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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Politics & Civics

Take the Constitution Trivia Quiz and See Your Score

Think you can ace this constitution quiz? Start testing your knowledge today!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing constitution text pages folded into a question mark and star shapes on dark blue background.

Ready to challenge your knowledge of America's founding document? Our Ultimate Constitution Trivia Game is the perfect free constitution trivia game to test your constitution knowledge on key articles, landmark amendments, and historic debates. Whether you're diving in solo or gearing up for class, you'll put your US Constitution quiz skills to the test, uncover surprising facts, and sharpen your understanding of civics. Begin with a quick constitution practice test and see how you score, then tackle our interactive U.S. Constitution quiz . Grab your virtual pen, dive in, and let's see if you can ace every question in this constitutional knowledge quiz - start now!

The Constitution begins with the phrase “We the People.” What principle does this phrase primarily express?
Popular sovereignty
State supremacy
Divine right of kings
Judicial review
The phrase “We the People” indicates that the government’s authority comes from the people themselves, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty. This concept contrasted with monarchical or colonial rule, where authority was derived from a king or distant government. It laid the foundation for a democratic republic. National Archives
Where was the Constitutional Convention, which drafted the U.S. Constitution, held in 1787?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Boston, Massachusetts
New York, New York
Richmond, Virginia
Delegates from the states met in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1787 to draft the Constitution. The choice of Philadelphia was due to its central location and reputation as a political and intellectual hub. No woman or person of color attended, as the delegates were drawn from the political elite of that era. The National Constitution Center
How many Articles are there in the original U.S. Constitution (excluding the amendments)?
Seven
Ten
Five
Nine
The original Constitution consists of seven Articles, each addressing different functions of government. Article I covers the legislative branch, Article II the executive, and Article III the judiciary. The remaining articles deal with the relationships among states, the amendment process, federal power, and ratification. National Archives
What is the total number of amendments in the U.S. Constitution as of today?
27
26
28
29
The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights ratified in 1791. The most recent, the 27th Amendment, was ratified in 1992 and deals with congressional pay changes. Amendments require six of the seven steps in Articles V’s process. The National Constitution Center
Which group of amendments is collectively called the Bill of Rights?
Amendments 1–10
Amendments 11–20
Amendments 1–5
Amendments 12–21
The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments, guaranteeing fundamental civil liberties like freedom of speech and protection against unreasonable searches. These were ratified in 1791 to address Anti-Federalists’ concerns about individual rights. They form a core part of American constitutional protections. National Archives
Which branch of government is established by Article I of the Constitution?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Federalism
Article I establishes the legislative branch, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It outlines their powers, such as taxing, spending, and declaring war. Articles II and III create the executive and judicial branches, respectively. Cornell Law School
Which of the following is an eligibility requirement to serve as President according to the Constitution?
At least 35 years old
At least 30 years old
Naturalized citizen
Resident of the capital
Article II specifies that the President must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the United States for 14 years. The age requirement ensures a level of maturity and experience. Other offices have different age qualifications. National Archives
How many terms can a U.S. President serve according to the 22nd Amendment?
Two
Three
One
Unlimited
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two elected terms, or a maximum of ten years if they assumed office mid-term. This was adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms. It enshrines a tradition begun by George Washington. National Archives
Which clause in Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Commerce Clause
Supremacy Clause
Full Faith and Credit Clause
The Necessary and Proper Clause, also called the Elastic Clause, grants Congress authority to enact laws essential for executing its listed powers. Its broad wording has been central to debates about federal power. It appears in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. Cornell Law School
Which constitutional clause grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce?
Commerce Clause
Establishment Clause
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Contract Clause
The Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 gives Congress power to regulate trade among the states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes. It has been the basis for significant federal legislation and Supreme Court decisions. Cornell Law School
Which Article of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court?
Article III
Article II
Article I
Article IV
Article III of the Constitution creates the judicial branch and establishes the Supreme Court. It empowers Congress to create lower federal courts and defines the Court’s jurisdiction. The scope of judicial review was later defined by Marbury v. Madison. National Archives
Under Article V, which of the following is a method to propose an amendment to the Constitution?
Two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress
Majority vote of state governors
Unanimous Supreme Court ruling
Presidential proclamation
Article V allows amendments to be proposed either by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. The convention method has never been used. Ratification then requires three-fourths of the states. National Constitution Center
Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
13th Amendment
14th Amendment
15th Amendment
12th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was a pivotal outcome of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Subsequent amendments addressed citizenship and voting rights for former slaves. National Archives
