Government and politics can be complex topics that are often confusing. Riddles can be a fun way to think about and understand different aspects of government in a simple, straightforward manner. Here are 53 riddles about government with explanations for the answers.
Riddles About Branches of Government
Legislative Branch
1. I make the laws for our land. I’m half of Congress, you understand. Who am I?
Answer: The Senate
2. We make the laws, though not alone. The Senate complements what we’ve sown. We’re the House where laws are born, all 435 of us are sworn. Who are we?
Answer: The House of Representatives
Executive Branch
3. I’m commander in chief, the head honcho, elected every four years, don’t you know? I live in the White House and travel on Air Force One. Who am I?
Answer: The President
4. I’m second in line if the president can’t fulfill their term. The VP is what I’m also sometimes called in modern times. Who am I?
Answer: The Vice President
5. We’re part of the president’s cabinet and lead major departments. We help shape laws and policies on subjects varying from defense to commerce. Who are we?
Answer: The Secretaries (e.g. Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense)
Judicial Branch
6. I’m the highest court in the land, the chief of the judicial band. The Constitution I defend, and legal disputes I help end. Who am I?
Answer: The Supreme Court
7. We’re lower courts who hear thousands of cases. We help apply laws throughout the nation’s places. Traffic, drugs, and robberies we do not take lightly. District, appellate, bankruptcy — we’re titled rightly. What are we?
Answer: Federal Courts
Riddles About Government Officials
8. I introduce the bills in Congress and hammer the gavel. I’m always elected to lead the procedure, without fail. Who am I?
Answer: The Speaker of the House
9. I’m picked by the president to interpret the laws. I wear a robe and help decide the nation’s court causes. Who am I?
Answer: A Supreme Court Justice
10. We caucus and choose who in the Senate will lead. We strategize on the policies and laws we may need. The majority and minority — you can tell us apart. But together we function to do the Senate’s part. Who are we?
Answer: Senators
11. Though not crowned, I’m still frequently called King. My role is vital when it comes to managing things. I schedule all the laws and policies for debate. I’m always impartial when issues have weight. Who am I?
Answer: The House Majority Leader
12. I’m appointed by the prez and confirmed by the Senate. As the Attorney General, the law is what I venerate. Who am I?
Answer: Attorney General
13. I’m the lawyer who represents the U.S. of A. Before the Supreme Court is where I frequently sway. The interests of the people are what I’m sworn to uphold. As the Solicitor General, I am staunch and bold. Who am I?
Answer: Solicitor General
Riddles About Political Parties
14. We’re one of the two biggest political parties out there. Our mascot’s a donkey, our color blue if you care. We believe in progressive policies, equality and rights. Our liberal leanings guide how our party fights. Who are we?
Answer: The Democratic Party
15. The elephant’s our mascot, the color red we don. We believe in less regulation and more state freedom. Conservative values are what our policies track. Lower taxes and moral values — we aim to get them back. What party are we?
Answer: The Republican Party
16. Libertarian’s our name, and liberty we hold dear. Small government, fiscal responsibility — to us it’s clear. Socially liberal, fiscally conservative, you see. Lower taxes, free market, more privacy — we agree! What party are we?
Answer: The Libertarian Party
17. The environment’s our concern, we’re progressive and green. Social justice, nonviolence — that’s what we mean. Grassroots democracy is how we make our voice heard. Peace and ecological wisdom — we spread the word. What party are we?
Answer: The Green Party
Riddles About The Constitution
18. I’m the first part of the Constitution, outlining government’s shape. The Legislature, Executive, Judiciary — I separate. Federalism and checks and balances you can bet I ensure. I divide power responsibly to make the nation secure. What am I?
Answer: The Articles
19. I’m first in the Bill of Rights, free speech is my aim. Worship, assembly, press and petition — for all Americans I claim. Who am I?
