Civics Quiz

The U.S. Constitution matters because it serves as the foundation for all American laws and the structure of government. Adopted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it creates a system of checks and balances by dividing power among three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—so that no branch becomes too powerful. It guarantees individual rights, such as freedom of speech and due process, ensuring that citizens are protected from government overreach. Known as the “supreme law of the land,” the Constitution overrides any conflicting state or federal laws, and all public officials swear an oath to uphold it. Its ability to be amended allows it to adapt to changing times while preserving its core principles of liberty, justice, and democracy.

The Preamble is the introductory statement to the U.S. Constitution. It does not establish law, but it expresses the guiding principles and intentions behind the document. It begins with the iconic phrase, “We the People,” emphasizing that the authority of government derives from the citizens. The Preamble outlines six key purposes: to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. These goals set the tone for the articles and amendments that follow.

The Tenth Amendment, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, reaffirms the federal system of government by stating that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people. This amendment protects the principle of federalism, ensuring that the national government does not exceed its constitutional bounds and that states retain control over areas such as education, local law enforcement, and infrastructure unless otherwise specified.

While the Constitution grants the federal government significant powers—including the ability to coin money, declare war, and regulate trade between states—the power to conduct elections is reserved to the states. This includes both state and federal elections. Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution gives states the authority to determine the “Times, Places and Manner” of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, although Congress may alter these regulations. As a result, election laws can vary widely between states.

The Articles of Confederation, America’s first national government, adopted in 1781, gave most powers to the individual states and created a very weak central government. It lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, enforce laws, or maintain a standing army. Economic chaos, internal unrest (such as Shays’ Rebellion), and diplomatic weakness revealed its flaws. In response, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 drafted a new Constitution that strengthened federal authority while balancing it with protections for state powers and individual rights. This transformation allowed for a more unified and functional national government.