Part 2: National and State Government

Questions: Sections 2-6

Comprehension Questions

  1. Name the three branches of government, and tell what each branch does.
  2. Sharing and balancing the power so one branch cannot control the others is called what?
  3. What is the legislative branch of the U.S. government called?
  4. What two houses make up Congress?
  5. How many members make up the U.S. Senate? The U.S. House of Representatives?
  6. The number of U.S. Representatives from each state is based on what?
  7. Who is in charge of the executive branch of the federal government?
  8. What makes up the judicial branch of the U.S. government?
  9. Name the highest court in the United States, and tell how many justices serve on it.
  10. Where is the federal government headquartered?
  11. Name the building located in the U.S. capital for each branch of government.

Critical Thinking Questions

  1. If the President and Congress cannot agree on the meaning of something in the Constitution, who makes the final decision?

  2. Explain why checks and balances is so important.

  3. North Dakota’s Congressional delegation is made up of how many people?

  4. The capital of the United States is not located in any state. Why is this a good idea?

  5. The District of Columbia was named after a famous explorer. Who?