Category: American Government
The Constitution does several important things, and you only need to name one. It forms (sets up) the government, defines the powers of government, defines the parts of government, and protects the rights of the people.
When the Founders wrote the Constitution in 1787, they were designing an entirely new government from scratch. They needed a document that would create the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), spell out what each branch could do, and guarantee certain freedoms to citizens.
The Bill of Rights — the first ten amendments — was added in 1791 specifically to protect individual rights like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
Pick one answer you remember best. 'It sets up the government' or 'it protects the rights of the people' are the easiest to remember.
Test yourself with our free quiz simulator and interactive flashcards — the same official questions, timed like the real interview.