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
First Amendment
Second Amendment
Fourth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. These rights are central to American democracy and check government power. Legal interpretation continues to evolve through Supreme Court rulings. Cornell Law School
What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause require among the states?
Recognition of each other’s public acts and judicial decisions
Mutual defense pacts
Equal representation in Congress
Uniform tax rates
Article IV’s Full Faith and Credit Clause mandates that states honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. This ensures legal consistency, for instance in marriage and court judgments. It prevents states from denying rights granted elsewhere. Cornell Law School
Which constitutional protection prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same crime?
Double jeopardy
Self-incrimination
Due process
Equal protection
The Fifth Amendment’s Double Jeopardy Clause prohibits being prosecuted twice for the same offense after acquittal or conviction. It protects individuals from government harassment through repeated trials. It is a cornerstone of American criminal procedure. Cornell Law School
Marbury v. Madison (1803) established which critical constitutional principle?
Judicial review
Executive privilege
States’ rights
Impeachment power
In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court asserted its power to declare federal laws unconstitutional, founding the principle of judicial review. This case established the judiciary as a co-equal branch with the ability to check legislative and executive actions. It remains a cornerstone of American constitutional law. Cornell Law School
Which clause makes the Constitution and federal laws supreme over state laws?
Supremacy Clause
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Commerce Clause
Establishment Clause
Article VI’s Supremacy Clause declares the Constitution and federal laws the supreme law of the land. It requires state judges to follow federal law when state and federal laws conflict. This clause underpins federalism by ensuring national uniformity. Cornell Law School
In which Article is the President designated as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces?
Article II
Article I
Article III
Article IV
Article II, Section 2 names the President as Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy. This power allows the President to direct military forces, subject to congressional war powers and funding. It balances executive and legislative authority over national defense. National Archives
What fraction of state legislatures is required to ratify a proposed constitutional amendment?
Three-fourths
Two-thirds
One-half
Four-fifths
After proposal, an amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions, as specified in Article V. This high threshold ensures broad consensus before changing the Constitution. It balances adaptability with stability. National Constitution Center
Which right is guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment’s Grand Jury Clause?
Indictment by a grand jury before a capital or infamous crime trial
Self-incrimination protection
Speedy trial
Trial by jury
The Fifth Amendment requires that serious federal criminal charges be brought by grand jury indictment. This ensures that an independent group of citizens finds probable cause before trial. It protects against unfounded prosecutions. Cornell Law School
What type of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have in cases affecting ambassadors and states?
Original jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction
Concurrent jurisdiction
Prosecutorial jurisdiction
Article III grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and disputes between states. This means such cases can start at the Supreme Court level. All other federal cases generally come by appellate process. Cornell Law School
Which amendment revised the procedure for choosing the President and Vice President by modifying the Electoral College process?
12th Amendment
20th Amendment
22nd Amendment
25th Amendment
The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, required separate Electoral College votes for President and Vice President. It addressed flaws revealed by the election of 1800 when candidates tied. This change reduced electoral confusion and internal conflict. National Archives
Which clause of the Constitution forbids Congress or the states from enacting bills of attainder?
Bill of Attainder Clause
Ex Post Facto Clause
Contracts Clause
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Article I prohibits both Congress and the states from passing bills of attainder, which are legislative acts punishing individuals without trial. This protects the separation of powers and individual rights. The clause ensures that only the judiciary can determine guilt. Cornell Law School
What is the subject of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution?
Congressional pay raises
Voting rights age
Taxation without representation
Presidential impeachment
Ratified in 1992, the 27th Amendment prevents any law changing congressional compensation from taking effect until after the next election of Representatives. It was originally proposed in 1789 but lay dormant for two centuries. Its ratification underscores the durability of the amendment process. National Archives
Which clause requires states to extend the same privileges and immunities to citizens of other states as to their own citizens?
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Equal Protection Clause
Due Process Clause
Supremacy Clause
Article IV’s Privileges and Immunities Clause prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states in fundamental rights like travel and pursuit of livelihood. It promotes national unity by ensuring equal treatment. Its scope has been defined through judicial interpretation. Cornell Law School
What power does the Guarantee Clause (Article IV, Section 4) grant to Congress regarding state governments?
To ensure each state has a republican form of government
To appoint state governors
To override state constitutional amendments
To dissolve state legislatures
The Guarantee Clause requires the United States to guarantee every state a republican form of government, meaning representative democracy. Congress has authority to intervene if a state government becomes non-republican, though enforcement is rare. This clause underscores federal commitment to democratic principles. Cornell Law School
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Constitutional Structure -

