GED Social Studies Practice Test: The Constitution and Amendments

This practice test focuses on your understanding of the United States Constitution and its Amendments. Instructions: Choose the answer that best completes the statement or question.

Which principle divides the government's authority into legislative, executive, and judicial branches?

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The United States Constitution establishes the framework for:

Which amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly?

The Second Amendment protects the right to:

The right to a speedy and public trial by jury is guaranteed by which amendment?

The amendment that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude is the:

The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law. What does "equal protection" mean?

The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on:

How can the United States Constitution be amended?

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making final decisions on federal laws?

The power to veto legislation lies with the:

Which amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?

The Tenth Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights. What does it reserve for the states or the people?

Which amendment prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent (during peacetime)?

Federalism creates a balance of power between the federal government and state governments. Which amendment best exemplifies this concept?

The concept of checks and balances ensures no branch becomes too powerful. How does the impeachment process demonstrate this concept?

The Electoral College system for electing the President is outlined in the:

The Supremacy Clause establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the "supreme Law of the Land." How does this clause impact state laws?

The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from discriminating against individuals or groups. How did the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) demonstrate this principle?

The Bill of Rights protects fundamental freedoms. How does the doctrine of incorporation relate to these rights?

Imagine a law requiring all citizens to attend a specific religious service. Which amendment would most likely be used to challenge this law?

The commerce clause grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. How has the Supreme Court interpreted this clause over time?

What is the minimum age requirement to be elected President of the United States?

Which body has the power to impeach the President?

The "establishment clause" and "free exercise clause" are found in which amendment?

Who presides over the Senate and can cast a tie-breaking vote?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are collectively known as:

Which of the following is a power reserved to the states by the 10th Amendment?

The right to bear arms is protected by which amendment?

Who is considered the "Father of the Constitution"?

The U.S. Constitution requires a census to be conducted every:

Which amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures?

Which document served as the first constitution of the United States before the current Constitution was adopted?

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote?

The principle of "judicial review" was established by which landmark Supreme Court case?

Who has the power to veto bills passed by Congress?

What does the "supremacy clause" in Article VI of the Constitution state?

Which branch of the U.S. government is responsible for interpreting law?

The right to a speedy and public trial is guaranteed by which amendment?

The system of checks and balances in the U.S. government is designed to:

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

Which of the following is NOT a power granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution?

The "Three-Fifths Compromise" at the Constitutional Convention was an agreement regarding:

Which amendment provides for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people?

How many articles are in the original U.S. Constitution?

Which landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of "separate but equal"?

The "elastic clause" in the Constitution is also known as:

Which branch of government has the power to make treaties with foreign nations?

The "Great Compromise" during the Constitutional Convention resulted in:

Which of the following is NOT a right protected by the First Amendment?

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held in which city?

Which amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?