in all elections from 21 to 18. Which amendment was it?
Correct answer: B
The 26th Amendment set the voting age at 18. The 15th dealt with race, the 19th with women's votes and the 24th with poll taxes.
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Question 6
The Constitution can be divided into three main parts. Which list names them?
Correct answer: D
The Constitution starts with the Preamble, then has seven articles that set up the government, and ends with the amendments added over time.
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Question 7
Which amendment limits a President to being elected no more than two times?
Correct answer: A
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits a President to two elected terms. The 25th Amendment is about what happens if a President dies, resigns or cannot serve.
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Question 8
More than 200 years after it was written, the Constitution has only 27 amendments. What is the main reason changes are so rare?
Correct answer: C
An amendment is usually proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Reaching that much agreement is hard, so amendments are rare.
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Question 9
Under the 8th Amendment, which kind of punishment is not allowed?
Correct answer: B
The 8th Amendment bans cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail or fines. Normal fines and prison sentences are still allowed.
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Question 10
A person accused of a federal crime has the right to a speedy and public trial and to have a lawyer. Where are these rights written?
Correct answer: A
These rights come from the 6th Amendment, which is part of the Bill of Rights. The Declaration of Independence explained why the colonies broke away but does not set up court rights.
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