U.S. Citizenship Test Practice: The Supreme Court, Federalism and the States
- The Supreme Court, Federalism and the States
- 12 questions
- 12 minutes
These questions cover the Supreme Court, the federal courts and how power is divided between the federal government and the states. The real interview may also ask about your own state, such as its capital, so learn that as well.
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
Which of these is part of the judicial branch?
Correct answer: A
The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court and the other federal courts. The Department of Justice sounds similar, but it is part of the executive branch.
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Question 2
A group says a new federal law goes against the Constitution. Which branch can decide whether that is true?
Correct answer: C
Federal courts review laws and decide whether they go against the Constitution. This power is called judicial review.
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Question 3
Which court has the final word on cases about the Constitution and federal law?
Correct answer: D
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. Its decisions on the Constitution and federal law cannot be appealed to any other court.
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Question 4
How many justices (judges) sit on the Supreme Court?
Correct answer: C
The Supreme Court has nine seats: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Congress set this number by law in 1869.
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Question 5
All nine justices vote on a case. How many votes are usually needed to decide it?
Correct answer: B
Most cases are decided by a simple majority. With nine justices, that means at least five votes.
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Question 6
A new justice joins the Supreme Court. For how long can he or she serve?
Correct answer: D
Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, are appointed for life. They serve until they retire, resign or die, unless they are impeached and removed.
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Question 7
What is the main reason federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, are appointed for life?
Correct answer: A
Life terms make justices independent. They do not need to win elections or please politicians to keep their jobs.
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Question 8
After the President chooses a new Supreme Court justice, who must confirm (approve) the choice?
Correct answer: D
The Constitution says the President appoints justices with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. The Senate holds hearings and then votes on the nominee.
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Question 9
Which power belongs only to the federal government, not to the states?
Correct answer: A
Only the federal government can print money, coin money, declare war and make treaties with other countries. Driver's licenses, schools and police are handled by the states and local governments.
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Question 10
Ahmed just moved to a new state and needs a driver's license. Which government issues it?
Correct answer: C
Driver's licenses are issued by the states. States also run public schools and provide police and fire protection.
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Question 11
The 10th Amendment is about powers that the Constitution does not give to the federal government. Who keeps those powers?
Correct answer: B
The 10th Amendment says powers not given to the federal government, and not forbidden to the states, belong to the states or to the people. It protects the role of the states.
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Question 12
In the U.S. system, power is shared between the national government and the state governments. What is this system called?
Correct answer: B
Federalism means power is divided between the national (federal) government and the states. Each level has its own powers, and some powers are shared.
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