Chapter 3 Test - Study + Review

Question 1

The Supremacy Clause plays a key role in disputes among States, or between States and the National Government because…

Answer 1

it provides a tool for “umpiring” conflicts among States or between states and the National Government

Question 2

How do the powers of the National Government compare in breadth to the powers of the States?

Answer 2

The powers of the National Government are much narrower.

Question 3

President Lyndon Johnson justified the use of federal troops to manage riots in several States during the summer of 1967 by invoking the federal government’s inherent power

Answer 3

to protect Americans against domestic violence.

Question 4

The Framers of the Constitution limited the powers of the National Government by

Answer 4

dividing power between the National Government and the States.

Question 5

What stands in the way of the National Government creating a school system for the whole nation?

Answer 5

The silence of the Constitution denies that power to the National Government.

Question 6

Which of the following BEST shows how the amendment process reflects the concept of federalism?

Answer 6

Amending the Constitution requires involvement by both the national and State levels of government.

Question 7

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in order to

Answer 7

appease Anti-Federalists by ensuring basic rights to citizens.

Question 8

The ratification process has been criticized because State legislators

Answer 8

are not elected because of their views on a proposed amendment.

Question 9

Only 17 amendments have been added to the Constitution since the adoption of the Bill of Rights, in part because

Answer 9

the method for the ratification of amendments is quite rigorous.

Question 10

What event in American history led to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?

Answer 10

the Civil War

Question 11

Some people believe the organization of the Senate is undemocratic because

Answer 11

the States’ equal representation in the Senate does not reflect the country’s population distribution.

Question 12

In 2006, the Supreme Court struck down President Bush’s plan to use military tribunals to prosecute persons captured in the war against terrorism, deciding that only Congress has the power to provide for the creation of such court-like bodies. On which constitutional principle is this decision based?

Answer 12

separation of powers

Question 13

The constitutional principle of judicial review provides

Answer 13

the courts with the power to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action.

Question 14

Which of the following provides an example of how the principle of checks and balances works?

Answer 14

The Democrat in White house, Republican in Senate and House

Question 15

The Framers chose federalism in order to

Answer 15

create a national government while still preserving the rights of the States to govern themselves.

Question 16

Would it be legal for Congress to allow a territory of the United States to become a full State on condition that its residents choose a new governor?

Answer 16

No, it would not be legal based on a Supreme Court descision that held that Congress cannot compromise the independence of a State and its ability to manage its own internal affairs

Question 17

While federal grants of land were common during the 19th century, cash grants-in-aid were not made until the 20th century because

Answer 17

President Roosevelt included cash grants to States during the Depression as part of the New Deal

Question 18

When Wilma moved from Tennessee to Michigan, was she correct to expect no legal obstacles to buying or renting a home in Michigan?

Answer 18

Yes, because her right to buy or rent property in any state is protected by the Privileges and Immunities Clause

Question 19

The Supreme Court has refused to define the term “Republican Form of Government” because

Answer 19

the Court believes the issue is political rather than legal and should be handled by State and National governments.

Question 20

One drawback of a categorical grant-in-aid is that it

Answer 20

comes with “strings attached,” requiring the State to follow federal guidelines.

Question 21

What is Popular Sovereignty?

Answer 21

The people give the government its power.

Question 22

What is Limited Governement?

Answer 22

Government has only those powers that the people give it.

Question 23

What is Seperation of Powers?

Answer 23

The powers of government are split among the judicial, legislative, and executive branches.

Question 24

What is Checks and Balances?

Answer 24

Each branch has the power to check the other two branches.

Question 25

What is Judicial Review, and why is it an important principle?

Answer 25

The courts have the power to determine if government actions violate the constitution. This is important because the government must also uphold the constitution.

Question 26

Define Federalism.

Answer 26

The powers of government are divided between the Federal government and the States.

Question 27

What are some examples of Federal Powers?

Answer 27

Coin money, declare war, make laws that are “necessary and proper”, regulate interstate commerce, control immagration, aquire territory.

Question 28

What are some examples of Concurrent Powers?

Answer 28

Levy and Collect taxes, borrow money, establish courts, define crimes and set punishments, claim private property for public use, establish a police force.

Question 29

What are some examples of State Powers?

Answer 29

Maintain public schools, licence drivers, regulate elections, set speed limits.

Question 30

What are expressed powers and implied powers? Give example

Answer 30

Expressed powers are powers explicitly given to the National Government in the Constitution. Implied powers are those suggested by the expressed powers but not written down. Examples may include the expressed powers to coin money and declare war, and the implied power to build interstate highways.

Question 31

How do reserved powers and concurrent powers differ?

Answer 31

Reserved powers are those reserved exclusively for the states, while concurrent powers are those states and the National Government share.

Question 32

How are the concepts of limited government and rule of law related?

Answer 32

The principle of the rule of law means that government officials are always subject to the law. They are not above the law. This limits government powers to only those allowed by law.

Question 33

How does the Bill of Rights protect individual rights?

Answer 33

The bill of Rights lists a number of important individual rights that the government is bound to respect, including the rights to speak freely and practice one’s religion.