Sample lesson · Social Studies · Grades 9-12
The Constitution
Grade 11 civics lesson on the three branches, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and how the Constitution is amended.
- 26 questions
- 5 categories
- 10 games
The questions
Three Branches
- Which branch of government makes the laws?Legislative branch
- Which branch of government carries out the laws?Executive branch
- Which branch of government interprets the laws?Judicial branch
- What are the two houses of Congress?The Senate and the House
- How long is one presidential term?Four years
- How many justices serve on the Supreme Court today?Nine
Who Can Stop Whom?
- What can the President do to reject a bill passed by Congress?Veto
- How can Congress override a President's veto?Two-thirds vote of both houses
- What is the courts' power to declare a law unconstitutional?Judicial review
- Which part of Congress confirms the President's Supreme Court nominees?The Senate
- What do we call the House formally charging an official with wrongdoing?Impeachment
First Ten
- What are the first ten amendments called?The Bill of Rights
- Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press?First Amendment
- Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?Fourth Amendment
- "Pleading the Fifth" means using which right?Not testifying against yourself
- Which amendment guarantees a speedy, public trial?Sixth Amendment
- Which amendment bans cruel and unusual punishment?Eighth Amendment
Changing the Rules
- How many amendments does the Constitution have?27
- What fraction of both houses of Congress must vote to propose an amendment?Two-thirds
- What fraction of the states must ratify an amendment?Three-fourths
- What do we call the states' formal approval of an amendment?Ratification
- Why did the framers make amending the Constitution so hard?So it isn't changed lightly
Big Ideas
- What is the opening of the Constitution that begins "We the People"?Preamble
- What do we call dividing government into three branches?Separation of powers
- What is the system where each branch limits the other two?Checks and balances
- What do we call sharing power between the national and state governments?Federalism
Plays in
- Quiz Board · The classic review board.
- Mystery Reveal · Guess it before the last clue.
- Tug of War · Every right answer pulls.
- Summit · Play it safe, or go for the steep climb.
- Heist · Steal to win.
- Claim the Grid · Get three in a row before anyone else.
- Board Race · Roll, hop, answer, race to the flag.
- Picture Unveil · What is hiding under the tiles?
- Escape Room · Crack the codes. Get out together.
- Rocket Launch · Fuel up, count down, lift off.
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