A podcast about government, politics, and the U.S Constitution.
In this episode, we give an overview of when and where Congress meets and who the leaders of Congress are.
QuizWhich one of these political parties was not a real American political party?The Whig PartyThe Bull Moose PartyThe Gold PartyThe Know-Nothing PartyWhich one of these parties has never won a presidential election? The Republican PartyThe Federalist PartyThe Whig PartyThe Progressive PartyHow many times has a candidate not from one of the two major parties won the presidency?ZeroOnceTwiceEight How many representatives, not from one of the two major parties, are currently serving in Congress?ZeroTwoFifteenThirty-four Which one of these is not a current political party?The Legal Marijuana Now PartyThe Socialist Worker PartyThe Freedom For All PartyThe Green Party
Map of Georgia electoral districts: https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/map-georgia-congressional-districts/Et0YbsSE34JD6Xjo7FULSK/The original gerrymander: https://bostonraremaps.com/inventory/gerrymander-broadside/
Quiz Questions:Which branch of government has the impeachment power?LegislativeExecutiveJudicialEach branch shares the impeachment powerWhat percentage of Senators must vote to convict in an impeachment trial?Fifty percentFifty-one percentTwo-thirdsThree-quartersAn official from which one of these offices has never been impeached?The PresidentThe Vice PresidentA cabinet secretaryA U.S. Supreme Court JusticeHow many times has the House of Representatives approved Articles of Impeachment?42152237Which one of these presidents was not impeached?Andrew JacksonAndrew JohnsonBill ClintonDonald TrumpFor some article's discussing the constitutionality of the impeachment process, see below:https://reason.com/volokh/2021/01/28/impeaching-officials-while-theyre-in-office-but-trying-them-after-they-leave/https://reason.com/volokh/2021/01/31/more-from-prof-michael-mcconnell-on-impeachment/For a broader argument about the importance of the impeachment power, see:https://thedispatch.com/p/the-case-for-more-impeachmentsFor the second articles of impeachment against President Trump, see:https://cicilline.house.gov/sites/cicilline.house.gov/files/documents/ARTICLES%20-%20Final%201030%20-%20011121.pdf
Link to the Federalist Papers:Link to the Antifederalist Papers, Brutus No. 1: Q1. Which one of these is the chief responsibility of the Legislative Branch?Make lawsInterpret lawsEnforce lawsVeto lawsQ2. How many voting members serve in the United States Congress?100235435535Q3. Who serves as the tiebreaker vote in the Senate?The PresidentThe Vice PresidentThe majority leaderThe Chief Justice of the Supreme CourtQ4. Which one of these is not a unique task of the Senate?Approve treatiesConfirm presidential appointmentsInitiate legislation for appropriationsHold a trial fo Dr. llowing impeachmentQ5. Which branch of government is the most unpopular?CongressThe PresidencyThe Supreme CourtThey're all equally unpopular
In this bonus episode, we walk you through what to expect with the upcoming confirmation process for Supreme Court Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
Email us: theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRecommended Resources: BooksThe Notorious RBG The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana KnizhnikRuth Bader Ginsburg, A Life by Jane Sherron de HartMoviesRBGOn the Basis of Sex
Email: theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the ConstitutionQUIZ:Under the 22nd Amendment, what is the longest someone can serve as president, even assuming he/or she ascends to the presidency through the line of presidential succession?4 years8 years10 years12 years Prior to the enactment of the 17th Amendment, who chose Senators to serve in Congress?State legislaturesState governorsThe PresidentThe peopleWhich one of these is not always an unconstitutional criterion to use to deny someone the vote?RaceAgeSexAbility to pay a poll taxWhich one of these amendments was originally proposed as part of the Bill of Rights?The 13th Amendment--outlawing slaveryThe 19th Amendment--giving women the right to voteThe 22nd Amendment--limiting presidential termsThe 27th Amendment--limiting congressional pay raises Which one of these has the Supreme Court not held to be a fundamental right protected by the 14th Amendment?The right for interracial couples to marryThe right to an abortionThe right of physician-assisted suicideThe right for same-sex couples to marry ANSWERS: 10 yearsState legislaturesAge27th amendment- Limiting constitutional pay raisesThe right of physician-assisted suicide
Email: theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comQUIZ:Which one of these men is known as the Father of the Bill of Rights?George MasonJames MadisonAlexander HamiltonCharles Cotesworth PinckneyHow many amendments are in the bill of rights?6101327Which of the following is not a right explicitly protected by the First Amendment?Freedom PressFreedom of Speech Right to Privacy Free Exercise of ReligionAbsent a warrant, which one of these actions by the police is an illegal search or seizure in violation of the 4th Amendment? Searching someone when he or she goes through security at the airport. Flying a surveillance helicopter over someone's propertySearching someone's trash placed on the curb for evidence of wrongdoing. Looking at the contents of someone's cellphone. If you are accused of a crime, which one of these rights does the Constitution not guarantee you? The right to a speedy trial The privilege against self-incriminationThe right to confront those who are witnesses against you All of the above. ANSWERS: 1: George Mason2. 103. Right to Privacy4. Looking at someone's cellphone.5. All of the above.
