Grade: 3 Subject: Social Studies Unit: Government Basics Lesson: 7 of 7 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Unit Checkpoint: Government Basics

Questions

1. Which branch of government makes laws?

A) Executive
B) Legislative
C) Judicial
D) Presidential

Answer

B) Legislative - Congress (Senate and House) makes laws.

2. The President is the head of which branch?

A) Legislative
B) Judicial
C) Executive
D) Congressional

Answer

C) Executive - The President leads the executive branch.

3. Which branch interprets laws?

A) Executive
B) Legislative
C) Judicial
D) Military

Answer

C) Judicial - Courts interpret laws and decide cases.

4. What document established the US government structure?

A) Declaration of Independence
B) Constitution
C) Bill of Rights
D) Gettysburg Address

Answer

B) Constitution - It created the three branches.

5. What are "checks and balances"?

A) A type of payment
B) Ways branches limit each other's power
C) Election rules
D) Bank accounts

Answer

B) - Each branch can check (limit) the others' power.

6. Who leads a state government?

A) President
B) Mayor
C) Governor
D) Senator

Answer

C) Governor - Governors lead state governments.

7. How old must you be to vote in US elections?

A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25

Answer

B) 18 - US citizens can vote at age 18.

8. How many Supreme Court justices are there?

A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 12

Answer

C) 9 - There are 9 Supreme Court justices.

9. What does "We the People" mean in the Constitution?

A) Only the Founders
B) Government power comes from citizens
C) Only voters
D) Only the President

Answer

B) - It shows government authority comes from all citizens.

10. Why is voting important?

A) It's required by law
B) It gives citizens a voice in choosing leaders
C) You get a sticker
D) It's not important

Answer

B) - Voting allows citizens to participate in democracy.