Q 01/05

In what city was the U.S. Constitution written and signed in 1787?

A) Philadelphia

B) New York

C) Boston

D) Washington, D.C.

Answer · why

A) Philadelphia

The convention met at Independence Hall from May to September; Washington, D.C. did not exist yet.

Q 02/05

How many articles does the original U.S. Constitution contain?

A) Three

B) Seven

C) Five

D) Ten

Answer · why

B) Seven

The first three set up the legislative, executive and judicial branches; the seventh explains how the document would be ratified.

Q 03/05

How many times has the U.S. Constitution been amended?

A) 10

B) 17

C) 27

D) 22

Answer · why

C) 27

The most recent, the 27th, deals with congressional pay and was ratified in 1992, more than 200 years after it was proposed.

Q 04/05

What is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

A) The Federalist Papers

B) The Preamble

C) The Articles of Confederation

D) The Bill of Rights

Answer · why

D) The Bill of Rights

They were ratified on December 15, 1791, largely thanks to the efforts of James Madison in the House.

Q 05/05

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

A) First

B) Second

C) Fourth

D) Fifth

Answer · why

A) First

The Second covers the right to bear arms and the Fifth guards against self-incrimination.