Email: theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comArticle about age-restriction with Florida Supreme Court Appointee.Read the U.S ConstitutionQUIZ: Which of these is not a means of amending the Constitution?Two-thirds vote by Congress and ratification by the PresidentTwo-thirds vote by Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the StatesTwo-thirds vote by States calling for a Constitutional Convention and ratification by three-quarters of the StatesAll of the above are valid means of approving the Constitution Which of these provisions of the Constitution does Article V say cannot be amended? The President must be elected by the electoral collegeThere must always be two houses of Congress: the Senate and the HouseJustices on the Supreme Court must always serve for life All States must have equal representation in the SenateHow many amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified? 22273133In what year was the last amendment to the Constitution ratified? 1974198119922014Which of these has not been proposed as an amendment to the Constitution?An amendment to make dueling illegalAn amendment to rename the United States of America the United States of EarthAn amendment to limit personal wealth to $1 million All of the above have been proposed as amendmentsANSWERS: 2/3 vote by Congress and the PresidentAll states must have equal representation271992All of the above have been proposed
Read Article IVQUIZ: Which one of these actions by a state is not entitled to reciprocal enforcement or acknowledgment by another state? A marriage licenseA fishing licenseAn arrest warrant issued in one state for someone detained in another state A judgment from a court ordering someone to pay moneyWhich one of these laws may a state not pass because it hurts non-citizens of that state, in violation of the privileges and immunities clause?A law charging higher taxes on non-citizens who work in the State A law limiting participation in elections only to citizens of that StateA law requiring electoral candidates to be citizens of that StateA law charging higher rates to non-citizens for fishing and hunting licenses Which one of these states formed by breaking away from a pre-existing State?North DakotaUtahSouth Carolina West Virginia Which one of these is not a territory of the United States?Puerto RicoThe BahamasGuamVirgin Islands What was the State that most recently joined the United States?AlaskaWashingtonNew Mexico HawaiiANSWERS: A fishing licensea law charging higher taxesWest VirginiaThe BahamasHawaii
Questions? Comments? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead Article III!Map of Circuit Courts.QUIZ:Who was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?John JayJohn MarshallRoger TaneyFred VinsonHow many justices currently sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?57913In which one of these cases would the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?An employment dispute regarding a violation of the American's with Disabilities ActA suit between Louisiana and Mississippi over the boundaries of the Mississippi riverA criminal suit brought by a state prosecutor against a defendant for voluntary manslaughterA suit claiming the president has abused his or her executive powersWhen is a federal judge required to leave office?When he or she is impeached by the House and convicted in the SenateWhen he or she turns 80Both a and bNeverUnder the Constitution, who has the power to determine the punishment for treason?A juryA judgeThe presidentCongressANSWERS:John Jay9A suit between Louisiana and MississippiWhen he or she is impeachedCongress
Questions? Comments? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution!QUIZ: Question 1: Which of these is not a cabinet position in the United States? Department of JusticeDepartment of Industry Department of the Interior Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion 2: Which one of these officers, appointed by the president, is not subject to congressional approval?A justice of the U.S. Supreme CourtAn ambassadorThe Solicitor General of the United StatesA bankruptcy court judgeQuestion 3: Which one of these people may a president pardon?A citizen of Georgia convicted of the state crime of felony murderA federal judge who was impeached and removed from office for drunkenness on the bench A citizen of Oregon convicted of the federal crime of possession of marijuana with intent to distributeHimself or herself, if he or she is facing impeachment Question 4: Who has the power to approve treaties?The president aloneThe president and the secretary of StateThe president and the SenateThe president and both houses of Congress Question 5: During the modern era, which president popularized the delivery of the State of the Union address to Congress in person?Dwight D. EisenhowerWoodrow WIlsonJohn F. KennedyRonald Reagan ANSWERS: 1: The Department of Industry2: A bankruptcy court judge3. A citizen of Oregon convicted of a federal crime4. The President and the Senate5. Woodrow Wilson
