8-3.3

Laws passed within the United States must be aligned with the United States Constitution. Which branch of government is responsible for determining whether laws of Congress are constitutional?

• the executive branch

• the legislative branch

• the judicial branch

• that power is left up to the states

What concept, which is embedded in the Constitution, aims to combat the problem that Madison describes in the quote?

• National supremacy

• Individual liberties

• Republicanism

• Separation of powers

The President of the United States has the power to veto a law made by Congress that he or she disagrees with. This is an example of what power?

• checks and balances

• federalism

• individual liberties

• popular sovereignty

The ability to speak freely, the guarantee of a fair trial, and the opportunity to carry a weapon are all protected by what?

• the Declaration of Independence

• the Preamble of the Constitution

• the Bill of Rights

• the First Amendment

What is considered the highest law of the land?

• the Bill of Rights

• the United States Constitution

• individual state constitutions

• the British Parliament

This is an excerpt from Article 1, Section 1 of the South Carolina Constitution. Which principle of the American government is evident in this excerpt?

• checks and balances

• federalism

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers

How does the principal of federalism ensure that the United States maintains a limited government?

• It requires the federal government to be divided into three branches.

• It makes it possible for the Constitution to be amended.

• It divides power between state and national governments.

• It allows people to vote on the constitutionality of laws.

Which of the following is an example of popular sovereignty?

• The practice of citizens voting to amend the Constitution.

• The right of citizens to exercise their freedom of speech.

• The policy that prevents the United States from having a monarch.

• The concept that government derives its power from the people.

In what way is South Carolina’s state constitution similar to the national constitution?

• It is the highest law in the land.

• It sets up a direct democracy.

• It establishes legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

• It lacks protections for individual rights.

What aspect of the United States government is an example of the principle of separation of powers?

• The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States.

• The Bill of Rights grants individual rights to citizens.

• The government is divided into three branches which limits the power of any one branch.

• The government is split between federal and state governments.