Grade 7 - Civics and Economics · American Constitutional Government

Virginia SOL CE.2

Virginia SOL CE.2 is part of the American Constitutional Government strand in Grade 7 - Civics and Economics (History). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students analyze how American constitutional government functions at the national level. Below is what CE.2 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice CE.2 for the Virginia SOL test.

What SOL CE.2 means

Analyze how American constitutional government functions at the national level.

Practice Grade 7 - Civics and Economics SOL questions

Free Grade 7 - Civics and Economics questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on CE.2 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.

  1. 1. A newspaper headline reads: “Senate Approves Presidential Appointment.” This headline illustrates a power of which branch of government?

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    Answer: C — Federal legislative

  2. 2. During a State of the Union Address, the President says, “Members of Congress, we need to reform the current postal system.” In this situation, the President is acting as the —

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    Answer: H — chief legislator

  3. 3. According to the Tenth Amendment of the Bill of Rights, powers not specifically delegated are reserved to the people or —

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    Answer: D — the states

  4. 4. Which level of government can declare war on foreign nations?

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    Answer: J — Federal

→ Take the full free Grade 7 - Civics and Economics SOL practice test

Skills you’ll practice for CE.2

  • Describe the structure and powers of the national government (three branches).
  • Explain the legislative branch and the lawmaking process as outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Explain the role and powers of the executive branch as outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Explain the role and powers of the judicial branch as outlined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Explain the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances.

Key concepts covered by CE.2

  • three branches of government
  • executive branch
  • legislative branch
  • judicial branch
  • government structure
  • Article I
  • legislative process
  • bill to law
  • Congress
  • lawmaking
  • Article II
  • presidential powers
  • executive orders
  • federal bureaucracy
  • Article III
  • Supreme Court
  • judicial review
  • court jurisdiction
  • separation of powers
  • checks and balances
  • constitutional safeguards
  • power distribution

How to study and practice SOL CE.2

Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether CE.2 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.

→ Take the free Grade 7 - Civics and Economics SOL practice test

  • CE.1Explain the foundations of American constitutional democracy.
  • CE.3Analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level.
  • CE.4Analyze American constitutional government at the local level.
  • CE.5Explain the judicial systems established by the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions.

Frequently asked questions about SOL CE.2

What is Virginia SOL CE.2?

SOL CE.2 is a Grade 7 - Civics and Economics Standard of Learning in the American Constitutional Government strand. It expects students to analyze how American constitutional government functions at the national level.

What skills does SOL CE.2 cover?

SOL CE.2 is assessed on 5 skills: describe the structure and powers of the national government (three branches); explain the legislative branch and the lawmaking process as outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution; explain the role and powers of the executive branch as outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution; explain the role and powers of the judicial branch as outlined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution; explain the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances.

What strand of Grade 7 - Civics and Economics is SOL CE.2 in?

SOL CE.2 belongs to the American Constitutional Government reporting strand of the Grade 7 - Civics and Economics Virginia Standards of Learning.

How do I study and practice for SOL CE.2?

Start with a diagnostic to see whether CE.2 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.