Constitutional Foundations
Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the six purposes of government?
Preamble
Which statement best illustrates federalism?
Answer: Power is divided between the states and the national government
How have statements like the one made about Richard Nixon influenced modern Congress?
Answer: Presidential impeachment
Which court was created by the U.S. Constitution?
U.S. Supreme Court
Which amendment protects a person’s right to remain silent?
Answer: Fifth Amendment
In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase “We the People”?
Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them
What check does the U.S. Senate have on the President?
Answer: Refusing to confirm appointments
What is the next step in the Florida lawmaking process shown in the diagram?
Answer: The bill goes to the Senate for action
If someone believes their trial was unfair, what is the next step they can take?
Appeal to a higher court
Which amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
Answer: Eighth Amendment
Which “principle of the Constitution” is shown in the quote, “In order to control the legislative authority, you must divide it”?
Separation of Powers
Which branch of government makes laws?
Answer: Legislative branch
Which is an enumerated power of Congress?
Answer: The power to declare war
Which court completes the federal court system diagram?
Answer: Court of Appeals
Which right is NOT specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution?
Privacy
What is the purpose of a constitution?
To provide a set of rules and laws explaining how the government is organized
Which parts of the national government participated in passing the law described in the newspaper headline?
Answer: House of Representatives and Senate
Which is an expressed power of Congress?
Answer: To declare war
What is the authority to hear a case before any other court called?
Answer: Original jurisdiction
Which British Act does the Third Amendment protect against?
Answer: Quartering Act
What is the meaning of “the power lies with the people”?
Popular sovereignty
Why is it difficult for Congress to override a presidential veto?
Answer: A two-thirds majority vote is required
Besides confirming appointments, what must the Senate approve for the executive branch?
Treaties
Which court case established judicial review?
Answer: Marbury v. Madison
Why can Susan not be tried again after being found not guilty?
Answer: Double jeopardy
Which statement explains why the Framers included separation of powers in the Constitution?
Answer: No branch would become more powerful than the others
Which list includes roles of the president?
Answer: Commander-in-chief and Chief Executive
Congress’s power to remove an official from office is called what?
Answer: Impeachment
What are the three main levels of federal courts?
Answer: District courts, courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court
Which type of law makes an act illegal after it has already been committed?
Answer: Ex post facto
Which part of the U.S. Constitution outlines legislative power?
Answer: Article I
A cabinet member is appointed by the President but confirmed by which group?
Senate
What does it mean that a bill is a “proposed law”?
Answer: It may become a law
From which court is there no appeal?
Answer: U.S. Supreme Court
What does the “clear and present danger” ruling show about the Constitution?
Answer: The Constitution limits individual rights
Based on Article III, Section 1, which statement shows a limit on the power of federal courts?
Answer: Congress may impeach, try, and remove judges who commit crimes
How can Congress limit the power of the president under checks and balances?
Answer: Override a veto with a two-thirds vote
Which power is given to the President by the Constitution?
Answer: Appointing judges
How does judicial review act as a check on government power?
Answer: Courts can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional
Which constitutional principle is described in Federalist No. 46 about why each branch can check the other?
Answer: Checks and balances
What is the last step in amending the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment
Who breaks a tie vote in the U.S. Senate?
Answer: Vice President
How did the Twenty-fourth Amendment expand voting rights?
It outlawed poll taxes
Which court holds the power of judicial review?
Supreme Court
Can state district courts have juries?
There are no juries at the District Court level