Grade: Grade 5 Subject: Social Studies Unit: The Constitution Lesson: 6 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Unit Checkpoint: The Constitution

Test your understanding of the Constitution, the three branches of government, and the Bill of Rights with this comprehensive assessment.

"We the People"

Show what you've learned about our nation's founding document! This checkpoint covers the Constitution, the three branches, checks and balances, federalism, and the Bill of Rights.

Checkpoint Questions

1 When was the U.S. Constitution written?

A 1776

B 1787

C 1800

D 1865

View Explanation

The Constitution was written in 1787 in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, which is often confused with the Constitution.

2 What are the first three words of the Constitution?

A "In the beginning"

B "We the People"

C "Our Founding Fathers"

D "The United States"

View Explanation

"We the People" are the first three words of the Constitution's Preamble. These words show that the government's power comes from the citizens.

3 Which branch of government is responsible for MAKING laws?

A Executive Branch

B Legislative Branch

C Judicial Branch

D Military Branch

View Explanation

The Legislative Branch (Congress) makes laws. Congress includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.

4 What is the main purpose of checks and balances?

A To manage the national budget

B To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

C To elect members of Congress

D To count votes in elections

View Explanation

Checks and balances prevent any one branch from having too much power. Each branch can limit the others to protect citizens' rights.

5 Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press?

A First Amendment

B Second Amendment

C Fourth Amendment

D Tenth Amendment

View Explanation

The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. These are called the "Five Freedoms."

6 What is federalism?

A The sharing of power between national and state governments

B The President's power to veto laws

C The system of electing representatives

D The rights listed in the Bill of Rights

View Explanation

Federalism is the system where power is divided between the national (federal) government and state governments. Each level has certain powers.

7 Which branch of government can declare a law unconstitutional?

A Legislative Branch

B Executive Branch

C Judicial Branch

D State Government

View Explanation

The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and federal courts) can declare laws unconstitutional. This is called judicial review.

8 What is the Bill of Rights?

A The original Constitution

B The first 10 amendments to the Constitution

C A list of laws passed by Congress

D The Preamble to the Constitution

View Explanation

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. They protect individual rights and freedoms like free speech, religion, and a fair trial.

9 What can the President do if Congress passes a law he/she disagrees with?

A Fire members of Congress

B Veto (reject) the law

C Declare the law unconstitutional

D Ignore the law

View Explanation

The President can veto (reject) a law passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a 2/3 vote in both houses.

10 Who has the power to declare war according to the Constitution?

A The President alone

B Congress

C The Supreme Court

D State governors

View Explanation

Only Congress has the power to declare war. While the President is Commander in Chief of the military, the Constitution gives Congress the power to officially declare war.

Your Results

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Unit Review

Key Concepts Covered

The Constitution - Our nation's supreme law, written in 1787
Three Branches - Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws)
Checks and Balances - Each branch can limit the power of the others
Federalism - Power shared between national and state governments
Bill of Rights - First 10 amendments protecting individual freedoms
CER Writing - Claim, Evidence, Reasoning framework for arguments

Study Tip: If you scored below 70%, review the lessons on the Constitution basics and the Bill of Rights. Try drawing a diagram of the three branches and how they check each other.