Answer: The First Amendment
20. I protect against unlawful search and seizure you see. Probable cause the police need to deprive you of property. Your right to privacy and person I boldly ensure. Unreasonable search and seizure I help cure. Which amendment am I?
Answer: The Fourth Amendment
21. I make sure rights not enumerated are still protected. By the Constitution’s design I’m clearly projected. The Bill of Rights I eventually supplemented. By rule of law, liberty for all I augmented. What amendment am I?
Answer: The Ninth Amendment
22. I outline the powers of Congress, make no mistake. To tax, borrow money, commerce regulate. Declare war, raise armies — all that relate. Stamp money and copyrights I also state. Which article am I?
Answer: Article I
23. We’re the first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights we comprise. Free speech, arms, privacy and more we legalize. Fundamental freedoms we guarantee and comprise. What are we?
Answer: The Bill of Rights
Riddles About Historical Documents
24. Taxation without representation was my famed declaration. I severed ties with King George and British nation. Independence and democracy I championed with passion. In 1776 I marked the American colonists’ reaction. What document am I?
Answer: The Declaration of Independence
25. With quills and candlelight in 1787 I was written. To replace the Articles I was ambition driven. Federalism and separation of powers I had inserted. The supreme law of the land I later became asserted. What document am I?
Answer: The Constitution
26. I declared all people equal when I was passed. Slavery ended, citizenship granted — freedom amassed. Though later I was challenged, equality progressed at last. Rights for all races and colors in America forecast. Which amendment was I?
Answer: The Fourteenth Amendment
27. I allowed women’s suffrage after decades of strife. Voting rights regardless of gender became rife. Political empowerment I ushered in a new era. Passed by Congress in 1919 — success was nearer. Which amendment was I?
Answer: The Nineteenth Amendment
Riddles About Elections & Voting
28. I let eighteen year olds vote — changed the law. During Vietnam, they could be drafted, so it seemed a flaw. Old enough to fight, but not vote? I said no way. Their voices should matter in what I did sway. Which amendment was I?
Answer: The Twenty-Sixth Amendment
29. I ensure voting rights for all colors and races. Discrimination I strictly forbid in voting places. Equal access to polls I command and control. Voter suppression I try very hard to patrol. What act am I?
Answer: The Voting Rights Act
30. Every four years is when I’m held. The first Tuesday after November’s first Monday you can tell. I decide the president by popular vote. The Electoral College declares who will ultimately lead. What am I?
Answer: The Presidential Election
31. The president’s term I limit to two spans. No more than eight years to serve — those are my plans. Passed after FDR’s twelve years as chief. I prevent abuse of power and bring relief. What amendment am I?
Answer: The Twenty-Second Amendment
32. I let voters directly create new laws themselves. By collecting signatures, change happens from their shelves. Once approved, I’m added without legislative stealth. People power, not politicians — I reflect the health. What process am I?
Answer: Ballot Initiatives
Riddles About Congress
33. One per state, totaling a hundred all here. Senator is the title that we hold so dear. For six years we serve to represent our folks. We debate the laws, consider facts, not hopes. Who are we?
Answer: Senators
34. Based on each state’s population, we are set. Overall there’s four hundred and thirty-five reps met. Two year terms we serve; reelection’s frequent. Passing bills is our mandate, the Constitution consents. Who are we?
Answer: Representatives
35. When the House and Senate can’t agree. I’m the group that works out discrepancies. Five from each chamber in me reside. Compromises I generate which turn the tide. What am I?
Answer: Conference Committee
36. I’m the hidden room in Congress where deals are made. Through compromise and bargaining, agreements are swayed. Wheels and deals grease me up; I horse trade with zest. I’m how Congress actually works when put to the test. What am I?
Answer: Back Rooms
37. I review laws and decide if they’re sound. If I say yes, then the law heads toward bound. But if I object and reject the call, the law won’t pass — it just stalls. The president has this power at hand. Checks and balances protect, so I take a stand. What power am I?
