🏫Executive order targets Education Department as Congress holds sole authority
Government
Legislative Process
Public Policy
When Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education on March 20, 2025, it launched a process that could reshape how your local schools get funded and who controls what your kids learn. This quiz breaks down what federal education dollars actually pay for and how power would shift to states.
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Key Takeaways
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Why This Matters
🏛️ Only Congress can abolish federal departments despite presidential threats
The Department of Education Organization Act (1979) requires legislative repeal, not executive action. Trump's March executive order creates political theater while constitutional power remains with Congress, where abolition faces impossible Senate math needing 60 votes to overcome filibusters.
💰 Title I funding for low-income schools survives while specialized programs face elimination
The $18 billion Title I program enjoys broad congressional support and remains protected. However, 18 smaller grant programs totaling billions face consolidation into a $2 billion block grant, effectively cutting funding for special education, rural schools, and teacher training by 60%.
📊 Federal education spending represents only 8% of total school budgets but targets critical needs
States and localities fund most education through property taxes, but federal dollars support the most vulnerable students. Special education mandates, low-income school assistance, and rural connectivity programs lose targeted funding when consolidated into broad state grants without specific requirements.
🚔 ICE enforcement returns to schools after 13-year sensitive locations policy expires
The executive order eliminates protections that required headquarters approval for school arrests. Teachers and principals now face federal agents in hallways and cafeterias, forcing educators to choose between protecting students and avoiding obstruction charges while families fear dropping children at school.
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Detailed Content
1
When was the Department of Education created as a Cabinet-level agency?
Multiple Choice
Government
2
What constitutional power allows Congress to create federal education programs?
Multiple Choice
Constitutional Law
3
What percentage of total K-12 education funding comes from the federal government?
Multiple Choice
Government
4
Which amendment supports the argument that education should be controlled by states?
Multiple Choice
Constitutional Law
5
Which is the largest teachers union in the United States?
Multiple Choice
Civic Action
6
What federal law requires schools to provide special education services?
Multiple Choice
Government
7
What is the largest source of K-12 education funding?
Multiple Choice
Civic Action
8
Approximately how many people work for the Department of Education?
Multiple Choice
Government
9
Which federal program provides scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools?
Multiple Choice
Public Policy
10
Which Education Department office collects national education statistics?
Multiple Choice
Government
11
How many students receive Pell Grants annually?
Multiple Choice
Public Policy
12
All 50 state constitutions require the state to provide public education.
True/False
Civic Action
13
The president can eliminate a federal department without Congressional approval.
True/False
Government
14
The Department of Education manages federal student loan programs.
True/False
Public Policy
15
The word "education" appears in the U.S. Constitution.
True/False
Constitutional Law
16
The Commerce Clause has been used to justify federal education programs.
True/False
Constitutional Law