    Gain clarity on the organization of the US Constitution and the roles of its key articles.

  2. Identify Important Amendments -

    Recall major amendments and their significance in shaping citizens' rights and government powers.

  3. Analyze Historical Principles -

    Examine the founding principles embedded in the Constitution and their impact on current legal frameworks.

  4. Differentiate Articles vs. Amendments -

    Distinguish between original articles and later amendments to appreciate their distinct contributions.

  5. Apply Knowledge in a Quiz Format -

    Test your understanding by accurately answering trivia questions based on constitutional content.

  6. Evaluate Your Constitutional Mastery -

    Assess your strengths and pinpoint areas for further study to improve your constitutional knowledge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Preamble & Founding Principles -

    The Preamble begins with "We the People," establishing popular sovereignty, limited government, and separation of powers as noted by the National Archives. On a constitution trivia game, these three pillars often appear in early questions. A handy mnemonic, "PS”LG”SP" (Popular Sovereignty - Limited Government - Separation of Powers), helps you recall the core principles.

  2. Article I: Legislative Powers -

    Article I vests all legislative authority in Congress, outlining key powers such as taxation, regulation of interstate commerce, and declaring war according to the official US Constitution text. For your US Constitution quiz, use the mnemonic "TIC" (Taxation, Interstate Commerce, Coining money) to remember three of Congress's primary duties. Reviewing Section 8's full list of 17 clauses will solidify your grasp on enumerated powers.

  3. Bill of Rights (Amendments 1 - 10) -

    These first ten amendments guarantee essential liberties like freedom of speech, religion, due process, and trial by jury, all staples of any constitutional knowledge quiz. Memorize the acronym "RAPPS & PAMP" (Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech & Protection from unreasonable search, no cruel Punishments) to list major rights quickly. Distinguishing Amendment I from Amendment IV through practice questions will boost your confidence.

  4. Amendment Process (Article V) -

    Article V explains two proposal methods - Congressional proposal by a two”thirds vote or a constitutional convention - and two ratification paths requiring approval by three”quarters of state legislatures or conventions. Remember the simple formula "2/3 → 3/4" to ace amendment process items on your test your constitution knowledge rounds. Studying the unique ratification of the 21st Amendment via state conventions ties theory to real”world examples.

  5. Landmark Supreme Court Cases -

    Marbury v. Madison (1803) established judicial review, and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) enforced equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment - both frequent topics in constitution trivia. Use the mnemonic "J”E" (Judicial review, Equal protection) to link these landmark rulings. Reviewing summaries on the Library of Congress site will prepare you for challenging questions in your US Constitution quiz.

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