Answer: Veto
38. When the president vetoes, I’m Congress’s play. If I’ve a two-thirds majority, I’ll carry the day. The bill becomes law, overriding the faction. The president’s veto I rescind through action. What Congressional move am I?
Answer: Override a Veto
Riddles About Congress Members & Staff
39. I work for Congress and know procedures in detail. I advise them on rules and details without fail. Parliamentary expert, I know all the practices. Keeping the lawmaking on track as time passes. Who am I?
Answer: Parliamentarian
40. I’m appointed by a Senator to be their aide. On committees and legislation my work is laid. Scheduling, correspondence, research and more. Ensuring their agenda moves forward is my core. What am I?
Answer: Legislative Aide
41. Speeches, talking points, messaging — it’s my affair. Ensuring smooth communications is my steady care. Advising the Congress member is my central role. Putting words in their mouth as frequently they cajole. Who am I?
Answer: Speechwriter
42. I work for Congress but outside their framework. As a lobbyist I seek to influence and persuade. Corporations pay me to further their gain. Access and horse-trading — it’s my domain. Who am I?
Answer: Lobbyist
Riddles About Federal Agencies
43. I protect the environment and clean air we breathe. Pollution, chemicals and climate – I aim to relieve. Established in 1970, I regulate industry. Without me, environmental ruin we would see. What agency am I?
Answer: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
44. Workplace safety, rights and fair pay I enforce. Discrimination and harassment I help divorce. I investigate violations and levy fines. For equal employment, I mitigate the lines. What department am I?
Answer: Department of Labor
45. Disease control and public health are my specialty. From AIDS to Zika, I fight epidemics fervently. Vaccines, preparedness and screenings I support. Health promotion for all Americans is my cohort. What agency am I?
Answer: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
46. Foreign affairs is the realm I currently reign. As Secretary of State, diplomacy I maintain. Embassy relations and policy abroad I steer. Advancing U.S. interests far and near. What position am I?
Answer: Secretary of State
47. Federal crimes and violations I investigate for certainty. Protecting U.S. interests is my priority activity. Counterintelligence, counter-terrorism and cyber wrongs. Doing what’s right keeps me working strong. What bureau am I?
Answer: FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Riddles About Policy Issues
48. Banning booze was my notorious role. Prohibition I championed as noble goal. But organized crime rose as I kept liquor from pouring. Joblessness, loopholes – failure was all too glaring. What amendment was I?
Answer: 18th Amendment (Prohibition)
49. Abortions I said women had a right to obtain. During the first trimester, the law could not restrain. But in later terms, limits could be maintained. I was Supreme Court’s Roe versus Wade, oft-explained. What case was I?
Answer: Roe v. Wade
50. Immigrants flock to me for freedom and jobs. Give me …your tired, your poor — the oppressed mobs. But today’s politics makes this open door test. My welcoming message for all is now stressed. What am I?
Answer: Statue of Liberty
51. I’m known as Obamacare, passed in his time. Expanding health coverage was my climb. Now with challenges aiming to undermine. My goal of healthcare access for all’s on the line. What legislation am I?
Answer: Affordable Care Act
52. During World War II, I put Japanese Americans in camps. Claiming safety concerns, their rights I clamped. Now I’m viewed as an overreaction from the past. Internment of citizens is appalling and aghast. What executive order was I?
Answer: Executive Order 9066
Conclusion
53. I’m the 16th president, led the nation through civil war. Slavery I opposed, the Union I restored. At Gettysburg, I said “government of the people” in ’63. Shot at Ford’s Theater – that tragic night was me. Who am I?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Using riddles can crystallize complex aspects of government into straightforward questions to ponder. While not covering everything, these 53 riddles puzzle out key facets like the branches and levels of government, election process, legislation, policies, agencies, officials and more. Government and politics can be perplexing topics, but riddles provide a fun and engaging way to stimulate critical thinking and see things from new angles.