Questions? Comments? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the ConstitutionQUIZ: Question 1: In what month is the U.S. Presidential election held? JanuarySeptemberOctoberNovemberQuestion 2: Which one of these presidents won both the electoral and popular vote?Rutherford B. HayesJohn F. KennedyGeorge W. BushDonald J. Trump Question 3: Which of these U.S. Presidents held office the longest?Abraham LincolnWilliam Howard TaftFranklin Delano Roosevelt Dwight D. Eisenhower Question 4: Which President was sworn into office by his father?John Quincy AdamsWilliam McKinleyCalvin CoolidgeGeorge W. Bush Question 5: If both the President and the Vice President were to die or become incapciated, who is next in line to become president?President pro tempore of the SenateSpeaker of the House of RepresentativesSecretary of StateAttorney GeneralANSWERSNovemberKennedyRooseveltCoolidgeSpeaker of the House of Representatives
Comments, Questions, Concerns? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution! QUIZ:Question 1: Under the Constitution, how many times is Congress required to meet yearly?a.0b.1c.3d.5Question 2: For a member of Congress to be expelled from office, how many members of that House must agree to remove him or her? a.50%b.67%c.75% d.100%Question 3: Which of these presidents was never impeached?a.Andrew Johnsonb.Richard Nixonc.Bill Clintond.Donald TrumpQuestion 4: Congress has the power to raise and support armies. For how many years may such an appropriation last?a.1 year b.2 yearsc.6 yearsd.Indefinitely Question 5: When may members of Congress accept gifts from foreign countries?a.Neverb.When a gift of equal value is given in returnc.When Congress consents to the giftd.Always ANSWERS: 1-b 2-b 3-b 4-b 5-c(Apparently, James likes to put the correct answer in the B slot...I (Courtney) am going to remember this for next time and see if I can get my best score yet! Hopefully James doesn't see this.)
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution.QUIZ: Question 1: Which one of these positions in U.S. Government requires the candidate to be the oldest?a. U.S. Representativeb. Senatorc. Chief Justice of the Supreme Courtd. PresidentQuestion 2: Which State has the most representatives in the House of Representatives?a. New Yorkb. Californiac. Texasd. FloridaQuestion 3: How many years does a Senator hold his or her office?a. 2 yearsb. 4 yearsc. 6 yearsd. 10 yearsQuestion 4: The Vice President is the tie-breaker when the Senate is deadlocked on a vote. How many times has a Vice President used this power in American history?a. 0 timesb. 36 timesc. 268 timesd. 947 timesQuestion 5: After a bill is approved by both houses of Congress, which one of these is not an option for the president?a. Sign the bill into lawb. Veto the bill c. Wait ten days and then let the bill become a law without his or her signatured. Send the bill back, with amendments, for Congress to vote on it again ANSWERS: 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. d
When the Constitution is unclear or ambiguous, which branch of government is tasked with interpreting it?The Legislative BranchThe Judicial BranchThe Executive BranchThe Military Branch Which of these is not a theory of constitutional interpretation?Original intent originalismOriginal meaning originalismThe Erie Doctrine Living constitutionalism Which of these is not a tool people use to interpret the constitution?Intent of the framersThe text and structure of the documentCurrent values and social normsAll of the above are used as tools to interpret the constitutionWhich one of these justices is not known as an originalist?Justice Neil GorsuchJustice Stephen BreyerJustice Clarence ThomasJustice Antonin ScaliaWhich one of these justices is not known as a living constitutionalist?Justice Samuel AlitoJustice William BrennanJustice Thurgood MarshallJustice John Paul StevensANSWERS: 1: The Judicial Branch 2. The Erie Doctrine 3. All of the above are used4. Breyer 5. AlitoQuestions, Concerns, Comments? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution
Have a question or comment? Email us at theamerianexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution here.QUIZ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS1.How many times does the U.S. Constitution use the word "federalism"?A. 0B. 3C. 10D. 272. Which one of these men did not help write the Federalist Papers?A. Alexander HamiltonB. James MadisonC. Patrick HenryD. John Jay3. Which one of these is not a power enumerated or delegated to the federal government?A. The power to coin moneyB. The power to establish post officesC. The power to punish piracies committed on the high seasD. The power to create a uniform system of measurement4. If there is a conflict between a constitutionally permissible state law and a constitutionally permissible federal law, which one prevails?A. The stateB. The federal governmentC. We get to vote on itD. It depends. A judge gets to decide5. Which of these portions of the constitution has not been interpreted over time in a way that increases the power of the federal government and decreases the power of the state government?A. The Necessary and Proper ClauseB. The Commerce ClauseC. The Third AmendmentD. The Fourteenth Amendment ANSWERSAC. DBB
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Email us at theamericanexperimentpodcast@gmail.comRead the Constitution: https://constitutionus.com/
In this trailer episode, we introduce ourselves, discuss why we decided to make this podcast and explain the story behind our tagline.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
